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Mia's Mates

  • Dismissed from Oncology

      9 October 2025
    Posted by: Amelia Noyes
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    Hi everybody,

    Thought I’d share the good news. After finishing chemotherapy and then spending a few nights in hospital - we were able to put a rush on an updated MRI and biopsy. The results from this showed the rectal tumour responded well to treatment and is shrinking in size. There is also no active cancer cells! Since the beginning of September, I had my final visit to oncology and have since been released. My care now sits under gastroenterology and the surgical team. I am now under careful monitoring, with needing to updated CT scans every once in a while. I am accessing cancer rehabilitation through physiotherapy and am still seeking guidance from a psychologist to process the journey. The downside though is the effects on my pelvic region (reduced ovarian function) so am still under endocrinology and hoping to start hormonal treatment very soon. I’ve gone to warriors games, had a trip to hobbiton and been getting back to social events like birthdays, baby showers and dance showcases. I am slowly returning to full work capacity - it’s a busy month Shocktober. Not that I never stopped working, but am starting to return to the office and my work in the community.

    Till the next update, Mia.

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  • Good riddance Chemo!

      6 August 2025
    Posted by: Amelia Noyes
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    It’s been a while since my last update! I went through a procedure to have a port put in my chest so I can start chemotherapy. I completed 8 cycles of folfox chemotherapy. Towards the middle, my liver started to play up so we had to take oxaliplatin out of my treatment and wow, what a difference! No more fatigue, no more sensitivity to the cold, no issues with my hands and feet, no more moodiness. Today I disconnected from my portable pump and got to ring the bell (my door bell because Auckland Hospital is without a bell currently). Now, a wee break before we look at having updated CT/MRI and review these to take the next steps.

    Lots of love,

    Mia

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  • Portacath Sugery & IV Chemo

      29 April 2025
    Posted by: Amelia Noyes
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    I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 week break from treatment - although I still was battling some side effects, it was great to build my appetite again, not be so exhausted and enjoy some socialable events. Last Wednesday I was called in for my portacath surgery with the Vascular Unit at Auckland Hospital - I really enjoyed the level of professionalism and care from all involved, thank you my heroes! According to the surgical team, when I fell unconscious due to the anaesthesia, I continued smiling under my breathing tube which is a unique vision they normally don’t see (typical right?).

    The next day in the evening, I experienced severe abdominal pain and opted for an ambulance trip to ED. Was there for a long couple of hours but all the tests done couldn’t find the route of the pain - possibly constipation or ingestion issues but it has disappeared since. We were discharged at 12am Friday and managed to rest before heading out to two family birthday events for the weekend.

    Yesterday was my first dose of IV Chemo at Daystay in Auckland Hospital. As nervous and scared as I was, the medical oncology nurses were great! I had the cold spray to setup the IV but am now equipped with the numbing cream for next time. It was 4 1/2 hours connected to a few drips, then connected to the portable pump to take home. This pump will be with me till tomorrow afternoon when it will empty and time to disconnect.

    Hope you all had a lovely Easter and ANZAC break ❤️‍🩹

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  • Radiation & Oral Chemotherapy Completed!

      9 April 2025
    Posted by: Amelia Noyes
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    To all the lovely supporters of Mia's Mates, thought you'd be interested in a little update. I have now completed 27 rounds of radiochemotherapy! This involved daily hospital trips to Auckland Hospital for 20 minutes of radiation therapy (Monday to Friday) for 5 full weeks and 2 days, with a little rest over the weekends. But the oral chemotherapy was every single day until finishing radiation. I'd have to take 6 pills a day, at the same time to keep the medication steady. The radiation staff are so friendly and supportive, they gave me tips along the way to help myself with some side effect struggles. I also opted for Cancer Society Drivers who would take me to my appointments when family weren't available. Met so much lovely, retired folk who have had interesting lives, and some of them too battled cancer. The biggest struggle has been the ongoing diarrhea and skin tears/peeling... this will continue for 10 days after stopping treatment but should subside thereafter. I will be going for my very first surgery procedure on 24th April for my chemo port installation, then starting 8 rounds of IV chemo. We are getting there <3 Thank you all for your incredible support and I hope I can continue to update you all to let you know how I'm doing.

    Kind regards,

    Mia

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  • We’re extending the end date and goal

      13 February 2025

    Hey team! Massive thank you to everyone who’s donated so far. Just a few changes going on here. We’re extending the end date and goal, and the page will change slightly to be more general now that the gig has passed too. We appreciate everyone that came out last week as well!

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  • A Heartfelt Thank You

      9 February 2025
    Posted by: Amelia Noyes
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    A Heartfelt Thank You

    We are beyond grateful for everyone who supported our wedding fundraiser, whether you attended the concert, donated, or offered your support from afar. The concert in our backyard yesterday was filled with love, laughter, and generosity, and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful evening.

    A huge thank you to the incredibly talented artists, musicians, creators and crew hands who volunteered their time to provide such wonderful live music, and to the media team who generously captured the entire event for us. Your efforts made the evening even more special, and we are forever grateful.

    To everyone who donated through ticket purchases, pizza sales, or other contributions – your generosity is helping us continue planning our wedding while I focus on my cancer treatment. We are overwhelmed by your kindness and support.

    For those who couldn’t attend in person, we felt your love and support, and we are so thankful to have such a strong, caring community behind us.

    We are excited to share the photos from the event with all of you! You can view and download the pictures using the link below until Sunday, February 15th. We hope you enjoy reliving these beautiful moments as much as we do.

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6ulcwbpkof5bin8gevaru/AMWOV2K_uvVtIABupwcvmCM?rlkey=8n33tlouvdh2sgbje975pbl9l&st=vn5la7pw&dl=0

    Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. Your love and support mean the world to us.

    With love,

    Mia & Vita

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  • Tickets almost sold out!

      5 February 2025

    Hey team, just an update for everyone. Tickets to the show this Saturday are about to sell out so if you or any friends/family wanted to come please be sure to donate asap!

    Amelia also went in for her first surgery today so she'll be getting some much needed rest over the next few days!

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