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Hope for Josie

  • He Aituā! He Aituā!

      22 December 2021
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    Tērā te ngārara kai tangata kua tōtika atu ki to tatou Hinetaikaha kua riro rā, Auē taukiri e…

    Hoki atu rā e Hine ki tōu maunga, ki ō awa, ki ō iwi katoa. Anei rā ō kārangarangatanga e apakura nei mōu. Hoki atu rā ki a Kui mā, ki a Koro mā, rātou e tātari ana kia tauawhi i a koe.

    It is with a huge ache in our hearts that we announce the ascension of our beautiful Hinetaikaha JOSEPHINE ANETA MANAIA L'DESHEI WINIKEREI (Nee) HEPI-HIKA

    Our beautiful girl passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. We are so mamae right now whānau and our hearts are torn into pieces. We will update you all when we know more of arrangements for our girl but at this present time we ask for privacy and time to grieve with our Hinetaikaha 😔

    Nei ra te mihi kia koutou katoa mo o koutou aroha me o koutou manaakitanga ❤ E kore te aroha e maroke.

    We will keep this page live for a few more days to allow everyone to make their final comments to Josie, and then this page will be closed.

    Thank you all for your love and support during our girl's journey.

    Na matou katoa te whānau o Josie xx ❤❤

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  • Absolutely devastated

      22 November 2021
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    Kia Ora Whānau on behalf of Kaama Elliot & Josephine Hepi-hika we would like to update you all on Josephine's current situation 😊

    Last Wednesday on the the 10th of November Josie & Kaama were told by the doctors that Josies treatment wasn't working 😥 and they felt that there's no more treatment to be had as the cancer has now spread to her brain. The doctors feel like the treatment should have been working by now so they will no longer be going ahead with anymore Chemo. As you can all imagine this news came as a complete shock to not only Josephine but our entire whānau, we are absolutely devastated by the news & still trying to comprehend it all.

    However if you know Josie she has such a positive mind frame she is not going to let this beat her just yet. Josie and our whānau are going to go ahead with alternative treatments, however this is at a cost and at the moment they dont have the funds to treat this and will be needing help at some stage so they can get her any treatment that she needs to help with her quality of life to keep her on this earth longer 😥💔

    Our whanau wanted to give Josie some alone time so we had a 'whanau getaway' in Ragland last weekend.

    And yes whānau, our girl is getting married, her darling Calais popped the big question last Monday. We couldn't be happier for our girl right now 💕

    At the moment that's all the news we have until Josie's next appointment, we will update you more when we know, so until then kia haumaru te noho x

    Arohanui na matou the whānau Elliot, Hepi, Hika

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  • Not feeling too flash!

      16 September 2021
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    Woah! Where to start?

    Our Josie girl was doing great, she had her routine Intrathecal and was heading into her weekend happy and somewhat healthy ready for her scheduled Intrathecal on the Monday.

    Josie's body had other plans!

    So due to the nature of her ailment we will not go into all the details however, we will update you all with what has, and is currently happening.

    Monday Josephine arrived to the outpatients Day unit and wasn't feeling too flash! We new she would be neutropenic and thought she would just need a top up.

    Josephine ended up have platelets and blood transfusions so her Chemo treatment was put on hold.

    She presented with a High grade fever and needed immediate fluids. Blood cultures were taken and as suspected and very common with anyone on Chemo, her results showed she had an infection.

    Due to this infection the specialist involved felt surgery was needed, however while awaiting for comms from Josephine's Oncology/Hematology Doctor during this time Josie's blood pressure dropped and she was taken to H.D.U ( High Dependency unit ) and was met by her M5 team of doctors

    Both specialist teams decided that the best route for her is to let the antibiotics run through her first and get her blood levels back up before proceeding with any type of op.

    So much ups and downs have happened since then with our girl and her family are doing our best to be her strength during this time.

    Josephine is set to have an MRI with the possibility of surgery.

    Thank you to all of you, words truly cannot express the gratitude we have for each and everyone who has and is supporting us through it all.

    We will continue to keep you all updated ❤

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  • Results came back

      2 September 2021
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    Kia ora all 😔

    Josie girls scan results came back and as suspected she has Lymphoma in her stomach.

    Unfortunately, over the past 8 weeks the Lymphoma has been growing really quickly.

    Today Josie will be having a Picc line put back in and a quick heart scan to make sure she is good to go then tomorrow the M5 team will start her back on Chemo.

    However, this time it will look a little different to her last.

    The plan is, 6 days hospital and 2 weeks home until necessary.

    There is loads more information however, we are still processing this and will update you all in more depth once Josie is sorted.

