Big B fights Big C - Stage 4 Bowel Cancer

August 2020, could this year get any worse!

At just 35 years Brendan received the worst possible news, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer which has spread significantly to his liver.

He began intensive fortnightly chemotherapy treatment on the 1st September. After just 4 rounds he was admitted to hospital unwell where an early scan was arranged. The scan shows the treatment so far is working slowly, however it needs a lot more to make a serious difference. Brendans oncologist recommends introducing the drug Cetuximab to give him the best possible treatment available, to put a halt on growth and shrink the cancer to allow him more time.

It is painful this drug is not funded for bowel cancer in NZ and has to be paid for privately at a high cost to the patient. The initial treatment plan for Brendan is to have 6 rounds to run alongside the existing chemo he is receiving fortnightly (funded treatment) at a cost of approx $8,300 per treatment.

Thankfully his family were able to pull together $8,300 for the first treatment to go ahead as soon as possible and and he was able to receive this treatment on Monday 2nd November. We are hoping with your help we will be able to provide this treatment for Brendan for the next 5 cycles over the next few months.

Those who know Brendan, know only too well that he is such a helpful, caring, cheeky and loving person. Brendan remains very positive throughout treatment and hasn't lost any of his fantastic sense of humour, nor his lack of appetite! Pretty sure his doctor thinks we are all crazy when we are joking in his office about getting Brendan better so he can mow the lawns and trim the hedge followed by fits of laughter. It is exactly this silly joking, fun and laughter that is needed right now to keep spirits high.

Thank you for any help, support and any donation you are able to give, Brendan is truly grateful that you have his back at this terrible time!

Please contact us if you have any questions and thank you again.