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Anne's Cancer Fight

  • Chemo Done!!

      29 August 2022

    Just over a week ago I had my final chemo treatment. Such a relief to tick off 6 months of chemo, and while there were some issues along the way, according to my oncologist I tolerated it pretty well. During this time I have also had 4 treatments of Keytruda, the funds from this page made this possible for which I am extremely grateful.

    The next stage is surgery. Last week I had an MRI & a meeting with my breast surgeon. The results from the MRI showed I have had a complete response to the chemo/keytruda with the tumour no longer showing on the MRI. This is fantastic news and the whole point of adding in the Keytruda to my treatment plan.

    After surgery a decision will be made as to what further treatment will be required. This will likely include radiation & maybe more chemo (oral).

    Thank you so much for the amazing support I have received so far & your generosity in donating to this page.

    Regards

    Anne xx

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  • QUIZ & AUCTION FUNDRAISER UPDATE

      21 July 2022

    Hi Everyone.

    Just sending out the Auction List for Sunday. Some of the items include:

    Crusaders Rugby Ball

    Pink Ribbon Gumboots

    Night at The George Hotel

    Linden Leaves

    Gift Baskets

    Champagne Hamper

    Crusaders Shirt

    Corona Chilly Bin

    Guinness Cake

    9Round Gym Membership

    Corona Jacket

    It's not too late to join us for the quiz, email me if you want the details, vhoughton100@gmail.com.

    Looking forward to catching up.

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  • QUIZ & AUCTION FUNDRAISER AFTERNOON

      7 July 2022

    Hi folks.

    A friend of Anne's is organising a Quiz & Auction fundraiser on Sunday 24th July 2.00pm, 5 Stags Rangiora.

    We have heaps of room and all teams (table of 6) and individuals welcome.

    We have some great items up for auction for this wonderful cause.

    If you are interested please email me at vhoughton100@gmail.com

    🙃🙃🙃

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  • Week Sixteen

      23 June 2022

    Hi all

    I thought I would take this opportunity to update you on Anne’s progress and our fund-raising efforts to date.

    Anne still has a wee way to go, but she is strong and determined, and surrounded by so many amazing friends and family. She is now over a third of the way through her 2nd 12-week cycle. Unfortunately, Covid has found its way into Anne’s home and as a result she has had to postpone chemo. This is just a blip in the journey, and she will be back on track in just a few short weeks.

    Between the Give A Little page, the honey fundraiser and some personal donations we have managed to raise over $27,000. And it doesn’t stop there, a friend is running a Quiz afternoon in Rangiora on the 24th July – Email me if you wish to join us and I will pass on your details. These funds have made an enormous difference to Anne and the family and has help to ease the burden of having to pay for the extra treatment.

    The Give a Little page is due to close on the 30th June. Anne and the family wish to thank each of you once again for your generosity, creative fundraising efforts and for your tremendous and ongoing support. You have made this agonising journey a little more bearable.

    Kind regards, Vicky

    vhoughton100@gmail.com

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  • Week Fourteen

      8 June 2022

    I have now finished my first 12-week cycle of chemo and I’m 2 weeks into the second 12-week cycle. These are weekly treatments with an extra drug being added in every three weeks to give some extra punch needed to fight a triple negative tumour. Triple negative tumours don’t always respond as well to chemo as other cancers.

    I am experiencing some nasty side effects from the chemo, but I am taking one day at a time and moving forward as best I can with the unwavering support of my wonderful family and friends.

    I have now had my first cycle of Keytruda which will be every three weeks up until I have my surgery. The treatment went well and while there can be some side effects from this drug it doesn’t tend to cause nausea or headaches like the chemo.

    Thank you all again for your donations and ongoing support.

    Regards, Anne

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  • Date Extension

      8 May 2022

    Good Afternoon,

    Due to increases in treatment costs I have extended the closing date and goal of Anne's Give a Little page.

    A huge thank you to everyone that has donated so generously and raised money through some very creative fundraisers.

    Kind Regards

    Vicky Houghton

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    • 09/05/2022 by Julie-Anne

      Oh goodness. How much more is needed?

  • Week Seven

      25 April 2022

    I have now had my 3rd treatment of 4 in this first 12 weeks of my chemo.

    Unfortunately two weeks ago I caught an unidentified infection and had to spend 4 nights in hospital. The nurses were amazing.

    While the side effects are still present with each treatment, I now know what to expect and with the help of my medical team am able to manage them a lot better. Some days are good and some days are crap.

    Early on I was advised hair loss would occur at around day 18 - 20 and bang on day 18 it started to come out. Rather than waiting for it to come out in clumps, I decided to just shave it off. Graham, Georgia and Vicky had some fun performing this task. It was not as traumatic as I had anticipated, rather, accepting it as part of the process.

    Working and isolating at home has been tough some days, but the aim to avoid covid has been successful this far. Limiting those I come into contact with to just close family has been difficult.

    I thank you all once again for your ongoing support, this helps me get through each day.

    Regards

    Anne

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    • 26/04/2022 by Julie-Anne

      What a journey, Anne. I can imagine you would look pretty with no hair, as you have such a pretty face. You are never far from all our thoughts XX

  • Week Four

      1 April 2022

    Last Friday was my second chemo cycle and frankly it's been a s*#t of a week both physically & emotionally.

    Then today out of the blue, after seeing my Give a Little page on the Rangiora Community page, a local business person, not only refused to charge me for their services but also filled up my car with fuel for free. This gesture means the world me, I was gobsmacked. So very, very kind of him!

    Thank you all again for the support you are giving me at this time.

    Regards, Anne

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  • Week Two

      18 March 2022

    Feeling much better this week, have been eating well & sleeping a lot better. All in all, feeling almost normal.

    I had a phone consult with my oncologist this morning & they have added an extra anti-nausea med into the mix for my next cycle next Friday.

    Also pleased to report that the lump in my lymph node under my arm (which was the first sign something was wrong) has started to shrink, which is fantastic.

    Regards, Anne.

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  • Week One

      11 March 2022

    Thank you so much to everyone who has so very generously donated to my ‘Give A Little’ page. I am totally blown away by the response and words of support. It is very humbling, and I am extremely grateful to every one of you.

    There are 2 X 12-week phases in my chemo treatment plan.

    Last Friday was my first cycle, which I will have every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a rough week with nausea, headaches, and tiredness, and generally adjusting to what I can only call for now, my new norm. They nurses can tweak my meds next cycle to make this all a little more manageable and comfortable.

    The second 12-week phase is when they will add the Keytruda into the mix. This will be weekly for 12 cycles. I am told this is a game changer for patients and everything I have read to date supports this, so again thanks for helping me to achieve this. It means the world to me, my family and you my wonderful friends.

    I will keep you all updated on my progress as I walk this path with you.

    Much love Anne.

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