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Melissa's Breast Cancer Journey

  • Update #4

      12 September 2023
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    Kia ora e te whaanau

    It's been a while since my last official update, and time has certainly flown since entering this crazy cancer journey.

    Thanks to the tireless efforts of my fundraising angels, and your very generous donations, I received the first dose of Pertuzumab (Perjeta), the immunotherapy drug at a private hospital in Palmerston North today.

    Pertuzumab will hopefully give me a 10% greater chance of beating this awful disease, and I cannot thank you enough for ensuring I have this drug available to me.

    Today’s dose was one of three that will be fully funded by the money you have all raised over the last few months. I will return to New Plymouth tomorrow for my next chemotherapy treatment on Thursday.

    Thank you again for making a difference through your compassion and generosity. Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou katoa!

    Before I sign off, I’d like to share a whakataukī that resonates with me at the moment.

    Kia mate ururoa, kei mate wheke - Fight like a shark, don’t give in like an octopus.

    This whakatauki encourages us to not give up. When fishing, a shark will fight the whole time it is on the line. In comparison, an octopus will surrender once it’s been hooked. No matter how hard things get, let us fight like a shark.

    Arohatinonui Melissa xx

    PS the attached photo was taken when we took a little detour to Hawera on our road trip to Palmerston North this morning 😊

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  • Update #3

      3 August 2023
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    Kia ora e te whaanau

    On Monday I had my second chemo session at Taranaki Base Hospital. As I looked around the room and saw the familiar faces of my fellow patients, the first thing I noticed was they were all 40-60 years older than me. The second thing I noticed, was they all still had their natural hair…and I didn’t. How is that fair haha.

    My second session went smoothly, and the Oncology nurses were amazing as usual. I always feel really sleepy for a couple days after the treatment so I’ve been resting as much as I can.

    After having had my initial chemo, I was a lot more prepared for the side effects this time. I have several concoctions on hand to counteract any side effects the “Big C” throws at me.

    My guardian angels are still working hard to make sure me and my whaanau are taken care of on a day-to-day basis. We are so blessed to have such amazing human beings walk alongside us.

    We’re really close to our initial target for the Perjeta drug, and I continue to be humbled by everyone’s love and support. I cannot thank you all enough for your compassion and generosity. Anything raised above the actual cost of the drug will go towards travel costs and supplements to support my treatment plan.

    All going well my next chemo session will be on 21 August. Keep me in your prayers and much love to you all!

    Arohatinonui Melissa xx

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  • Update #2

      12 July 2023
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    Kia ora e te whaanau

    Yesterday, marked the first official day of Melissa’s chemotherapy journey – although she feels like she’s had 100’s of blood tests, ultrasounds, mammograms, MRI, CT scans and biopsies already.

    The first session went smoothly, but it did leave her feeling a little “yucky” and sleepy. After some anti-nausea medication, and a little nana nap she was feeling much better 😊.

    Tomorrow, the district nurse will be showing her how to administer her tummy injections. These will be self-administered 3 days after each chemo treatment and will bring her white blood count back up. So long as her blood count is in good order, her next chemo session will be on Monday, 31 July.

    Since we started fundraising just over one week ago, we have already raised just over $10,000! Ka mau te wehi!

    In case you missed it, some of Melissa’s amazing friends and whaanau have arranged a Market Day for Lyssa at the Les Munroe Centre in Te Kuuiti on Sunday 20 August 2023 from 10.00am-3.00pm. Melissa is hoping to attend the event, (wellness permitting) but if she can’t, her whaanau will attend on her behalf.

    Melissa and her whaanau are truly humbled by everyone’s love and support. We know it’s a financially difficult time for everyone at the moment and we cannot express how much your donations and fundraising efforts mean to us. Thank you for making a difference through your compassion and generosity.

    Ki a koutou katoa e haapai ana i teenei kaupapa, teenei te mihi maioha ki a koutou.

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  • Update #1

      5 July 2023
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    Kia ora e te whaanau

    Firstly, we’d like to thank each and every one of you for your contributions toward funding this lifesaving drug for Melissa (aka Lyssa, Millie, Pid or Bubba).

    In the first 48hrs, together we have raised over $5,000 through Give a Little and another $1,500 from other fundraising activities. This means we now have less than $10,000 to raise. Kia pai mai hoki! – how neat is that!

    Melissa has been reading through your beautiful comments and is completely overwhelmed with your generosity, love and support. Although she may not be able to respond to everyone individually, she is reading your comments and feels truly blessed to have you all in her life.

    Melissa’s first dose of chemotherapy will be on Monday, 10 July and she’s got lots of tests planned this week in preparation. I’ve attached a photo of her today, getting her 10 thousandth blood test (photo credits to our Mum/Trish).

    For those of you who know her well, Melissa’s positive disposition will be of no surprise to you. She’s taking one step at a time and is doing an exceptional job of keeping a positive mindset as she navigates this unknown territory.

    Ki a koutou katoa e haapai ana i teenei kaupapa, teenei te mihi maioha ki a koutou.

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