Faced with the aggressive advance of cancer, even with chemotherapy sessions, patient Sheylla dos Reis Ribeiro, aged 42, struggles to access new treatments through the Unified Health System (SUS) of the Federal District (DF).
Look:
4 pictures
Close the modal.
1 of 4
Sheylla is diagnosed with cancer
Material provided to Metropoles2 out of 4
According to the patient, chemotherapy treatment does not give any results
Material provided to Metropoles3 out of 4
The patient has lesions on her body and is getting weaker every day
Material provided to Metropoles4 out of 4
Sheylla fights in court for access to new treatment
Material provided to Metropoles
Sheylla was diagnosed with skin cancer, melanoma, in 2020. She started treatment through the public network, but the drugs offered by the SUS are not producing any results.
“I am taking chemotherapy as a palliative. But the disease is progressing. Several lesions are appearing, particularly in my eye,” he says. In addition, the patient’s immunity often collapses.
Read also
-
Federal District
Airbnb: “I miss cuddles,” says tourist who became paraplegic
-
Federal District
DF: acting with Janja and Anielle marks the demonstrations against femicide
Desperate, Sheylla sought treatment at a private hospital. At the end of the consultation, the private doctor recommended treatment with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab.
However, both drugs are not on the SUS list. And the cost of treatment is beyond Sheylla’s financial capacity. The approximate cost is R$342,000.
The patient went to court. He lost the first case in the final instance. With no treatment alternatives available through the SUS, he began a new process.
“The process has stalled. New lesions are appearing. I am becoming more and more weakened, weaker. Every day has been horrible. I have triggered several things, including depression,” she says, her voice choked with tears.
Correct medicine
For Sheylla, the position of the DF Health Department (SES-DF) is not correct. “If SUS treatment doesn’t work, why are they denying me the right medicine? “, he asked.
Single, Sheylla is the mother of two daughters, aged 16 and 24. The family lives in Samambaia (DF). Weakened by cancer, she is unable to work. Since 2023, he has been living with assistance.
“Please put your hand on your conscience. Stop my treatment. I have two daughters. I am a young person. This really hurts me. I am on chemotherapy which is not effective,” he stressed.
Other side
The Health Department informs that the patient is being monitored by the public health network and that he is regularly scheduled for consultations and examinations, including an oncology consultation scheduled for 12/18.
According to the ministry, with the results of these assessments, the next steps in treatment will be defined by the specialized team.
The file recommended that the patient keep her data up to date, including at the reference Basic Health Unit (UBS), to ensure continuity of care.
“SES-DF reaffirms its commitment to guaranteeing care within the framework of the protocols and resources available in the Unified Health System (SUS),” promised the ministry in a note sent to the Metropolises.
About The Author
