Back to page

Help our dad be there for his grandkids

  • Latest Update for Everyone

      10 August 2021
    Main image

    Hi Everyone

    A quick update :

    Yesterday I completed a 15 day Radiation course at Merci Cancer Care to target the Lymph nodes in my chest which are at present at normal size and are not showing any cancer activity..

    The Targeted Radiation is to ensure that we zap any remaining cancer molecules which may be lying inactive/ Asleep inside the Lymph nodes.

    Each session lasted about 20 minutes on the bed “ In the HD Versa Radiation Machine ".

    That was an interesting experience 😊. And I have to say the staff were awesome.

    As previously advised by medical staff, I’m feeling really tired at the moment and have been told the radiation is accumulative in my body and will continue to make me more so for approximately 2 to 3 more weeks,

    I have to admit, I totally agree with what they have advised as I get exhausted rather quickly…. I’m not used to this feeling 😊

    I still walk 3 to 4 kilometers per day for exercise, but listen to what my body is saying as well.

    My next appointment is with my oncologist on the 17th August to discuss what is next. !!!!!! Fingers crossed !!!!!

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 11/08/2021 by Luigi

      Good on you Rob. Looking forward to a positive result. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Just gutted that Kiwis have to fund their own healthcare in a country that was founded as a welfare state.

    • 18/08/2021 by Mathew Pendleton

      Hi Everyone

      I had a meeting with my Oncologist yesterday at Takapuna Cancer Care and below is some information.

      Findings:

      Rob feels good; a little tired but not enough to stop him working; bloods all look good; Dr Jacobs can detect some inflammation in the lungs, esp RHS, as a result of the radiation.

      Prognosis is that there is a good chance of no Renal Cell Carcinoma growth for some time. Dr Sasso mentioned 5+ years.

      Treatment now is to watch and check periodically.

      They will schedule another CT scan for the end of Oct and meet Dr Carmel Jacobs early in Nov.

      No point in doing one now because it will take some weeks for the inflammation in the lungs to disappear. Depending on what this shows, may do another PET scan in ~Jan.

      If all looks clear will do a CT scan 3 monthly at first then less frequently later.

      Blood tests can be changed to monthly and maybe less frequently later.

      If CT/PET shows anything suspicious in the lungs or elsewhere another course of radiotherapy with a different target is a likely option.

      If there is any growth reoccurrence in the lymph nodes then medication would be considered – Keytruda & Lenvatinib (rather than axitinib)

      Not sure what the future holds, But then who does , as it appears to be all clear right now.

      So again, thank you so much to each and everyone of you for all the support and most humbling words I have received during this journey so far.

  • Some good news

      1 July 2021
    Main image

    Hi Everyone

    First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for not only donating to my cause, BUT also the amazing messages, phone calls and messages of support I have received so far. I have been extremely humbled by all the comments given.

    For that I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart.

    The latest medical update:

    four weeks ago, my ALT Level was at 194, which is way too high. They stopped my Axitinib tablets and Keytruda infusions to see if my immune system would naturally reduce my ALT level to under 45.

    The spike in ALT was probably caused by the Keytruda – either because of the double dose or, more likely because the cumulated quantity triggered a liver reaction.

    My level is now at 53 which may be the new normal. Two weeks ago I had another CT scan to check on the 3 lymph nodes in question.

    To everyone's surprise, they are now back to their normal size which is fantastic news. But I have to say it has been hard going.

    Anyway the powers that be have now decided we should now do a 10 day radiation course to zap them ( So I've had the fly spray, now I’m going to get the fly swat )

    So this week I have had a CT scan, MRI and PET Scan...Whew !!!!!

    Dam, the MRI was so noisy!!!! Now I have to wait two to three weeks before starting the radiation course.

    As to what happens after that, well time will tell, BUT it is looking positive at this stage.

    Thanks again for all your support, which has gotten me through some of the tougher days. Its nice to be able to share some good news with you all too.

    Some fun stuff:

    For my birthday just gone both of my Boys surprised me by taking me to see the Pink Floyd experience!!! It was an absolute blast as they were brilliant. Plus, on the following Sunday all my family met up at the golf range in Takapuna for a “whack and lots of laughter”, followed by going for a meal at the Northcote Tavern.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • A small speedbump in the road

      23 April 2021
    Main image

    I am really amazed about how generous people have been with helping dad out. The kindness of complete strangers to dad and the generosity of those that know him have been hugely uplifting for him.

    Over the last few days I think dads spirits have been lifted as he seems more himself. Dads always been a cheerful and happy person, so I want to thank everyone that has donated and helped put a smile back on his face. Dad’s been messaging me after each donation desperate to say thanks to every single person that donates, and he wants to know that what he is saying is the right thing. I have told him not to worry about it too much as I know all of you that have donated probably do it without expectation. But he really wants all of you to know how grateful he really is. A few times dad was nearly in tears and I can tell he cannot find the words to express his gratitude. I think aside from the financial support for his treatment, the kind words have helped him too.

    To say the last few weeks have been overwhelming would be an understatement. We have been absolutely blown away by the support, donations, messages, from friends, family and kind strangers. This page has left us speechless and serves as a reminder of how much Dad is thought of. The Pendleton Family wish they could give every single person a huge hug and thank them personally for their support - please know that every message has been read and felt.

    Now to the important part - an update about Dad.

    Two weeks ago, he had just finished another infusion of Keytruda during unfunded treatment Pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda - This drug will look to target and shrink his affected lymph nodes. With a plan to have this treatment every 6 weeks, with the possibility of Radiation soon to target the Active lymph nodes with Renal Cell Carcinoma. Along with this Keytruda he was also taking 2 Axitinib tablets per day which is also not funded. It's a lot for him to handle but he is strong, positive and continues to try and smile… most of the time.

    Dad has appeared to have hit a bit of a "speedbump" in the road:

    Let dad try to explain:

    During my 3 weekly blood tests, they noticed that my ALT level has started increasing and after this last tri-weekly full blood test, the level is now 195 which is way too high. It has been suggested that this is probably caused by the Axitinib tablets of which I take 2 x 5mg tablets per day. So, I have temporarily stopped the tablets until we sort this stuff out. "Trying to identify if it’s the Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or Axitinib Tablets causing this.

    Anyway, Its Friday and I have just had another full blood test, ALT result is still the same 194 So my Oncologist has immediately put me on a 4-day course of Prednisone to try and bring my ALT level down.... Another Blood test next Tuesday and then see what the next step is. I guess this road is going to have some nasty corners to get around. “Better put my seatbelt on”

    The fun stuff:

    I am still managing to get in 18 holes of golf most Saturdays. I have however resorted to using a cart!

    I know, you’re probably thinking why a cart and not walk it..LOL Have you played Wainui ??? It is a challenging course :)

    The only way to get better at golf is to play more often. Must work on that.

    Weather permitting, I am often lucky enough to get out fishing on the Waitemata. (Lots of snapper in the freezer)

    We will keep you posted in a few weeks’ time on how everything is going but for now, from the bottom of our hearts - thank you. This page has given us all a boost and provided a little relief in a very difficult time. There are some amazing humans out there!

      2 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 25/04/2021 by Jenny Aitken

      Great to have an update - it's not an easy road for sure, great to hear golf and fishing are still manageable!

    • 10/08/2021 by Jenny Aitken

      Great to hear an update, very glad to hear you are doing well.

      Jenny