Mum has ‘eight weeks to live’ after her cancer diagnosis

A MUM of two has just “eight weeks to live” after being diagnosed with stomach cancer – despite doctors initially dismissing her symptoms as nothing more than depression.

Tina Locke, from Penygraig, Rhondda, was given the devastating news after complaining of stomach and chest pains for the previous two years.

Her family claims she was wrongly treated for depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia and given nothing more than antidepressants.

They claim the cancer is now so advanced that it has now spread to her abdominal lining and surrounding lymph nodes.

Cwm Taf University Health Board say an investigation is now under way into Tina’s care.

A fundraising campaign has now been launched to get the 43-year-old to Germany for potentially life-saving immunotherapy treatment – her only hope of survival.

But it could cost as much as £300,000 to give the popular mum the help she needs.

Her husband Jason says his wife has been severely let down by the NHS which should have taken her cries for help more seriously.

“The way she’s been treated by the NHS has been absolutely disgusting,” he said.

“Nobody took her seriously because she looked so well. She begged the doctors to give her tests.

“It’s really shocking that this was allowed to happen. I will camp and protest on the steps of the Assembly until the money is given to send her to Germany. The NHS owes it to her.”

Former hairdresser Tina, who cares for her 15-year-old son Dylan, was found to have signet ring cell adenocarcinoma, a highly malignant form of cancer that is almost immune to chemotherapy.

Her close friend Laura ObradovicEaves said: “If she were to go ahead with the chemotherapy there’s a good chance the tumour could explode.

“The best scenario is for her to have chemotherapy which would add only weeks to Tina’s life.”

She said the only life-extending treatment currently in existence is immunotherapy which boosts the body’s natural defences to fight the cancer.

Laura added: “Immunotherapy is available here on the NHS but has only been approved for certain cancers and has not been approved for stomach cancer, despite evidence showing it has the potential to increase life expectancy dramatically in advanced gastric cancer compared to chemotherapy.

“The family have argued their case to the NHS and asked them to skip the formalities of approval and give her the treatment here but so far they are refusing to help Tina.”

A spokeswoman for Cwm Taf University Health Board said: “We are unable to comment on any individual patient and the circumstances surrounding their care.

“However we are aware of this case and an investigation is under way.”

More than £8,000 has already been raised for Tina through a JustGiving page.

Several community fundraising events have taken place including a sponsored walk, charity night and car boot sale.

Some schools have held non-uniform days in support and people are placing red bows on their cars.

To donate, visit www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/sarah-lewisjones or go to the Tina Locke Fundraising Page on Facebook.