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Fight for Tamsyn's Precious Time

  • September update

      20 September 2026
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    After escaping to Fiji last week and celebrating Anja turning 11, Tamsyn could feel in her body that the current treatment wasn’t working. She asked for her October CT scan to be brought forward, and unfortunately the results confirmed what she had been feeling.

    There are now 2 new tumours in her liver, 1 new in her spine, 1 new in her lung and 1 now in her kidney, with some existing tumours also enlarged.

    Tamsyn is now heading towards third-line treatment, with her oncologist looking into possible clinical trials and other options, although they are becoming limited.

    One positive is that she can stop Trodelvy and have a break from the weekly chemo and everything that comes with/after it.

    It’s likely she’ll travel to Auckland again for SABR radiation on the new spinal tumour, after the previous radiation appeared to get the other spinal tumours under control.

    We’re incredibly grateful that Tamsyn got to Fiji, celebrated Anja’s birthday and made some more memories together. Despite everything, she continues to do the everyday things — just with more pain, and somehow still less complaining than most people would! Approaching the 12 month mark post terminal diagnosis and beating the stats 💪🏻

    As always, thank you to everyone for your continued support, kindness and love. It means everything ❤️

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  • August Update

      30 August 2026
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    July and August have been huge for Tamsyn, with some incredibly tough lows but also some special highs.

    She travelled to Auckland for SABR radiation on her spine, targeting tumours that were becoming a concern and helping prevent pressure on her spinal cord. It was the sickest she has ever felt, but thankfully had family there for support. ❤️

    She has now started Cycle 2 of Trodelvy, costing around $20k a month. The side effects can be brutal, but she is managing so far. Due to the rarity of her cancer and the cost, she is currently the only person in Dunedin receiving it.

    Her spine hasn’t been re-scanned yet as it was too soon after radiation. Tumour markers rose during the 6 weeks without chemo, but a CT at the end of July showed the tumours were either stable or had only small growth. Her latest bloods show a small decrease, which is encouraging. The next CT is likely in early October.

    A huge thank you to everyone who donated or reached out following the Otago Daily Times article. We are incredibly grateful. Special thanks to Ben and Katie Smith, and to Ben for generously donating an All Blacks Test jersey to auction for Tamsyn’s treatment.

    Last weekend, Tamsyn escaped the cancer world for a weekend in Christchurch to see Alex Warren with a friend and colleague. Anja came too, making it extra special.

    Nine months since her terminal diagnosis, she continues to focus on the highs and muscle through the lows.

    Thank you for your continued support and generosity. ❤️

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  • June update

      28 June 2026

    A few weeks ago, Tamsyn received the heartbreaking news that her cancer has returned, with new tumours in her liver and spine, including spots close to her spinal cord.

    Today was meant to look very different. Tamsyn, Glen and Anja were meant to travel to Germany for Challenge Roth—a race that holds a special place in Tamsyn’s heart. She had dreamed of showing Anja where she raced and spent so many summers as a triathlete. Sadly, the decision not to travel was made just hours before departure so she could remain close to her medical team.

    The next treatment options are incredibly difficult. The drug her specialists believe could help the most won’t be available in New Zealand until 2028—time she doesn’t have. Another treatment is available now, but costs around $60,000 every three months, with no guarantee it will work.

    Last week, Tamsyn travelled to Auckland for planning scans ahead of high-dose radiation to treat the tumours near her spine.

    Instead of Germany, the family will spend a few days in Fiji making precious memories together while staying within reach of her medical team.

    Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared this page or sent messages of support. Your kindness means more than you know.

    She is still brave. Still resilient. Still showing up. And still fighting with everything she has.

    If you know of affordable Auckland accommodation for her upcoming radiation treatment, we’d love to hear from you.

    Mel

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  • April Update from Tamsyn.

      10 April 2026
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    Huge thanks to everyone supporting the Givealittle, fundraisers, and for all the messages — it really means a lot. Sorry I haven’t replied to everyone, the last few weeks have been rough with chemo and flu, but I appreciate it all.

    Quick update: more bloods, infusions #5–7, and a CT scan. Tumour markers have been up and down, which is nerve-wracking. Scan wasn’t what I hoped for, but it’s stable — no growth, no shrinkage. One “new” spine spot may actually be old and scarred, so treatment could be working. Not NED, but no change in treatment and still here nearly 5 months in.

    Had a great Sunshine Coast trip with the family — so good for Anja to just be a kid. I’ve also started easing back into some work, which helps give me purpose.

    Living in that weird stage 4 in-between, but I’m still me — don’t be a stranger 😊✌🏼

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    • 23/04/2026 by Tony

      Well done Tamsyn - it is not an easy road that you are travelling and keeping positive is the best thing you can continue to do - we send you all our best wishes that you may receive continued good news as you move towards your recovery. Cheers for now Tony and Ade Steele

  • mTNBC Update – CT Scan Results

      31 January 2026
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    The shock of receiving a terminal diagnosis just two months ago has taken a significant physical and emotional toll on Tamsyn, and right now it’s about getting through each day as it comes. It’s been a rollercoaster— but she’s still standing.

    The past week has been full on, with blood tests, a CT scan, port surgery, and infusion/chemo number four completed.

    There has been some incredibly good news from the first CT scan since diagnosis. After just three treatments:

    • Liver: 2 tumours – no longer visualised

    • Bone: all tumours – no longer visualised

    • Adrenal: 1 tumour – no longer visualised

    • Lungs: 1 tumour no longer visualised, the other reduced in size

    • Lymph nodes: 3 tumours – all reduced by more than half

    • Outer chest: 1 tumour – no longer visualised

    • No new tumours identified anywhere

    Still a bumpy road ahead but this past week has brought some well overdue positive news.

    A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has continued to support Tamsyn during this incredibly tough time — the messages, visits, care packages, meals, and generous donations. Every bit of support means more than words can say and is helping with ongoing treatment and creating precious memories with family.

    As the treatment seems to be doing its thing, with it comes on going - unfunded medical costs.

    Tamsyn will continue with chemo every 3 weeks, each round costing upwards of $14,000.

    If you are in a position to donate then please do 🧡

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