Hello Everyone,
I tried to post this update last week, but for unknown reason the post didn't save.
We wish to pass on our thanks to everyone who has been following Allana's journey, your messages of support have been encouraging.
If you don't know Allana has passed away - 10 May 2020. We are deeply in grief for our girl.
This is the last post for Allana.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
We have started the alternative treatments, day 3 now. We'll let you know how things progress,
New Zealand is in lockdown. In many ways that is a good thing for Allana because she cannot afford to get even the simplest of ills, the common cold or a runny nose. The isolation is keeping Allana safe. Her mum, Dawn, is Allana's contact carer and is doing a great job. Dawn is full of positivity and careful attention; she's awesome.
I'll update when there's more to add.
Stay safe out there.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for following this page and of course for your very kind donations.
This the update as of last week.
Unfortunately the cancer has spread to an extent that the oncologist said chemotherapy will no longer work and all they can offer Allana is treatment to keep her comfortable. We are now looking for other treatments and keeping positive.
If you wish to send a message please send an email to this address teamallana01@gmail.com
Thank you for all of your support.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
I am lost for words ☹☹☹☹
Absolutely devastated for Allana her girls and the whole of Allana's Whanau
My heart goes out to you all xoxoxoxox
Hi,
We have been able to provide a special holiday to Allana and her girls to the Gold Coast. This was made possible by fundraising and particular donations by private donors (they specified the money goes toward a holiday). We have kept those donors informed so that they know their intentions have been met.
The holiday, 6 days, was relatively short when one considers the travel involved. One day is lost in the return travel alone and then in the period of major bush fires in parts of Australia, the Gold Coast was flooded on our arrival. The M1 highway was closed until later in the afternoon. Once we got to the hotel the girls headed straight to the pool and would be there morning and afternoon each day. Because the hotel is a serviced apartment set up we were able to make meals and wash clothes etc during the week so this made things a lot easier as Allana was not up to going out in the evenings.
Allana did really well she showed strength and composure while dealing with discomfort, the heat and dietary changes. One on day at the swimming park the park management took away all of the umbrellas from the picnic tables without any concern for those using them. At the time the adults with us were all supervising the kids in the pool area so Allana was left totally exposed to direct sunlight. It was literally minutes of direct sun that almost put Allana into a heat illness. We had to scramble to get her to cooler temperatures as quickly as we could.
We were visited by family and friends throughout the time there. The girls got to meet cousins they didn't know of and the children of close friends, so they weren't without other kids to play with. All in all it was a very good holiday the aim was to give the young girls an experience to remember and to cherish.
Allana is continuing her IV chemotherapy and will continue the acupuncture once the practitioner returns from holiday.
We wish you all very well for 2020, the start of new growth, adventures and everything that comes along.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
That is fantastic news!!! 😊 I am sooo very pleased to hear Allana was able to make this trip. Big thank you to all the donors for your kindness.
Hi All,
The holiday period has kept us preoccupied and not updating, apologies for that. The holidays have been good we have been keeping the girls entertained with the traditional activities of park picnics, beach time, family time and regular bouts of board games. The older two girls have learnt to boggie board on the surf while they all have gained confidence in the water.
During this time Allana has been quite active with them participating in the activities and generally adding to the great spirit of the time. Allana is continuing IV chemotherapy and the fortnightly sessions of acupuncture. The acupuncture physician is quite experienced knowing just what to target at each session. He does this through reading blood test results and listening to Allana's description of her condition over the recent days. The acupuncture from my observation stimulates the nerves that lead to certain areas of the body. By targeting specific areas at a time the treatment it makes Allana feel better.
The chemo is quite a heavy treatment on the body. Depending on the drug used in the chemo will depend on how it affects the body (I'm sure this is well known to all you readers). For Allana it affects her energy levels, bowel, taste, appetite and tolerance to certain foods. Her body weight is still hovering around 56-58kg, for an above average height girl that's quite a low weight. There has been some success with the chemo in that is seems to be holding the cancer back for now, but it does punish the liver so the treatment has to modified every now and again to allow the liver to right itself.
