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Courtney's Eye Saving Surgery!

  • Update - We have a Surgery Date!

      20 August 2020
    Posted by: Courtney Crowther

    Hi everyone,

    We finally got there!

    Last week Ryan and I met with a Wellington Neurosurgeon who along with his ENT colleague will perform the same surgery as that proposed by Adelaide!

    I then travelled to Wellington again this week and spoke with the ENT surgeon about the surgical procedure.

    After listening to my story both the Neurosurgeon and ENT Surgeon were frustrated to hear of my journey and wondered why I hadn't been referred to them from the beginning. Both felt I had had a pretty raw deal.

    But finally and thankfully surgery is booked.

    I will be having Surgery through the nose on Sept 10 2020. The surgery will see me in hospital for up to 5 days, followed by 6-8wks post op recovery.

    The ENT surgeon has advised that as it is a risky surgery, he will work on caution. As we don't know what it is and if it is cancerous or not, they will only know if I require additional treatment (chemo or radiation etc) once they have completed a biopsy.

    I have also registered with Blind & Low Vision NZ (Blind Foundation) who will be in touch soon to advise how they may be able to assist me.

    I have two further trips to Wellington for a CT & MRI as well as an appointment with another Ophthalmologist.

    We are again eternally grateful for the funds donated and although they are not being used for travel & accommodation in Adelaide, it has been helping us with the travel & accommodation around NZ.

    It will be used to house my wonderful supportive Ryan during the week of surgery too. So thank you again x

    Much love

    Courtney xx

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  • Update on Courtney's Eye

      28 July 2020
    Posted by: Courtney Crowther

    Hi everyone,

    Firstly, I just want to say how truly grateful we are for all that you have done for us with your donations. As people who don't often ask for help, (especially from friends and even strangers) we are speechless as to how many people have tried to help get us to my potentially eye saving surgery in Adelaide.

    I was booked to have this surgery in Adelaide on April 3rd 2020. Sadly, due to Covid-19, this date came and went. We are still trying to get there, however with the borders closed and the enforced quarantine, it is difficult to get there and also means up-to 7 weeks away from my family. As this is major surgery, I would If possible like to wake up to a familiar face, however this adds to the difficulty in getting to Adelaide.

    In June, I tried to get an exemption for travel from our Prime Minister, however my email was passed on down the chain and finally five weeks later, a response was received - it was advising of what Australia and New Zealands quarantine requirements were and that a case-by-case exemption request could be made to the Australian government, however New Zealand required the two weeks.

    Since then, I have had another MRI and met with my Hamilton Eye Specialist. The MRI was ordered with specific images as requested by the Adelaide Surgeon, which indicated that the tumor extends up the optic nerve and into the Cavernous Sinus and with a further test, I have sadly now lost 90% of my vision. Time has sadly stolen what I have been fighting for in getting to Adelaide in time to retain or regain my vision.

    As it is tracking toward the brain, I was then referred to a Neurosurgeon.

    Hoping to come away with a positive plan, yesterday Ryan and I travelled to and met with the Neurosurgeon in Hamilton.

    The surgeon proposed performing a Crainiopothy to remove the tumor. As this is brain surgery, this option unfortunately poses a high risk to Epilepsy and Seizures. I would not be able to drive for a minimum of six months post surgery.

    With having a young family, if possible I would like to look for another option to avoid this.

    The surgery in Adelaide would go through the sinus, therefore reducing this risk.

    The Hamilton Neurosurgeon has kindly offered to refer me to a Wellington Neurosurgeon for other options. radiotherapy in Dunedin was re-floated as a potential option.

    I will do another update as soon as we have a plan in place, however In the meantime, we will continue to work hard to get to Adelaide but also try our hardest to get an option in New Zealand.

    I have also recently ordered clear lensed, bluelight, transitional glasses to help protect my right eye (the good eye) from any elements that could injure or damage it throughout the day/night.

    From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you again for all the support.

    Courtney and Ryan

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