Back to page

HELP FOR MIKES & HIS FAMILY

  • Final Update on Givealittle Page

      5 April 2017
    Main image

    Hi Everyone - Wow what a Year it has been. Literally feel like we have been to hell and back. Luckily it feels like there is a light at the end of our tunnel which is slowly getting brighter.

    Mikes is gradually putting on weight and not vomiting as much as he had been. He had an MRI which showed some fluid in the cavity where the tumour was removed but they aren't too worried about this at this stage. We are still awaiting results on his Lumber Punch and as we have heard nothing we are hopeful that no news is good news.

    Mikes is going to go back to school after the Easter break so hopefully this isn't too daunting for him as it is his 1st year at High School and he missed last year completely.

    Little steps. So thanks again for all your wonderful support - You all made a huge difference - we couldn't have managed without you all - Love the Hooker Family

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Surgery again

      2 February 2017
    Main image

    Hi everyone. Poor Mikes has been unlucky enough to get appendicitis so ended up having surgery on his big brothers 16th birthday. We joked about how it wasn't his day and to stop taking the lime light off his brother Avian.

    Mikes has lost a lot of weight which has always been a huge concern and he has struggled with nausea and the nasal feeding tube, as you can imagine vomiting this back out your mouth when it has been put down your nose. SO while he had his appendix out they put in a stomach port, or feeding line, so no more nasal tubes. We have to think that the appendicitis had a silver lining otherwise they wouldn't have just given him a GA for stomach port.

    Fingers crossed he now gets stronger and he can work on building his muscles back up as he has a lot of muscle wastage in his legs, so he can't walk too far and has trouble standing up straight. He got out of hospital a couple of days ago and loves being back home. Thanks again for your support and for taking the time to read this update. Love Hooker family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 2017 bring it on

      8 January 2017
    Main image

    We would like to wish you all a wonderful New Years and hope that it is filled with much fun, laughter and good health.

    Mikes has finished all his Chemo and Radiotherapy but still has a long road to recovery but recovery we will have.

    He is on a clinical trial so gets a lumber punch and MRI every 3 months.

    His last MRI showed there is fluid sitting where is tumour was removed but the oncologist suggests that it is best left alone.

    Mikes is having physiotherapy to help strengthen his weak legs and he is slowly gaining a little weight but still vomits frequently. Hopefully this will settle, we are wondering if fluid in area of brain is causing him to feel nauseous and oncologist is going to discuss with other specialists in regard to this.

    Mikes is a lot more happier in himself, although still needs wheelchair for outings. He smiles and laughs and enjoyed his family Christmas with Aunties & Uncles coming over from Australia to see him.

    We are confident we have beaten this Cancer and excited about the coming New Year knowing each day will get better and better.

    Not sorry to see the end of 2016 and want to thank you all deeply from the bottoms of our hearts for all your kind generousity. We couldn't have got through it without you all

    Forever grateful xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 9/11 Last Chemo - Woo Hoo - Killed It

      9 November 2016
    Main image

    Well what a relief to finally get to today. Last Chemo and so excited about this. It has been a long hard road and I am sure some hurdles ahead. e.g. Blood Transfusions tomorrow but no more Radiation and no more Chemo. Gotta celebrate and be super happy about that. It's a great day.

    Huge thanks for all our supporters, family and friends. We couldn't have done this without you all. Words can't express the gratitude we have for you all, along with the surgeons, specialists, doctors and nurses. You have made this terrible experience more bearable.

    Looking forward for a great New Year ahead and I know Mikes is looking forward to Christmas this year with family travelling over from Australia to see him and some relaxation at his Grandparents Beach Bach.

    As you can see from some of the latest pics Mikes has had a roller coaster of a month with infections and weight loss etc. but The hardest is over. We are ready to celebrate and put this year behind us. Roll on 2017

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Nearly there

      12 October 2016

    Hi Everyone - Mikes has finished round 3 of chemo so only has to endure one more session at the beginning of next month. We are all hoping to have some normality back in our lives by Christmas time.

    Mikes will still need to go to Auckland every 3 months for MRI's and various other tests as he is on a clinical trial. This trial will closely monitor him over the next 5 years.

    As you can see by the picture/s on his Givealittle page, he was lucky enough to get a signed Crusaders jersey from his cousin (All Black) Codie Taylor. He was so excited about getting this. It fits him perfectly but we will be putting it in a frame for his bedroom wall.

    He also had a visit from Louise Wallace this month, which we greatly appreciated. It was nice that she took time out of her busy life just to come and see us.

    Apart from Mikes still feeling queasy when he walks around too much, and the continuous vomiting while he is having his chemo, he is tolerating the whole process like a star. We are all so proud of him.

    As much as Auckland is a great place, I don't think we will look to go holidaying their for quite a few years.

