Grandmother Defies Terminal Breast Cancer for 21 Years After Husband’s Secret Treatment
In a heartwarming and extraordinary tale of love and determination, a grandmother defied all odds by living with terminal breast cancer for 21 years. Rosie Gamp, a resident of Edgware in north London, passed away at the age of 90 in April 2021, surpassing her doctor’s prognosis thanks to her husband’s secret treatment.
Melvin Gamp, now 95 years old, made the difficult decision to keep his wife’s terminal diagnosis a secret from her. Instead, he embarked on a mission to find an experimental treatment that could potentially save her life. Little did he know that his efforts would lead to Rosie defying all expectations and enjoying more than two decades of precious time with her loved ones.
Reflecting on his decision, Mr. Gamp shared, “I think I did the right thing. I don’t know if my children think I did the right thing, but I saved everyone a lot of hassle. She had so much suffering around her with her sisters, and I think it was the right decision.”
Rosie’s battle with breast cancer began in November 1999 when she discovered a lump under her right armpit. Following successful surgery to remove the lump, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. They called the Gamps’ landline to recommend palliative care, delivering what Mr. Gamp described as a “death sentence.”
Overwhelmed by the news, Mr. Gamp chose not to disclose the severity of his wife’s condition. Instead, he tried to act as normally as possible, shielding her from the devastating truth. Rosie underwent surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes and was subsequently offered radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Unaware of the terminal nature of her cancer, she declined chemotherapy to avoid losing her hair before her grandson’s bar mitzvah.
Concerned for his wife’s well-being, Mr. Gamp delved into the world of experimental drug trials. His research led him to anastrozole, a hormone therapy drug that showed promise in reducing the risk of breast cancer development and recurrence. The couple found hope at Middlesex Hospital, where anastrozole was being tested. Little did they know that this drug, now known as Arimidex, would become a game-changer in Rosie’s fight against cancer.
Mr. Gamp admitted, “The only problem was that yes, it worked, but for how long? A week, month, year? Was it a cure or only for a short-term delay? Every day after commencement of the new tablets was a hurdle.” Despite the uncertainty, Rosie continued taking the drug for the rest of her life.
Remarkably, Rosie surpassed all expectations and lived to the age of 91. She and Mr. Gamp celebrated their 50th, 60th, and finally, their 67th wedding anniversaries before she passed away from kidney failure three years ago. The entire family remained unaware of the incredible journey Rosie had undertaken until Mr. Gamp revealed the truth during her eulogy.
“At the eulogy when I said she lived another 21 years, everyone naturally was extremely surprised,” Mr. Gamp recalled. “They didn’t know she was supposed to have died 21 years earlier.”
Their grandson, Oli Gamp, expressed his awe and admiration for his grandfather’s actions. He said, “Many of us didn’t know how to react or feel. I think what he did – while incredibly risky – spoke to the unbelievable love he had for my grandma because he would have done anything to protect her and keep her safe. This was his way of doing that, and it paid off.”
Melvin Gamp and Rosie Gamp’s love story began in 1951 when they met at the ages of 22 and 21, respectively. They tied the knot in 1953 and enjoyed an incredible 67 years as husband and wife. Mr. Gamp fondly shared, “She cheated death by 21 years, during which time she was able to celebrate.”
This remarkable tale of love, resilience, and hope serves as a testament to the power of human determination and the lengths we will go to protect those we hold dear. Rosie Gamp’s story is a reminder that miracles can happen, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
