Drug gives lung cancer sufferer two extra years

Trudi Hirzel says Tarceva is a remarkable drug. Photo / Supplied

Taking a daily Tarceva tablet has given Trudi Hirzel at least two years of life that were probably going to be snatched away from her by lung cancer.

Mrs Hirzel, 61, of Kawakawa in Northland, a non-smoker for the past 28 years, was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 2007.

She had chemotherapy, but the cancer had spread to her liver and her specialist said she had only a few months to live.

Tarceva was suggested. Mrs Hirzel was initially resistant because of its high price but eventually agreed. Tarceva costs $4500 a month at first, then falls to $2250.

Mrs Hirzel said she now paid $98 a month but it would be state-paid after Pharmac funding began on October 1. She said it was a remarkable drug.

"This month it's three years since I was diagnosed and I'm still here. That really speaks for itself. It's certainly given me that quality of life. I'm practically pain free and the side-effects ... for me are not that bad." Her latest check-up has shown the cancer is now progressing again, but the grandmother hopes Tarceva will keep it in check for some time yet. "I need to hang around a bit longer."