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Help Rita fight her Melanoma Battle

  • Rita...

      5 December 2018

    It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that Rita passed away last Wednesday, the 28th of November, surrounded by her loving family.

    Rita's funeral is to be held on Saturday the 8th of December at St Dominic's Parish, 34 Bolton Street, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland at 1:00pm.

    Rita's family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita, be made to Mercy Hospice, College Hill, Auckland.

    Thank you all once again for your generosity, love and support, given during this difficult time. It has been very much appreciated.

    Rita was loved dearly and will be missed by all.

    RIP Beautiful Rita. xxx

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  • Update on Rita

      17 November 2018

    I am sorry, but this update does not bring the best of news.

    Rita's health has declined somewhat since she and Denis returned from their trip, but over the past two weeks has deteriorated quite quickly.

    Rita was admitted to the Mercy Hospice in Ponsonby last Tuesday. Although she is resting comfortably now, she is unresponsive.

    The staff at Hospice are taking great care of Rita and family have been staying with her.

    Denis and the family are more than happy for people to visit Rita if they want to, however I do know they are taking great comfort in the messages of support they have been receiving.

    On behalf of Denis and the family I would like to thank you again for your generosity over this difficult time, it is truly appreciated.

    Jen Naran

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  • Bringing you up to date on Rita...

      12 June 2018

    Rita has recently received the results from her latest scans, which show the following.

    The tumours in Rita’s brain have remained stable, have shown some improvement and lungs are also okay. There has been increased melanoma growth in the adrenal glands however, and also her bones, especially hip and femur.

    Rita is currently recovering from an operation where they put a pin in her left femur to give it more strength, to avoid the possibility of it breaking. She is also about to start receiving radiation treatment.

    Rita has been taken off the non-funded drug Keytruda as doctors felt it was no longer having any effect, and instead she has been put on Trametinib as well as continuing with the Dabrafenib. Although the Dabrafenib is now partially funded, this, together with the Trametinib is still costing Denis and Rita approximately $5,400.00 per month.

    So unfortunately, this update does not bring great news, however, on a more positive note, Denis and Rita have made the decision to draw on some of their insurance and are planning a trip to Europe. I am sure we understand how important this trip will be for them.

    Again, if you are able to support them in any way, your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

    As always, please continue to keep Rita and Denis in your thoughts and prayers.

    Many thanks 😊

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  • Rita's Latest News

      22 February 2018

    Hello

    Rita has just received the results from her latest scans, and although the cancer has not spread or got any bigger, it has also not reduced in size. She also has some swelling on the melanoma on her brain and will begin steroid treatment for this which they hope will sort out the headaches and nausea. Rita will also continue with the funded drug Keytruda and unfunded drug Debrafnib.

    So sorry, not really the news we were all hoping for, but in true Rita style she continues to stay positive, but I think results like these make it just that little bit more difficult.

    I know that Rita very much appreciates your messages of support and they continue to help her in her fight.

    Again, please keep Rita (and Denis) in your thoughts and prayers.

    Thank you.

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  • Rita's Update

      14 January 2018

    Hi there. I thought you might like a copy of the post Rita put on her Facebook page this week, giving an update of where she is at right now.

    From Rita:

    Just wanted to share with you the update on my health since the diagnoses of Stage 4 Melanoma.

    I have just had my first assessment for 2018 which was based on blood tests. The results show the continuation of being stable. So what does this mean - based on blood tests it is showing the treatment is stopping any further growth of the Melanoma in the lungs, liver, kidney, stomach and bones.

    My next lot of scans will be in February which I am hoping will confirm shrinkage rather than growth.

    The treatment remains the same, 3 weekly Keytruda immune therapy which is funded and the continuation of the non-funded drug Debrafenib.

    An immense thank you to people who have donated to my Givealittle page that was set up by Jen. This has made a big difference and hoping it will continue to do so.

    Great start to 2018!

    Again, please keep Rita in your thoughts and prayers, especially for her February scans/results.

    Thank you everyone! :)

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  • Update on Rita's Progress

      3 December 2017

    This is just to give you all a bit of an update on Rita.

    First of all, Rita was absolutely overwhelmed with the response to the setting up of her Give A Little page, and would like to thank everyone for their extremely kind generosity.

    Unfortunately, Rita has had another setback as the results from her recent tests/scans have shown that there has been no reduction in size of the melanoma in her lungs, liver and bones, and there has been an increase (albeit only by millimetres) in some. The doctors are concerned about her kidneys and there is also a small melanoma in the brain, however they are hoping that the current treatment will keep this under control.

    On a happier note, it appears that the radiation on her eyes is getting positive results.

    Rita’s oncologist is applying to the Ministry of Health for an exemption for the Debrafinib, but until then, Rita and Denis will still be covering the cost of this unfunded drug.

    This is not really the news we were all hoping for, so please keep Rita in your thoughts and prayers.

    Thank you.

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