    Thanks so much, yet again for all your support. We couldn't have done this without you all. Love to you all xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • It's been a good month

      21 September 2016

    Just a short update on how Mikes has been doing which is amazingly well this month compared to last. Although he has got a chest cold at present and is on antibiotics, hopefully he will be well enough before we head back for Chemo round 3 on 27th Sept.

    He is in a really good mind set and this is due to the fact that this time round instead of only 5 days at home, we have been able to be a home for 3 weeks.

    He did have a day in hospital (Hastings) for a blood transfusion but was allowed home same day.

    He is often snuggled up with his playful 3 legged kitten Tiger and this is very cute to see. They have both had a big year.

    Keeping the hope.

    Love the Ashdown / Hooker family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 2nd Round Chemo

      5 September 2016
    Main image

    Hi Everyone,

    Thanks for reading and caring. Mikes has now finished his second round of Chemo and we are scheduled to fly home to Napier today, weather permitting. Hopefully he wont become Neutropenic (where his white blood cells are affected) and can have some time at home this time, instead of staying in Hastings hospital.

    They have managed to get on top of his vomiting with a mix of different drugs but we found out we have to have them strictly to time, otherwise he starts feeling really sick.

    Mikes is doing amazingly well and I will add a photo of him smiling (he doesn't do this much) but he was disconnected and told he could spend one night at the Ronald McDonald facility (Amazing place) so a reprevieve from hospital before flying home today. Nothing quite like your own bed and home comforts.

    So fingers crossed for a better month.

    Love the Hooker / Ashdown family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Blue week

      21 August 2016

    Hi Everyone, It has been a real trying week especially for me as a Mum. I think I've tried to be strong for so long but I let things get on top of me this week.

    Mikes hasn't been home since he started his Chemo and he has been in hospital for the last 3 weeks. Fingers crossed he will be allowed home tomorrow (after 2 weeks we were transferred to Hastings Hospital) and back to Starship again on 29th for few tests before round 2.

    Mikes has lost about 17kgs and they are really worried about his weight loss, which is due to him vomiting all the time and not wanting or feeling like eating. It's a catch 22 situation as with his nasal feeding tube in he doesn't want to eat either as it feels funny in his throat and he keeps vomiting it back up. When it is out he doesn't eat enough for them to warrant them leaving it out.

    So along with an upset child he has also had to have two lots of platelets and blood transfusions.

    The ultimate for me was it was his 13 th Birthday on Friday 19th and he was to be in hospital for this. Luckily they allowed him out for couple of hours which helped all of our sanity.

    Anyway I've put my big girl pants on and dusted myself off and hope to hold it together for round 2.

    It's hard as your whole life goes on hold and you have day to day financial worries along with medical concerns and trying to hold it all together for the kids. Gee sorry for blue report, I will promise next one will be more upbeat.

    Anyway I've added couple more pics of Mikes and you will be able to see he is a happy boy on his Birthday. One he will never forget I'm sure.

    Thanks for taking the time to read this and thanks for all your support through this. Love to you all xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Chemo has started

      8 August 2016

    Hi everyone, Just an update to let you know that Mikes has started his first round of Chemo this week and he is still in Starship Hospital for couple more days. Hopefully all going well we will be back home for a good couple weeks before we start round 2. Mikes is having to have a feeding tube put in as he has lost 17kg since this his diagnosis so the doctors are concerned about this. He vomits quite frequently so he doesn't want to eat because of this. He has had the feeding tube in earlier this week but he keeps vomiting it up. I think they are sticking in a larger one this time. He is upset about this as it feels funny and doesn't like drinking or eating (although he has next to nothing) with the tube in. We are warned that its about day 10 that he will hit his all time low and today is day 6. He is doing amazingly well considering and enjoyed a visit from his Grandparents from New Plymouth. Thanks for taking the time to care and read these updates. Feel free to share this page at anytime. We truely appreciate all your support. Love from Mikes Family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Spending time at home

      15 July 2016

    Hi Everyone - We are at present all at home until 28th July when we return to Auckland for more tests before Mikes starts his Chemo regime. This will prove to be a tough 6 months ahead no doubt but we are all in good spirits and being positive about the long term outcome.

    Don't they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, well I can see we are all going to be very very Strong. Thanks again to all of you who are following Mikes journey and we would appreciate if you could all share his Givealittle page now and then . United together we will make this a little easier. Love to you all - Hooker/Ashdown family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Last week of Radiation - Woo Hoo

      20 June 2016
    Main image

    Mikes has been doing amazingly well. Although he is hardly eating and vomits frequently he is in good spirits and is as cheeky as ever.

