Be a part of Tina Patching's fight

In October 2016, Tina was diagnosed with a sero-mucinous boarderline ovarian tumour. She was sent to Wellington to have a total abdominal hysterectomy, both her ovaries were also removed. She was told that she had a 85-90% chance that the operation would be successful.

At her 6 monthly checkup, her tumour markers had increased above the normal range. Tina had a CT scan which revealed 2 small spots in the abdomen and the doctors said "We'll just wait and see what happens". Two months later she was experiencing back pain and the tumour markers indicated an even higher increase, but still, the doctors were not convinced it was cancer.

Out of frustration, Tina went to a private doctor who ordered a CT scan which revealed new tumours and other areas of concern. She was then referred to Medical Oncology who declined her because they needed a definitive diagnosis before treatment could begin. Tina waited another 5 weeks for an ultrasound guided biopsy which confirmed it was cancer, and was then referred back to Medical Oncology where she was declined again because more evidence was needed to confirm the other areas of concern.

At this point Tina went private to have a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. This revealed that a tumour had grown through the abdominal wall into the bowel. For the 3rd time, she was referred to Medical Oncology where they finally accepted her, and a MRI showed that the cancer had metastised and was in the liver also. Treatment then began.

After 3 rounds of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, a further CT scan showed that the chemo was not working.

Plan B was devised by her oncologist. Alongside 2 other types of chemo, it was suggested she try Avastin which is said to have a high success rate as it works on cutting the blood supply to tumours.

Tina needs 10 rounds of Avastin.

Avastin costs $4,500 each round.

Rounds 3 and 6 are funded which leaves the total cost to be $36,000 (+1,800 fees=$37,800).

Tina and her husband Mitch have been married nearly 21 years, and he needs his wife. She has 3 gorgeous school aged daughters who need their Mum, a class full of children who need their teacher and a whole bunch of friends who need to keep hearing her infectious laugh.

Please be a part of Tina's fight to overturn the turmoil in her life. Mitch and Tina's family motto is... "The family that fights together, stays together". Their parents bought all of them camo t-shirts in recognition of their family's fight to stay together.