Again thank you for your concern through following this page. Allana is appreciative of everything and everyone who is and has been looking out for her.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Thanks for the up date, pleased with this report. Allana has a beautiful family and lot of love around her xoxox
Hi Everyone,
Happy holidays and thank you for following this page. Allana is spending time with the kids and family. She is mostly comfortable as the cooler weather here in Napier is making things a little better. The girls braved the cold water for a swim in the pool today and have been busy doing arts and crafts when the rain comes in.
A big thanks to everyone following this page, have a great time with cherished friends and relatives.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Thanks for tuning in to see how Allana is doing it is very much appreciated.
Today we had the scan results that we have been waiting on. The desired result is to learn the tumor has shrunk because that is the aim of the chemo meds. The good news is that the tumor has indeed shrunk, shrunk a good 6 cm!
We are over the moon as you might imagine. The plan is to continue with the treatment as it stands and this includes acupuncture every fortnight. The acupuncture makes Allana feel better.
Kind regards to you all.
Team Allana
Hi Team Allana
Thank you for the update! Its heartwarming to know YES the meds are making a difference and Allana is also taking other treatments to help her feel better. She's so strong and has her humour to keep her going through the tough days but most of all she has lots of love and support to help her as well. Great stuff!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays and lots of love to Allana and the girls. We will keep on celebrating every little bit of good news.
Nga mihi mahana me nga aroha ki a koutou katoa, Annie
Hi All,
Allana had a scan last Thursday. We won't know the results of this scan until the specialist appointment. We are hoping this will be next week.
That's all for this update.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Thanks for the update, we will all be waiting for the good news next week
Hi All,
I have come across some of you who have been following this page and I thank you for that it's great to know people are really interested. My updates have been a very long space apart recently mainly because there has been little to report and because I have had other things taking up my time (including concentration).
The side affects of the medication are showing on Allana which lets us know that the drug is in the system. Meantime Allana is a little thin, under 60kg, which for a tall woman that is a little light in my view. Yet I still have to say that we don't know what is happening until Allana has her next scan, that is only about 1-2 weeks away. We are all looking forward to learning the results of that.
We have our last formal fundraiser tomorrow, Wednesday 27th November at The Filter Room in Meeanee, Napier. This is a live auction where the generously donated goods will be put up for purchase. Anyone in the Hawkes Bay region interested in attending its an open door, an MC will open at 7pm with the auction at 7.30pm. There are no raffles, so if you spend money here you will get something for it. Mystery envelopes contain values of $10 - $70 for a $5 purchase. there is the live auction run by Tina Chamberlain of Black and White Real Estate as well as about 30 silent auction items. There's something for everyone in the item list.
Make sure you give me a nudge to say hello if you see me there I'm always pleased to chat.
Kind regards,
David
Team Allana
Thanks for the up date David
We will all be with Allana and family on scan day and we will be waiting for the good news
Good luck with the auction hope it goes well
Hi All,
It has been a long time since the last update life has gotten busy is all I can say. For Allana each day is what it is and can vary greatly. Last week it seemed Allana was doing really well however she had to call in Hospice twice to get emergency pain relief. So we too are taking each day as it comes. Keeping the kids both happy and in good welfare. They love their time with Allana because they have their own space they can be themselves and have some alone time in their rooms. Keeping the kids in good spirits is helping Allana's spirits too.
Allana has a quiz night coming up on 15th and then we have a special auction night on 27th. We'll provide other details a little closer to time.
Take care everyone and well wishes from us.
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
It has been a few days since the last update and that is because we are starting to see what might be the new normal. After Allana's IV infusion last week Allana has needed less full time care from family and friends. Allana has been able to manage herself fairly well and has been taking her prescribed meds regularly. Allana is eating a bit more each day and is now able to drive herself to most places. Low energy is still one of the side effects to the meds which is when Allana needs the assistance. All in all her condition is many times better than in previous weeks.
What does this mean?
We don't know, as mentioned in other updates we have to await the next oncologist report to see if they have any news for us. I'll keep the updates going sharing what we know and we are as appreciative of knowing people are reading these as we are of the many donations Allana has received.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Wow! thank you for the update, very pleased to hear Allana has got her appetite back a little more and that she is able to do things for herself and the girls, that in it's self will make her feel better. Keep it up Allana 😊 we are all here for you XOX
Today was the second IV infusion of chemotherapy. This time Allana was seated in the lounge like room where there are a handful of lazyboy type chairs.