    His grandparents came up from New Plymouth this weekend just gone and we all went to Mini Putt at Lost in Time - such a cool place with life like Dinosaurs. Check out the new pics. You will see Mikes with his brother Avian. Mikes lost his hair few weeks ago and his brother and Dad shaved their heads as well. From the pics you can see Avian's has grown back but Mikes is still a little baldie. He looks kinda cute doesn't he. Anyway we are all looking forward to going back to Napier for a 6 week break before the Chemo starts. Big thanks to you all for your kind support and donations. Thanks heaps from Mikes xox

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 20/06/2016 by Hazel

      That looks scary

  • Latest news on Mikes

      9 June 2016

    Mikes is doing amazingly well considering. He is now getting radiation to 6 different parts of his brain. He has been so brave and is on half the sedation this week and is coping very well. His has been quite upset as his little cat has had a blow to his front leg and unfortunately the vet has had to amputate this. His Grandma is a Vet Nurse in New Plymouth and has taken him there from Napier for his surgery and aftercare as we are still in Auckland for another 3 weeks. So we have told Mikes that he and Tiger are brave little soldiers together. So all in all Tiger and Mikes are doing well all things considered.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • An update - Plus a funny story

      30 May 2016

    Started 3rd week of Radiation today. Mikes is being very brave. He is still being sick but that is to be expected. He had a pleasant visit from his Grandma & Grandad over the weekend which relieves the boredom.

    As Mikes is sick frequently, whenever we go out and about - Mikes is in a wheelchair, he can walk but too much walking makes him vomit. So picture this, he is sitting in his wheelchair with his spew bucket waiting outside with his dad while I am in the shop. I get a txt saying hurry up Mum - people think I am begging and someone has put $2 into my spew cup. (This was empty at the time) Lol. Poor Mikes was horrified - but Mikes being Mikes we had to find a homeless person so he could give him his $2.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 30/05/2016 by Ben

      Hey Mikes

      During my radiation, which I agree sucks to a major degree.

      I was so sick the first two weeks, basically it feels like you have constant sun/heat stroke.

      I had 6 weeks of Cranio- spinal so likely the same treatment.

      The second half was a lot easier than the first half. Think the body gets use to it a little, plus as I was so sick and nauseous the oncologist prescribed me this - Zofran.

      I use to take one in the morning and one an hour before my treatment. It was brilliaint, I wasnt sick again after I started taking this daily.

      http://www.drugs.com/zofran.html

  • Meeting Anika Moa - Woo Hoo

      19 May 2016

    As you can see from the couple of new photo's we were lucky today to meet Anika Moa. So excited about this. She was visiting the kids at Starship hospital today.

    Mikes has finally got the Radiation Therapy on track with a little help with sedation so the experience isn't quite so scary.

    Love to you all for your kindness and positive thoughts. Couldn't do it without you all. xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Start of Radiotherapy

      15 May 2016

    Rough start to Radiotherapy. After first dose Mikes has been vomiting frequently so was admitted to Starship and connected to an IV drip and meds to help combat sickness. So missed 2nd Radiotherapy and following day only had half dose. Poor little man. They now think it may be anxiety that is causing sickness. It's only the beginning. We are all highly anxious. So hard to see you baby so sick and distressed.. It's going to be a long tough year for all of us. Thank you everyone for your concern and support

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Last weekend before treatment starts

      9 May 2016
    Main image

    I have uploaded some photo's of Mikes before he starts his Radiotherapy on Wed. 11th May.

    We have had him out and about the last week or two and were able to enjoy Rainbows end and the Zoo all curtisy of Childrens Cancer Foundation.

    We have been told Mikes type of cancer is in the Standard range which is an N1. So middle of the road, not the most aggressive but not the least.

    We have opted to put him on a Clinical Trial run by USA in the hope of finding better ways of treating this terrible cancer.

    This means he needs Radiotherapy to his brain for 6 weeks and 6 months of Chemotherapy.

    A big risk of the above, one of the many - is that this treatment has a high chance of not only damaging good brain cells but making Mikes deaf.

    We are staying positive and hope that this does not happen.

    Thanks again to all you beautiful kind hearted people in giving us support. We are humbled by your kindness.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Home for a few days

      25 April 2016

    We are all home for a few days until 5th May when we go back for an Oncologist appointment, then getting geared up for Radiation on. 11th May.

    We are so overwhelmed by the generousity of all you kind people. We can not even describe how much this means to us all and lessens the financial burden. BIGGEST THANKS TO YOU ALL ??????????

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 27/04/2016 by Hazel

      I will see you on the 6th May Friday night - I have booked my flight - All my love until then X

  • A few photos have been added

      22 April 2016

    As you can see there are a few pictures added. The latest is Mikes getting his mask made in preparation for his Radiotherapy.

    Still awaiting Lumber punch and biopsy results, if we don't hear today we will hopefully know more on Tuesday.

    Wishing everyone a nice weekend.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Preparing for Radiotherapy

      21 April 2016

    Mikes had his first or 3 appointments yesterday to get his mask made for when he starts his Radiation on 11th May.

    They create a mask so they know where to direct the beams.

    His first 4 weeks of treatment are basically directed at his whole brain and the last 2 weeks on the tumor area.

    Radiotherapy is not starting until 11th May as he is still recovering from his brain tumour removal surgery.

    Thanks so much everyone for your love and support - From Ashdown/Hooker family xox

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment