Nichola Oakenfull

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in June 2020, just after my 41st birthday. I initially expected to have treatment privately because I have insurance, but I was shocked to find out my insurance was not sufficient for myeloma treatment.

As I learnt about myeloma I would also look at information from overseas. It was very overwhelming because the really positive treatment options I would hear about were not funded here. When I talk to the overseas myeloma community they are shocked at our treatment options here – both what we still use and what we don’t have.

I believe that spending money on myeloma treatments is an investment. I could have years ahead of me with the right myeloma treatments. My son is only nine, I want to be here for him and I could have years of working ahead of me. I want to have the same opportunity to live a long life with myeloma like patients overseas, but we need better treatments in New Zealand for that.