It’s not my time
Humanity versus Melanoma
Feilding, Manawatu-Wanganui
My name is Jess, I am a 41yo mother of 4 living in Feilding, New Zealand with my partner Dave. This week I had to sit down with my babies and tell the ones old enough to understand I have melanoma. It was the hardest conversation I’ve had in my life so far. I promised them I would do everything I can to stay alive so I can be with them. Although I didn’t want to share my health diagnosis with the world, my life and my kids are more important than anything else!
In November last year, I was diagnosed with melanoma on my leg. After having it surgically removed I assumed that would be it. I had a PET scan and unfortunately it had made itself resident in my inguinal lymph nodes (groin). Another surgery was done to try and get ahead of it before it found its way elsewhere. Because chemo and radiation aren’t the best forms of treatment for melanoma, I was lucky enough to be accepted onto a trial for Keytruda and another new drug. I expected to fly through the requirements. One of which was a clear CT and MRI. This showed that there was still melanoma showing and a surgery was scheduled.
After that major surgery scans showed more melanoma now in my liver and lungs. It meant I wasn’t eligible for the trial, but finally eligible for Keytruda in the public system and started immediately. I am in my 4th round of immunotherapy. I have more lumps that have come up. Health professionals involved in my care think that I am not responding to the treatment and it is continuing to spread.
Use of funds
My best treatment options are unfunded but can be really effective. I want to start BRAF($52k) and if at all possible get to the Hope 4 Cancer Clinic in Mexico ($60k). I want to do complimentary/alternative treatments like IV Ozone therapy & IV vit C ($5k).
I've asked my brother Hadleigh to look after the funds of this page so I can focus on my recovery..
Other page links
Latest update
Miraculous recovery! 17 December 2023
Well, I don't know what to say except wow! It's so hard to get my head around the fact that 8 weeks ago, I was weak, in a lot pain, unable to eat because of nausea, and the cancer continuing to grow despite everything I was doing.... and today, I have no pain, am eating and sleeping well, a massive shift in energy, and all the cancer seems to be gone!! These drugs are absolutely incredible, and I am so lucky and grateful that so many have opened your hearts and helped me (and my family) through such a dark and scary time in our lives. Now the cancer is in remission, my focus is to continue looking after myself and helping my body, mind and soul recover from such a traumatic year. I'm sure Dave and the kids need some time to breathe now too - I'm really happy we now have 6 weeks of the school holidays to connect, create memories and just enjoy every waking moment. Have a wonderful Christmas, you never know when it's going to be your last, so don't sweat the small stuff, it's just not important. Hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them every day, take a moment to take your shoes off and let your feet touch the magic of this earth we walk on, take in the beautiful sounds, scents, and sights wherever you are. I am finally finishing my degree in counselling and will be able to graduate next May! All that hard work has finally paid off! Thank you all for your well wishes, good vibes and prayers, I'm pretty sure God was surprised by the number of people praying for me!
Latest donations
Thank you all so much for this generous donation, the BRAF treatment is working well and Im so grateful to be here.
You guys are all amazing xxx love you all!
Thank you so much Kelly xx
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