A grandmother diagnosed with breast cancer unknowingly defied her terminal prognosis for two decades due to her husband's decision to keep the diagnosis a secret. Rosie Gamp, from Edgware, London, passed away at the age of 90 in April 2021, unaware that doctors had given her a "death sentence" back in 1999.
Rosie had willingly participated in a drug trial for a medication called Arimidex, which has since been proven effective in halting breast cancer progression. The drug successfully stopped the disease in its tracks, granting Rosie additional years to cherish and witness her grandchildren's growth. She remained oblivious to her terminal condition, as her cancer never resurfaced.
Even Rosie's family was unaware of her situation until her husband, Melvin, delivered a heartfelt eulogy at her funeral, revealing the truth. Melvin, who had been married to Rosie for 67 years, acknowledged the controversial nature of his decision to withhold the prognosis. He believed it was the right choice, stating that he didn't think Rosie could handle the news. Although he understood that his children might not agree, he stood by his decision.
Melvin explained that when the surgeon called to disclose the devastating news, he happened to be present with Rosie. The surgeon intended to speak directly to Rosie, as medical guidelines require consent before revealing personal information about a patient, including to their spouse. Melvin answered the call and informed Rosie that the surgeon was on the line, but he lied and told her that the results were not yet available.
Following Rosie's breast cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove affected lymph nodes and later received annual follow-up appointments. Throughout this time, Melvin emphasized that Rosie remained blissfully unaware of the severity of her condition. She believed her sisters' experiences with cancer, including mastectomies, were indicative of her own situation. Rosie was relieved when her breasts weren't removed and remained content, thinking that her cancer hadn't returned.
Rosie was offered radiotherapy and chemotherapy after her lymph node surgery but rejected chemotherapy due to her desire to preserve her hair for her grandson's upcoming bat mitzvah. Instead, Melvin took her for daily radiotherapy treatments at Northwood's Bishops Wood Hospital, as it was a less harsh treatment option.
With determination to find a way to save his wife, Melvin used a computer he had received as a birthday gift to research medical trials worldwide. Surprisingly, he discovered a trial just a short 30-minute drive away, which offered hope for Rosie's condition.
Ultimately, Rosie lived for 21 years, defying her terminal diagnosis, due to her participation in the drug trial and her husband's decision to shield her from the truth. Despite the controversy surrounding Melvin's choice, he believed it was the right thing to do, allowing Rosie to enjoy her remaining years with happiness and ignorance of her condition.
Dr. Jeffrey Tobias, a highly respected breast cancer oncologist, led the anastrozole experiment at Middlesex Hospital. According to Melvin, Dr. Tobias was held in high regard by his colleagues and was considered "respected like a God."
Anastrozole, marketed as Arimidex, is a hormone therapy prescribed to women with early breast cancer that is estrogen-receptor positive. It has been proven to be more effective than tamoxifen, a well-known drug, while also having fewer side effects. By reducing estrogen levels in the body, anastrozole cuts off the hormone's supply to tumors, slowing down their growth and reducing the risk of the cancer returning.
In recent years, anastrozole has also been prescribed as a preventive measure by the NHS. In November, NHS officials announced plans to offer anastrozole to around 290,000 women at risk of breast cancer, significantly reducing their chances of developing the disease.
Rosie, unaware of her terminal diagnosis, became a participant in Dr. Tobias' trial through the agreement of her oncologist. Once enrolled, she began taking the medication under the guidance of Dr. Tobias himself. The trial had been so successful in the late '90s that it was prematurely closed, enabling Rosie to receive a prescription for the drug soon after starting the trial.
Melvin closely monitored Rosie for any side effects, swelling, or pain while she took the medication. Encouraging her to take the medication was not a challenge, but convincing her to visit the GP posed difficulty because she feared being sent to the hospital. Melvin, wanting to keep Rosie happy, kept a lot of information from her.
Setting her survival target as their golden wedding anniversary, Melvin anxiously watched as Rosie not only reached that milestone but also celebrated their 55th, 60th, and eventually their 67th wedding anniversary. Anastrozole's cancer-fighting effects allowed Rosie to cheat death for 21 years, a fact that surprised everyone at her eulogy when Melvin revealed it.
Melvin acknowledges that his decision to withhold the truth from Rosie might not have been universally accepted, but he believes he did the right thing. He saved everyone from a lot of hassle and emotional distress. Despite the initial shock, Melvin's grandson, Oli Gamp, recognizes the incredible love his grandfather had for his grandmother and how Melvin's decision granted them an additional 21 years filled with precious memories, laughter, and joy.
Rosie passed away two years ago due to kidney failure, which was a result of complications following a broken femur. Before her funeral, Melvin reached out to Professor Tobias to express his gratitude for the work that helped save his wife's life. Dr. Tobias responded, acknowledging that it was nice to know that sometimes as a doctor, he got things right, referring to the success of the Arimidex trial.
Breast cancer remains a significant concern, with approximately 55,900 new cases reported in the UK each year. However, more than 25 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for five years or longer.
Melvin and Rosie met in 1951 when they were both in their early twenties. Initially, Rosie was involved with Melvin's cousin, Selwyn, who Melvin admitted was more extroverted than he was.
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