    Thank you to each and everyone who has and continues to support our whanau we love you all.

    Nga mihi

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  • Absolutely elated!

      5 August 2021
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    It's been awhile since we updated everyone.

    Josie and her whanau needed time and space to re-adjust to homelife and get themselves back on track and they have slowly gotten to a point of flow again.

    So this is where Josie is at now.

    To continue on from the last update Josephines bone marrow results came back clear.

    Yes whanau CLEAR! This means the past 4 months of aggressive Chemo and painstaking hours of being poked, prodded and minimal sleep has most definitely been worth it.

    Today Josephine went to her clinical appointment to have her WOF done and she passed. Josie was so relieved to get the all clear and to have her picc line removed.

    Her blood levels were all on the north end and slowly but surely rising more and more each week, that is a massive plus for the whanau.

    She will still need to take weekly bloods for however long her doctors feel necessary and she will still be taking her meds until further notice, and we will see her awesome team of Hematologist again in a months time.

    Josephine will update her Facebook page in the next few days with either a video or a live to personally thank each and everyone of you who have followed and supported her on this journey. The whanau see you all and appreciate you all, her Journey is not over however they are absolutely elated with the results thus far.

    Thank you all for being patient with the updates. We know you all will understand the toll the past 4 months has been on the whanau and having to take much needed rest and recovery.

    We will continue to keep you all informed of any changes to Josie's health but also her general life as a mum.

    So on that note LOVE, LIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGS TO EACH AND EVERYONE 💜💚

    Nga mihinui,

    Team Hope for Josie 💛

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  • One tough cookie!

      25 June 2021
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    Bone Marrow Biopsy done! Josie girl is one tough cookie 💪

    Thank you all for the encouragement and messages of support ❤

    Love to all 💛🌙

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  • Absolutely grateful

      21 June 2021
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    Quick update:

    On Friday Josephine finished her treatment cycle with a Intrathecal being the last chemo for this round.

    Typically Josie would come home however her levels are too low so Doctors have kept her on the ward for the weekend in hopes her levels pick up, so hopefully she will be discharged soon🤞

    Josie would also like to thank the beautiful ladies from Mum 2 Mum for the gorgeous merchandise our ataahua Luna-Demiia recieved from them over a week ago ❤♥💖 absolutely grateful 🥰 Thank you so very much 💜 we highly recommend their products 👌

    We hope everyone had a great weekend shared with loved ones 💕

    Love from Josie's whanau 💛

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  • Happy at home.

      1 June 2021
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    So abit of a recap for everyone.

    Josie was re-admitted on the 27th as per previous plan and was on schedule for her 3rd round of treatment. This cycle Josie experienced alot of nausea which threatened a delay in discharge 😬 Not only that, Josie had her 10th Intrathecal which started off extremely rough, however she got herself over the line and was discharged today 🎉💖🎉

    Josie is now happy at home by the fire enjoying her baby girl and family 💛

    Night 🌙

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  • Time with family & friends

      25 May 2021
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    Good Morning 🌞

    I have had a good break from hospital and spent time with family & friends the past weekend 💛

    As some know, last Friday I was discharged, my levels were back to normal and all my counts were on the positive side of the scales.

    I have had so much energy so over the weekend I spent it like a normal teenager. Hanging with my family and going out to The Base to do a wee bit of shopping. I had a great time spent with my sister's and felt so good I did not want the weekend to end.

    My sister Elijah had to go back to Whanganui our home town on Sunday and it was hard to see her go but I am so grateful of our little time shared.

    I don't really have any medical updates for everyone but yesterday I had my routine bloods done and on Thursday I am back to hospital for re admittance for my next round of chemo.

    I thought I would share some pictures and recordings of my weekend, check them out on my Facebook page:

    https://www.facebook.com/100766332164193/posts/119233840317442/ ✌🏼

    I hope everyone is having a good start to their week and is keeping healthy and safe 💖

    Thank you for following my Journey

    -Josie

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  • It's Chemo day

      17 May 2021
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    Well whanau and friends, this morning Josie came into the day unit for a routined chemo treatment, unfortunately Josies white cells are critically low that she is now awaiting a room back in the HEPA Suite....Josie feels very defeated by this and was hoping she would be spending the next 10 days at home in her comforts.

    However she knows that this is needed in order to keep her safe 💖

    On a brighter note she had an awesome weekend surrounded by both sides of her family enjoying kai together and many laughs 💖

    *Photo taken before getting the news 💕

    -Nga Mihi Josie & whanau

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  • Josephine's Determination

      13 May 2021
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    Kia ora all

    Yesterday Josie girl had her second lumbar puncture for the week & with her magic green whistle 👌 Her doctor told her she has done really well this treatment round & recieved more positive news that all her levels were great & that she could possibly go home & do day visits for her next two treatments.