The nurses' first priority is to establish a useable vein. This is done quite well by placing a warmed heat pack onto the arm and leaving it there for a few mintues. Heat brings the veins closer to the surface as the body's thermostat tries to regulate the body's heat. As the vein comes close to the skin surface the ambient air helps to cool the blood, that is a simplified description of how it works. Experienced medical professionals then use that bio-reaction to locate and penetrate into an open vein. I am sure of one thing and that is if I were getting a massive toxic drug like chemo into my veins I wouldn't want a restricted flow.
The Chemo is in a 'drip' bag that in turn is paired with a saline drip bag; they merge into the same IV line through a 'Y' connection. The single line then flows through a machine that measures and controls the drug flow into the vein. This takes a full 60min, not bad considering the lady next to her has been there since 8am. It's now 1.30pm. This is a time for Allana just to rest and let the medicine do what it should., rest her eyes and listen to our conversation.
The blood tests are fairly regular, they are used to monitor if there is an adverse affect on Allana's body. As I've written previously it will be a 3 month scan that will tell us anything positive.
We remain positive all the same.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
These past few days have been quite good. The sickness Allana has been experiencing has passed so now she is able to eat and drink without vomiting soon afterwards. This means Allana has more energy, can attend to the children, can attend appointments and can actually sit to chat with the wonderful stream of visitors to the house. There have been a number of reasons for this turnabout; refining the medication, emotional care through positive words, practical assistance (we've been providing 24/7 care) and her own body helping out. Like in most things it's a combination of actions that normally gets results as it has in Allana's case.
We are still only two weeks into the new round of treatment. We won't know how effective this course of meds is for another 2.5 months. Sure there will some monitoring along the way through blood tests yet it is the 3 month scan that is going to show just how things are.
We remain optimistic, we remain positive, we remain grateful.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
It's been a little while since the last up date and that is because we have been nursing Allana through the new medication. Like with any change in meds the body needs time to adjust and to accept the new mix. Meantime the body tries to fight off these foreign intrusions, the chemo. It all makes for a rough few days.
We're keeping our fingers crossed this phase passes quickly.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Today I received two 6 month memberships to the Pettigrew Green Arena Gymnasium to be auctioned off in November. Also coming is a Hertz Car rental voucher and a case of wine. Thanks to the donors of those items and the money donors too, we are continually inspirited by the generosity of others.
Medically today was very different to yesterday. Where last night enabled the first solid food intake since 22nd September, today was contrapositive. We'll have to see what the doctors say at tomorrow's appointment.
Thanks to you all for popping into this page to check the updates.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Today was quite good. The National Aquarium in Napier invited Allana and the girls to the aquarium to have a full day visit and to feed the Penguins. This was a really fun event for Allana and her girls the aquarium staff were absolutely wonderful. The star of the show for Allana was Dora the Penguin who voluntarily climbed onto Allana's outstretched hands. Kora also liked Dora while Ava liked [Penguin] Dave.
The Aquarium holds an annual vote on Penguin of the year. Voters can vote online or at the aquarium. This is a really amazing facility where there's hours of activity and learning in what seems to be a small building (shaped like a stingray). Thank you to the National Aquarium and staff you are fantastic!
Other good news, the word on the alternative medication has been given the go ahead. The new meds have a better rate of success and for three months these are being funded by Pharmac. We're pretty happy about this as it improves quality of life and extension of life which is what we have sought all along.
What a day.
We'll post further updates to keep you all informed.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
A very positive piece of news Allana
To - The National Aquarium in Napier "you guys are awesome" and a biiiiiggggg thumbs up the Pharmac
This is all very positive news YAY!!!!
Hi All,
This past week has been quite a difficult one while Allana awaits the results of the latest tests to decide which new drug to start on (see Medical Meds, update 17 Sept). This means Allana has been without cancer meds now for two weeks, we have past the finish date for the first round and still have half a packet of expensive drugs left. The next round is just as expensive yet we don't know when that might start. Obviously we need answers and we'll be seeking those today being the start of the week.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Bit of different news today. Ive been referred to a genetics place in Wellington who will test my genes/DNA 🧬 to see if what I have was hereditary or not.
