Help my sister fight breast cancer
Supporting my sister and her Family through the trials that come with breast cancer
Bay Of Plenty, Whakatane District
In February this year my sister Nicki and her family received the devastating news that Nicki has been diagnosed with a rare & aggressive form of breast cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Nicki is only 36 years old, Wife to Darren. Step Mum to Masen (22) & Mother to Shaya (12) Denzel (10) and Kiara (8).
With this type of cancer there are few targeted medicines that treat TNBC and it has a higher rate of recurrence within 3 years, than any other breast cancer. There is a possibility of a drug trial with immunotherapy called Keytruda, which has come strongly recommended by oncologists to improve survival outcomes, however this would be self funded and come at a cost of over $60k.
Nicki and her family are no strangers to the challenges that come with caring for someone with medical issues, as their eldest daughter Shaya suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Shaya requires a high level of support to complete day to day activities such as dressing, eating and communicating.
Nicki is the main income earner of the family as husband Darren works a part time position to be able to take care of their daughter Shaya.
The likely possibility of having to work at a reduced capacity to fight this cancer, will be financially challenging in itself.
Any help would be much appreciated, for supporting this beautiful young family at such a challenging time.
Please if you donate, leave your last name so we can thank you personally, and share to your social media. Thank you
The Hollowood & Hagen family x
Rochelle Hollowood's involvement (page creator)
My older sister. Nicki lives in Australia, so funds will be paid to our mum, Michele.
Use of funds
Any money raised will go towards easing unnecessary stress with on-going medical bills, loss of income & treatment costs (Keytruda) so Nicki can focus on healing and time with family.
Latest update
I can see the finish Line! 15 September 2022
I'm very grateful to be able to post this update, as things took an unexpected turn a few weeks ago during my first attempt at surgery, due to a rare and serve reaction to anaesthetic.
Unfortunately this reaction sent me into a cardiac arrest, I flat lined for nine minutes before a pulse could be detected, my heart was shocked and CPR was preformed for over 30mins before I was somewhat stabilised, and was placed in a coma, on life support.
I woke a few days later in ICU to my Mum and Darren who were very traumatised. I was extremely confused and dazed, swollen from being pumped with 10 litres of fluid, sore from a broken sternum acquired from CPR compressions, connected to a ventilator, and a number of drips, monitors and machines - quite a scare to say the least !
However with the amazing efforts from my Anaesthesiologist's, Surgeons, Nurses and Dr's from Tweed Hospital day surgery & ICU unit, I pulled through to make a full recovery, and I could never thank them enough. We are so lucky to have the medical care we do in this country.
Due to the aggressiveness of my cancer, surgery still had to go ahead, despite not having time to preform allergy testing - so after 10 days rest, we attempted surgery again. It certainly wasn't easy for any of us, and we were extremally anxious, but again the medical staff were very reassuring and went above and beyond to ensure my safety and keep our minds at ease.
I am happy to report the 2nd attempt at surgery was a success and I am recovering well!
In a few weeks time I will start radiation therapy, once this is completed I look forward to getting started on my healing journey, physically & emotionally. I also can not wait to spend some quality time with my wonderful husband and three beautiful children after what has been an extremely challenging year.
Our hearts are full and we are overwhelmed from the care, support and generosity we have received from the community, our workplaces Service NSW & Muffin Break, Tweed Hospital, family & friends near and far - THANK YOU!
Luv Nicki x
Latest donations
Thx you for your donation. It's been a hard ride but people's kindness left our spirit.
Thank you for your donation kindly appreciated
Thx you very much for your kind donation means so much too the family
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