    She had to pass a few test from the doctor in order to come home though as Josie's heart rate and blood pressure likes to keep the staff on their toes and had her nurses very concerned 😟 however Josephine's determination always pulls her through 😁😁😁 she passed with flying colours!

    So home it is 💖❤💖❤💖

    Josie & Miss Luna are enjoying their time at home 💕 and hope you all are having a great week.

    Till next time, Love & Light to you all ❤

    Nga mihinui

    Josie girl & whanau 💖

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  • More Treatments

      9 May 2021
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    Thursday, 6 May 2021

    Thursday night, Josie was re-admitted at 5pm and started on Ambisone round 8.30pm as a prep for Friday Chemo round.

    Friday, 7 May 2021

    Friday, Josephine started Chemo at 830am and had a mixture of chemo throughout the day/night which landed her a total of 4 rounds. One of those 4 rounds the Chemo medication was the Rituximab, Josephine had reacted badly to this drug in the earlier stages of treatment and as a result she had to have very close monitoring whilst on Rituximab.

    Again, Josie reacted to this drug with full body shakes and needed to be sedated & treatment paused until a new plan was sorted, they managed this by giving her a light sedative and slowing down the Chemo whilst keeping close obs of 15minute intervals.

    Safe to say she can now tolerate this Chemo medication and does not need light sedatives to get her through which is a huge win for Josie. Friday was a Big day & night for Josie 💜

    Saturday 8th May

    First Chemo round started roughly around 8.45am & finished before lunch.

    At 4.00pm Ambisone medication was administered through IV line prepping Josie for chemo

    At 5.30pm CYTARABINE Chemo started and will run for an hour this will be the last of her treatment for the night 🌙

    Usually this is administered at 8pm however they are able to start her early so she can hopefully settle in early for the night 🤞 ☺

    She amazes us everyday 🥰

    Josie may not think so herself, but we her family can see how amazing and strong she is through this all...Caring for her daughter who is now 4 weeks old 💕🎊🎉💕and all while navigating this whole Chemo treatment and process. She has gone through so much in just 1 month and as any normal human being, Josie has had her down moment's and share's those hard times with her love Calais who does the greatest job of being her comfort and support and we could not ask for anyone better to be her #1♥ Thank you Son thank you for your strength and support 💙💜

    Our Josie girl is truly an inspiration for all and we hope her page brings knowledge over time and awareness not only for Burkitts but Lymphoma in general and the importance of Donating blood.

    We her family just want to take this time to thank each and everyone who has sent messages of Love, prayers and encouragement we see them all and appreciate each and everyone of you ❤ May your days be filled with an abundance of love and blessings 💖🤍💖

    Nga Mihi

    -Josie's Whanau 😘❤🥰

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  • Re-admission day today!

      6 May 2021
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    It's re- admission day today! Josie enjoyed her wee stay at home and is ready to smash this treatment round out of the park 👊

    Playing some tunes to miss Luna while she waits for her room 💜💜💜

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  • Kōrero a Rauwi

      2 May 2021
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    Kia Ora,

    After a very difficult week with no immunity, becoming neutropenic and her heart rate & blood pressure playing up she was finally able to go home for her first break....YEEEEE HAAAAAAA! This wee break home felt like a massive win and a very needed wairua boost.

    So far Josie is adjusting well back in her comforts and has had alot more energy with being hands on in her new Mama roll.

    Luna & her parents are more than stoked being home xx

    Nga mihi Rauwi.

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  • It's a challenge!

      29 April 2021
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    It's been a really tough week of treatment and tests for Josie and she is coping best she can. But each day is a challenge and a lot more draining. On top of that she's doing her very best to be a mum to Luna-Demiia.

    This page gives Josie and her whanau, especially her mum much comfort to know that so many friends and whanau have sent their love and well wishes and they are extremely grateful to everyone.

    Josie has a very long and challenging fight ahead of her and we're all with her on this journey.

    Love you Josie ❤

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  • Official diagnosis

      23 April 2021
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    We now have the official diagnosis which is:

    High Grade Burkitts Lymphoma.

    We're pleased to report that the chemotherapy Josie has undergone so far is doing its job and she no longer has Lymphoma myelosis.

    On another note, Josie is ecstatic about the number of friends, whanau and even strangers that have donated to this page and would like to thank each and everyone of you for your love and support.

    Nga manaakitanga kia koutou katoa ❤❤

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