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Caroline's Cancer Support Page

  • My latest news...

      11 June 2024
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    My apologies for the delayed update it’s been a busy six months.

    My health has taken a turn for the worse, and the medication I've been on is no longer working. I have been told that time is now limited as medical options are no longer having a positive effect.

    I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Samoa with family and friends. We soaked up the warmth and the great company. Managed to snorkel with the giant clams and turtles. But the turtles were hiding from me!

    I am doing well both emotionally and physically, under the circumstances. My plan is to spend as much time as possible with family and loved ones over the next few months.

    Thank you for all your support and aroha!

    Much love, Caroline

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  • November 2023 update

      16 November 2023
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    Hello everyone,

    Once again I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support and kind wishes. I feel truely loved and supported during this difficult time and your generosity speaks volumes.

    A lot has been happening over the past 4-5 months. From a treatment perspective my new treatment regime appears to be working which I started 2 weeks ago. I'm starting to feel a little more “normal” .

    I don’t stray far from home of late, but I'm now doing more small tasks about the house independently . It’s a funny wee world when one is pretty happy about being able to do dishes and small house work jobs! It’s definitely the small things in life that can bring joy and a sense of normality.

    I'm getting excited about Xmas and spending time with loved ones. I'm also thinking about making a small bucket list to work towards in the new year.

    Once again, thank you for your support.

    Love Caroline x

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  • Not good news

      13 October 2023
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    Hi everyone.

    Sorry I haven't updated for a while, I was waiting for my CT scan on Friday 6th October to do my update.

    Unfortunately the CT scan results were not what I expected or wanted to hear. The chemo hasn't worked to reduce the cancer in my liver or bones. In fact, it has increased.

    This means I have to have a liver biopsy ASAP to ascertain what the next steps will be.

    My original breast cancer in 2020 was receptor positive, so it seems the secondary cancer is different, or it has changed, which means the treatment plan I was on, didn't work. Once the oncologists have the biopsy results, they'll work out a different concoction of chemo that will hopefully reduce the tumors and slow the progression.

    I've been incredibly sick during the recent chemo treatment which means I haven't been able to work, my concentration has gone, and I feel like I have the worst hangover every day, every hour, and that's without drinking a drop of alcohol! No fun at all.

    I'm really disappointed and upset at this latest news, but hopeful that the next stage will be a chemo that works and doesn't make me feel like throwing up constantly.

    Please wish me luck and spread my Give a Little page, I need all the help I can get right now.

    Love and hugs to you all, Caroline xxx

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  • 31 August - 2nd round of chemo is today...

      31 August 2023
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    Hi everyone

    Once again thank you for all your support, kind words, and generosity.

    I’m feel so blessed and humbled by everyone’s kindness.

    It’s been four weeks since diagnosis and it’s been a big month full of appointments all over the place. Last week I had a portacath placed in my chest, it will make my interventions easier moving forward. Nothing worse than getting stabbed by needles all the time!

    Maybe I could make it a new fashion accessory, maybe zhoosh it up and stick on sparkles! Watch this space lol

    Today I’m receiving my second round of intravenous chemo. I’m hoping this time all will go well with no side affects.

    Love Caroline x

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  • It's been a whirlwind week since finding out.

      13 August 2023
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    Thursday 10th August: My first chemotherapy treatment involved a batch of intravenous infusions (now, every three weeks for the rest of my life). It started off uneventful, then I unfortunately had an adverse reaction when my autoimmune system went into shock. Something called rigors. A very unpleasant event involving uncontrolled seizure-like shaking and coldness which felt like an unstoppable seizure for about 20 minutes. My sister Amanda was there with me and I'm grateful she was there to comfort me while we waited for the medication to kick in and stop the seizure. Next time they will likely preload me with meds to prevent this happening again. The staff were also very supportive which gives me some faith in the Whangarei Oncology Unit.

    In the days that followed, the sickness has been coming in waves. I've been just taking it easy, waiting to see how my body responds to the infusions and oral chemo medications. I spent yesterday afternoon with my grandbabies and children.

    Emotionally, it's a roller coaster. But I'm optimistic and driven to keep doing all the things I can, while I can.

    Caroline xx

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    • 31/08/2023 by Jo

      Caroline, we haven’t met but I am a colleague of Josh’s.

      Following your progress and wanted to wish you all the very best with this round of chemo, keep fighting the good fight!! ❤️

      Jo

  • Thank you for your support

      13 August 2023
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    A heartfelt, gigantic thank you to you for donating to my Give A Little page.

    I feel truly humbled, grateful and overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

    This page has provided me with one less thing to worry about while I focus on getting my affairs in order and spending quality time with loved ones.

    With my first fight with cancer in 2020, I was once told by one of my recently passed Aunties "Caroline, I'm sure you will always live life well". I will strive to live upto her words and be the bravest person I can. Over the next four months of treatment we will know more about how the cancer is going to respond.

    Until my next update, all my love and a big cuddle for good measure. And thank you again for your support.

    Caroline xx

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