Rosie Gamp, a grandmother from Edgware in north London, defied all odds by living with terminal breast cancer for 21 years. What makes her story even more remarkable is that her husband, Melvin Gamp, had kept the prognosis a secret from her. Rosie passed away at the age of 90 in April 2021, more than two decades after her doctor had informed Melvin about the disease’s fatal nature.
Melvin, now 95 years old, chose not to share the devastating news with his wife. Instead, he took it upon himself to research experimental treatments that could potentially save her life. His efforts led him to discover anastrozole, a hormone therapy drug that was being tested at Middlesex Hospital. This drug, now known as Arimidex, has since been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer development and recurrence. Rosie began taking the medication and continued to do so for the rest of her life.
Reflecting on his decision, Melvin expressed his belief that he had made the right choice. He acknowledged that his children might have different opinions, but he believed that he had saved everyone a lot of pain and suffering. He explained, “She had so much suffering around her with her sisters, and I think it was the right decision.”
Rosie’s battle with cancer began in November 1999 when she was diagnosed after discovering a lump under her right armpit. She underwent a successful surgery to remove the lump, but unfortunately, the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes. Doctors recommended palliative care, which Melvin received through a phone call that left him devastated. He described it as a “death sentence” and struggled to come to terms with the news.
Despite the grim prognosis, Rosie remained unaware of the terminal nature of her cancer. When offered radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she declined the latter because she did not want to lose her hair before her grandson’s bar mitzvah. Concerned for his wife’s well-being, Melvin began researching alternative treatments and stumbled upon the experimental drug trial for anastrozole. He decided to give it a try, hoping for a miracle.
The drug proved to be a turning point in Rosie’s life. Although Melvin was unsure of how long it would work or if it was a cure, he remained hopeful. Rosie went on to celebrate her 50th, 60th, and even 67th wedding anniversaries with Melvin, reaching the age of 91 before passing away from kidney failure three years ago.
It wasn’t until Rosie’s eulogy that the entire family learned the truth about her remarkable journey. Melvin revealed the secret he had kept for over two decades, leaving everyone astonished. Oli Gamp, their grandson, expressed his mixed emotions about the revelation. He acknowledged the incredible risk Melvin had taken but also recognized the profound love he had for his grandmother. Oli said, “This was his way of protecting her and keeping her safe, and it paid off.”
Melvin and Rosie had a love story that spanned over six decades. They met in 1951 when Melvin was 22 and Rosie was 21. They married in 1953 and enjoyed 67 years as husband and wife. Melvin fondly remembered their time together, saying, “She cheated death by 21 years, during which time she was able to celebrate.”
Rosie Gamp’s story is a testament to the power of love and hope in the face of adversity. It showcases the lengths one person will go to protect their loved ones and the miracles that can happen when determination meets groundbreaking medical advancements. Rosie’s journey serves as an inspiration to all those battling cancer and a reminder that sometimes, against all odds, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.