A MUM of twins is to get the breast cancer wonder drug Herceptin after a U-turn by health chiefs.
Karen Gibson, 47, is celebrating today after learning that the NHS will pay for her treatment.
She will start treatment with the drug next week, after a change of policy from the health chiefs who had previously refused it, saying they were waiting for new guidance on prescribing it.
Karen, from Holmfirth, who was told of the change of heart by primary care trust chiefs yesterday, said: "The drug gives me a lifeline. I would like other women to have it, too.
"It improves my chances of recovering hugely."
Mrs Gibson, who is the mum of twins Maddy and Lotte, 11, had joined a Herceptin campaign group to fight for the drug.
She was told the cost of a year's private treatment would be £40,000.
The turnabout on NHS treatment came after the Yorkshire Cancer Network met to discuss the situation and after primary care trust chiefs agreed to provide cash for it.
Health officials, who had refused to supply the drug in October, said there had been new criteria and they would be "pleased to support and progress her treatment".
Karen, who has already had six cycles of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiotherapy, said: "It is disappointing that I have had to fight, but I am thankful."
Karen is under consultant Dr Judi Dent at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. She says Karen meets the criteria for Herceptin treatment in early breast cancer treatment.
The drug has only previously been approved for advanced breast cancer treatment.
Karen added: "Dr Dent is 100% behind me and I look forward to seeing her next week."
