'I need this to survive': Ovarian cancer patient desperate for chemo drug Sask. government refuses to pay for

A Saskatoon mother on her fourth bout with ovarian cancer is urging the province to rethink its decision not to pay for the chemotherapy drug she needs.

"I need this to survive," said Vanessa Heimbecker, 37. "It's just mind-boggling and frustrating that it's such a struggle just to get basic care." 

The province considers Avastin a frontline drug. It does not pay for it unless it is used immediately following an initial ovarian cancer diagnosis. 

She said her oncologist has made it clear: Avastin is her best treatment option.

"It's unfair," said Heimbecker. "You're sitting there in a hospital desperately trying to save your life, and there are others who are taking it, who can pay for it out of their own pocket."

Beating ovarian cancer odds

Heimbecker was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007. After a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy, she lived symptom-free for almost five years.

Most ovarian cancer patients live five years or less.- Vanessa Heimbecker

Her tumour returned three more times, each requiring more chemotherapy. Last Thanksgiving, she was hospitalized for the insertion of a nephrostomy tube, which has become infected twice, as existing chemotherapy drugs weakened her immune system, while keeping her tumour from spreading.

"With ovarian cancer, there are not very many survivors out there that have survived as long as eight years," said Heimbecker. "Most ovarian cancer patients live five years or less." 

Fundraising efforts 

Heimbecker said the pharmacists at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency have told her to save enough money for between six rounds and 17 Avastin treatments. After negotiating with the drug company, she said each one will cost her $5,000.

Since last fall, she, her husband, and their two sons have raised close to $9,000 through steak nights, crowdsourcing, and raffles. 

"There's only so many times you can go to your family and friends," said Heimbecker. "They've donated what they can. We've tried to do this on our own and we can't."

She sent a letter urging the Minister of Health to reconsider his stance on Avastin coverage this spring.

Minister says 'not clear' Avastin would be effective

"Avastin would have been approved for when the cancer was first diagnosed," said Health Minister Dustin Duncan.

"It really comes to a question of how effective Avastin would be in multiple stages, multiple rounds after the primary diagnosis of cancer."

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency sent CBC News a written statement, saying it is not aware of any jurisdiction that funds Avastin in these circumstances. 

"We appreciate that patients that have received multiple therapies for their cancers continue to seek hope from drugs after the disease becomes resistant to conventional treatments," the email said.

Heimbecker's oncologist has told her there are almost no studies that show what ovarian cancer patients should do after more than two rounds of treatment, largely because survival rates are so low. 

Choosing between groceries or Avastin 

Heimbecker said her family is still trying to save every penny it can. Her husband and youngest son also suffer from serious medical issues.

"The stress right now is weighing on us heavily," she said. "Do I take this little bit of extra money I have and buy some fruit, or do we put it in the bank for chemo?"

Heimbecker said she just wants to get better, go back to work, and pay bills "like a normal person."

"How am I supposed to beat this when I'm worrying about finding the money to put food on the table for my kids?"