Hi, my name is Michelle and I currently live with my partner of 8 years in Coventry. Last year, at the age of 42 I was given a devastating diagnosis of terminal stage 4 triple negative metastatic breast cancer which had spread to a number of places in my spine. This is an aggressive and difficult to treat form of breast cancer. Since then I have been undergoing various chemotherapy treatments, to try to keep the cancer development at bay.

Prior to this diagnosis I worked as an Occupational Therapist supporting children with autism in a local school. I worked through some of the worst of the treatment, having to go to work in a wig and being incredibly fatigued and in pain most days. Eventually I had to take time off work to concentrate on trying to heal myself and get through my treatment. I hope to return to work as soon as I am feeling well enough.

I have been through many different chemo-therapies since my diagnosis and I have had a salvage mastectomy in May this year but unfortunately the cancer has also now spread to my lung. I am currently trying to get on a trial locally or in London, and exploring the option of a drug used to treat prostate cancer that is not available on the NHS for breast cancer patients. If this drug is suitable we would need to self fund the treatment. In the meantime we continue to explore treatments abroad such as immuno-therapy as an option but unfortunately these cost considerable amounts of money.

I have been doing research and have found that Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment can really help as it uses high pressure to increase the amount of oxygen you can breathe. This puts more oxygen into the bloodstream, which can help the healing process. You stay in a hyperbaric (high-pressure) chamber during the treatment, which can last from 60 to 90 minutes. Treatments are usually repeated over a number of days or weeks for the most benefit. (Macmillan .org). The cost of a full course of HBO is £460. As I am unable to work I have limited funds to access these treatment options.

We are hoping to raise funds to help with the costs of any ongoing treatment options as well as travel costs to London or abroad and alternative therapies such as the Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment. Any donations, no matter how small could be life changing for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I have the determination and positive attitude, I just need your help to fund the treatment.

With gratitude

Michelle x