‘I just want more time:’ N.S woman counting on funding for cancer treatment

A Nova Scotia woman is battling terminal cancer and bureaucracy as she fight for access to a pricey drug that could buy her more time.

Time is something Lisa MacDonald and her family are willing to pay thousands for, as the 43-year-old battles an aggressive form of ovarian cancer.

“I have two children graduating. I have a 16-year-old learning to drive. I have another child that’s cooking and going to Finland for it. I have things I want to see, things I want to be there for,” says MacDonald.

After several failed rounds of chemotherapy, her family is counting on “Elahere” – a form of chemotherapy – to buy her more time.

The drug has a price tag of $30,000 per dose and would need to be taken every 28 days.

“Unfortunately, the drug is not covered by provincial health care. So, we have to pay out of pocket. I checked with my insurance company, it’s not covered by them either,” says Jonathan MacDonald, Lisa’s husband.

In a statement to CTV News, the province’s Department of Health and Wellness says they are in active negotiations with AbbVie – the company behind the drug.

“We recognize the cost of treatments that are not covered by publicly funded programs can create financial hardship for patients. A decision to provide financial support for Nova Scotians who wish to access this drug would come after negotiations are complete. However, some drug companies offer financial assistance to help offset the cost while their product is being considered for funding. The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance is negotiating on behalf of all provincial and territorial public drug plans.”

Lisa was told she could have at least 12 more months with consistent use of the drug.

“(Doctors) are hoping by November of this year that the provincial government will come to a deal with the company as far as pricing goes and will be covered and given out to patients free of charge. We don’t have that much time to wait. So, we started doing everything we can,” says Jonathan.

“I contacted the actual drug company themselves. We’re trying to get into a patient support program to reduce the cost a little bit. We haven’t heard back yet. We’ve put in paperwork to draw life insurance early.”

The family also created a fundraiser to help cover the cost of her first dose scheduled for Monday.

“We’re trying not to think too hard about what happens if we don’t get it. We’re just focusing on getting the next dose, that’s all,” he says. “I’m not too proud to beg for help from anyone who’s willing to listen. If it gives me one more day with my wife and gets her one more day with her children. That’s how we’re looking at it right now. We’re willing to do anything.”

Lisa says she is blown by the support she’s received thus far.

“It has been amazing… it’s meant the world.”

“I’m hopeful that this chemo works. Even if it gets me an hour with my children, and I just want more time,” she says.

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