An NHS matron needs to fundraise £70,000 for immunotherapy to keep her “alive and running” from an extremely rare and aggressive cancer.
Last year, Charlotte Flannery, from Medway, was told the tumour on her ovary was so obscure there are fewer than 100 recorded cases.
The discovery came after the 38-year-old suffered pain in her ovaries and was told the tumour – which she named Boris – would require surgery to remove the “alien” like cyst, which contained hair, bones, teeth and anything else that makes up the human body.
A month after the operation, Mrs Flannery was told the tumour also had brain cancer (medulloblastoma) and cancerous brain and spinal tissue, known as primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET).
The Rainham woman, who became a nurse in 2005 and “adores” her job, underwent surgery again in April and went through intense chemotherapy afterwards.
Due to the rarity of her disease, Charlotte was referred to Professor Seckl at Charing Cross in January, who is a renowned germ cell tumour specialist.
The mother-of-six explained: “To date, I have faced 16 weeks of intense chemotherapy, which has left me with many side effects, including affecting my hearing, where I now need hearing aids, and neuropathy in my hands and feet.
“The good news is that my latest scans were clear. For now, the chemotherapy has done its job.”
But to stay cancer-free, she now faces another hurdle.
“Unfortunately, to hopefully remain this way, I have been recommended by Professor Seckl to have immunotherapy,” Yorkshire-born Charlotte added.
“He has successfully treated another patient with immunotherapy, and in a world where there are few positive outcomes to PNET, I am clinging to immunotherapy to keep the cancer at bay.”
For Charlotte, the stakes are deeply personal. She added: “The thought of not being there for them or my husband is just devastating and petrifying at once.
“I have fought this aggressive cancer with all I’ve got so far and will continue to do so as long as I have a chance.”
So far, Charlotte and her family and friends have raised £25,000 of the £70,000 target. You can donate here.
Charlotte added: “I am hopeful that with having this immunotherapy and hopefully kinder side effects, that I can get back to doing a job that I love, running more marathons to raise money for charity and to have a chance at watching my children and stepchildren grow up.
“I have fought this aggressive cancer with all I’ve got so far and will continue to do so as long as I have a chance.”
To date, friends and family have raised £21,000, which Charlotte says is “absolutely amazing and allows me to get my treatment started”, before adding: “But we still have a long way to go.”
Without the immunotherapy, her cancer is likely to return and there are no positive cases of PNET without backup treatment.
On her fundraising page, Charlotte adds: “Every £1 will help me to reach my target.
“If you are unable to donate please please share this. If nothing else it might raise awareness.”
