"Postcode lottery on drugs funding is so unfair"

I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2002 and have chose to have my treatment here at Burton as they did not have the proposed treatment in Derby.

All of the oncology nurses are very kind and due to the ongoing treatment here, four of the nurses have become great friends who I have built a lovely relationship with.

The most annoying thing for me is the fact that due to my postcode, I am unable to have a particular drug that I have been recommended by Dr Cheti, who has been fantastic. The cancer drug is available in the West Midlands where Dr Cheti is based but also works at Burton. However as I come under East Midlands, I was declined to use the drug last October as they do not support it.

I am very upset at the fact that it all depends on where I live as to whether I can have a drug that will improve my health. I personally know of friends who have used a Birmingham postcode so that they could be entitled to the drug. I have even considered renting a property in Birmingham.

Another option I have looked into is to pay for the drug myself, however I have been informed that I would then be classed as a private patient and be required to pay for all costs associated with this too.

It is very unfair that I have had to beg my PCT for funding, however I have a further meeting with them this week to find out if I have been given the funding.