Meaning they’ll be able to tell if my girls will have a chance of getting this. It’s great because if the tests come back showing that and there is a chance of the girls having an increased chance of having a “cancer gene” if you like, they will know if the girls will need to be screened and how often. Whether they are fine and won’t need to be checked again until they’re 18-20 years old (just to be safe) or if they have a one off MRI or a 1-3 yearly MRI.
This is a simple blood test I’ll have. Sent to Wellington some stores there then the other goes on to Melbourne. Results will take a few months.
This is such a good idea my fingers are crossed that it is "NOT" hereditary
Hi All,
It is funny how a situation can seem to change and yet hasn't. A specialist renal cancer doctor has recommended a new drug, the cost is the same, the dosage is the same, but there is a much better outcome as proven in trials. The two new drugs prolong life as did the sunitinib, but these have a better success rate at shrinking the tumour. Allana will go onto that new drug soon meaning we may see a better result from the medication.
We have to wait and see.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
This is great news 😊 The sooner they start this the better
Hi All,
We'd like to pass on a simple message regarding 'looking after ones own well being'. We suggest if you are given a poor medical report then research what you are told and seek other options. Look for specialists who concentrate simply on the condition you are researching; there are those people out there. People who are masters of their field are always on the look out for new and innovative methods of treatment. Find those people because they can offer hope.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Tomorrow we have an appointment with a cancer specialist group in Auckland, lets hope they have some great news.
We are forging ahead with our fundraising and have been busy meeting with businesses and individual donors, 15 days on and we are still doing what we can raise funds for Allana's treatment whatever that may need.
Thanks to our new donors please feel free to swing by this page as we'll be posting updates on Allana and other items.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
Allana had family photos with her girls yesterday. The small screenshots we have seen look really great and we can't wait to see the full photos.
We are still quite active in fund raising with a lot of things going on in the background. We have a Trivia Night planned in Oct and a major auction in November; the details of these we will post later.
We have been approached by the Greendale Tennis Club here in our local suburb, they want to host a fundraising event too. It is early days in the preparation however the proposed event is a tennis tournament on the morning of Friday 27th September 2019. Once those final details are confirmed we will post them on this page.
We wish you all our very best and thank you for following Allana's journey.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
We are seven days into our fundraising and have been kept busy with the extreme generosity of our fellow New Zealanders. Some donors are now living outside of NZ in places such as Australia, Canada and Rarotonga. We have also received messages from many people who we have not seen for a long time and from people we simply don't know. How can we thank you all but with our words and the feeling behind those words. Thank you thank you thank you.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
We have set up an email account for you to contact us on and if you wanted us to pass a special message to Allana. Allana can access this email account, but won't always be able to do so in a timely fashion.
Please feel free to contact us at - teamallana01@gmail.com
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Just as a reminder the page is currently under moderation because Give a little has asked for proof of illness. We are happy to provide this and are waiting for the doctor to provide a simplified letter to Give a little.
As far as we know this fight is a long one the medication is designed to prolong life. It was suggested in the 'questions' section that people, if they wanted to, make regular small payments: weekly or monthly, as people are able. This action is entirely up to the donor. Of course we welcome the idea, but leave it up to the individual to make that decision.
What we promise to do is to notify you all of changes in the circumstance so that you are able to continue to make your own decisions on donating.
I trust this message finds you all well.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Please keep sharing this page when you can because we see this as a long fight so while we don't have government assistance we need to be able to provide the medication ourselves.
Meantime we are being kept busy with the other fundraisers, we have businesses donating items that we can either auction or provide as prizes in another event.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
Hi All,
Once again we are humbled by the support we have received, thank you.
Also we have been asked to verify her condition with givealittle administration. We are now in the process of doing that, we want you to be sure this page is for a real and worthy cause.
Kind Regards,
Team Allana
Hi Everyone,
Thanks to you all for the kind donations we are extremely grateful for everything given. We are also busy planning other fundraising events where people can enjoy an entertaining night out and contribute at the same time. We'll keep you informed as things move along.
Kind regards,
Team Allana
