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It’s not my time

  • 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!

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    • 17/12/2023 by Angela Farrell

      Wow Jess, that is just the most amazing news. I've goose bumps and tears of joy from reading your update, so extremely happy for you lovely lady xo

    • 18/12/2023 by Yunene

      That’s the best news Jess! Have an amazing Christmas making memories xx

  • Goal amount revised

      8 November 2023

    I have started BRAF targeted gene therapy and it is working, so I have reduced the target so it will cover the full 5 months of paid treatment 😀

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  • Braf targeted gene therapy...

      8 November 2023
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    I'm at day 5 of the Braf targeted gene therapy and I'm trying not to get too excited because it's early days but almost all of the lumps visible in my skin and muscles have gone!!! This photo was taken yesterday and the 2 big lumps on the side of my face aren't even visible anymore. One has completely disappeared, the other I can still feel but it's about 1/5 of the size it was a week ago. Nearly all of the lumps on my head, chest, armpits and groin are gone!! It has shocked me how quickly it has worked. I have adjusted my target for this page to cover the cost of this treatment, it's such a relief that it's looking possible to raise enough to cover the full 5 months. Thank you all for your continued prayers, thoughts and love ❤️ it's working!!

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  • November update

      3 November 2023
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    I've had a bit of a wobbly time recently. Over the last six weeks, I have been experiencing nausea on a daily basis, dizziness, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. To be honest I thought it was the lung tumours starting to affect me and it was quite scary. I had my bloods done on the day of my last appointment and had a phone call later on to say I needed to come into hospital urgently for a blood transfusion and iron infusion. My hemoglobin was 70 (very seriously low) and iron at 4 (also crazy low). The hospital was short staffed so even though it was urgent, I had to wait a couple of days and spent those two days lying down and resting (and feeling anxious). On the Monday I went in and had both, and immediately I felt dramatically better and was able to breathe again. It was lack of oxygen, not the cancer, thank goodness! I've even got my appetite back which is wonderful. I've nearly got enough for my 3rd month of BRAF drugs which is exciting 🙂 They have been delivered on the courier and I will start them tomorrow. Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for me, and put all those great intentions and prayers out! Thank you all ❤️

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  • MRI and CT results this week

      25 October 2023

    Hi everyone,

    I got the results of the MRI (Brain and head) and CT (neck to groin) and there weren't many surprises. On a positive note - there are no intracranial lesions - nothing in my brain! That is such a relief. Other positive notes include my liver, which was showing nodules but isnt anymore. Nothing in my spleen, kidneys, or bones either.

    Most lumps seem to be subcutaneous (skin) or intramusclular (in the muscle) or in lymphnodes which is far less stressful but really confronting because every day when I shower and get dressed, I can see and feel them. My lung nodules have progressed and I have noticed that over the last few weeks. This will mean my immunotherapy (keytruda) will be discontinued by pharmac from this point onwards, and I will be starting the alternative unfunded drugs this week. Thanks again to you all for your support, I have enough for the first 2 months of BRAF targeted treatment which I will start next week :)

    Please keep up the prayers, good vibes or wishes - they all make a difference for me!

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  • October update

      17 October 2023
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    Doing what I need to day-to-day is exhausting, but I thought I would share whats happening at the moment. Next Tuesday is scan day, and scanxiety is a real thing. Full of hope but also dread at the same time. Once I've had this scan and we can see if there has been any positive change to my liver or lungs from the keytruda, it will be decision time and whats next. Keytruda is the only funded drug, and there is a time limit on how long Pharmac will fund it without positive results, even though it can take up to 6 months for it to start working. It's only been 5 for me so far. The other available effective drugs - BRAF infibitors and Ipilimulab are not funded, so I need to work out what my best chance is, and use of funds. I am also having weekly IV Vit C treatments thanks to you all. I have today reached out to our new local MP, as part of the new Govt plan includes making more cancer treatment drugs available to NZers. It's part of the 100 day plan, so I have my fingers and toes crossed with lots of prayers that one of the drugs I need becomes funded. I nearly have enough on this Give-a-little to fund 2 months of treatment on the BRAF inhibitors, so thank you all so much!! If you are able to share the link to this page on social media, I'd really appreciate it, there's only 10 days to go until the Give-a-little campaign comes to a close. All my love, and thank you all again for your generosity xx

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  • First month of BRAF Inhibitor drugs!

      6 September 2023

    A huge thank you for everyone that has supported me so far, through sharing this page with others and for all the donations to help me get what I need. Already there is enough for me to order and start the first month of BRAF inhibitors ($10,500 per month) - its very exciting! This week I am in Motueka having IV Ozone and IV Vit C treatments which will support my body through this healing process. It's been humbling and I've had many teary moments reading your messages over the last few days, I am very grateful....Jess

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    • 08/09/2023 by Donna

      Hi Jess I also have melanoma which started on my leg and i also thought it was gone. I have had a radical groin dissection and also 5 weeks daily radiation. I am also here in Feilding and happy to chat if you need anything. Its a very scary ride thats for sure. Donna Sergent 0274169559