John Koolaard is 51 years old, married to Antoinette. Together they have 6 children ranging in age from 9-24, and 1 grandchild.
Manawatu / Whanganui
In September last year John was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to substantially fill his liver with tumors. Over the last 6 months John has received chemotherapy, which has successfully reduced the tumor in his colon. Initially, it also reduced the tumors in the liver, however his recent CT scan has revealed that some of the liver tumors have become resistant to the original chemotherapy and started to grow again. Also, the scan indicated the likely presence of cancer in the peritoneum. The oncologists have agreed that further chemotherapy is all that can be offered at present.
There is one more chemotherapy agent available to John. It is funded by the health system in NZ, but has only a small to moderate chance of controlling the tumors. John started this course of treatment on the 12 June. There is another form of treatment available (of the ‘monoclonal antibodies’ class) that works synergistically with this chemotherapy to increase the overall effectiveness. However this treatment is not funded by the health system, so is very costly ($5000 per infusion). He plans to begin that treatment within the next few weeks.
In addition, John and Antoinette are exploring the possibility of joining a clinical trial overseas: There is a treatment agent which is showing promise. It has been developed in the USA and is at phase 2 clinical trial stage. If this agent proves to be a feasible and appropriate treatment for John’s cancer then they would like to pursue this option.
Meanwhile, the growing tumors are making their presence felt as John’s abdominal discomfort has returned after a 5 month absence.
We are appealing to anyone who may know John, Antoinette or the family, to please consider contributing to these unfunded options to give John a better opportunity at fighting the cancer and having a better quality of life.
Please keep John and his family in your prayers, and give consideration to giving a donation.
My husband and I are very close friends of John and Antoinette and the family. My husband has known John since he was 2 years old. We love and care for them all and pray for a miracle.
The funds will be used to pay for the alternative treatment that is required but not funded to help fight the cancer/tumours.
Update on John Koolaard's Cancer progression 2 December 2017
Update Nov 2017 From John and Antoinette:
John has continued to feel relatively well and looks pretty healthy but a CT scan, two weeks ago showed growth in the main liver tumours compared to the previous scan so the doctors have stopped the Avastin treatment, saying it has done all it can. Since then the tumours have continued to grow and John is now feeling significant discomfort.
Despite this we are thankful that the treatments did work for a time and are very grateful for all your generous contributions!
We have not given up hope. Our future is in the hands of our sovereign God. We trust in our faithful God whatever the outcome is from here on.
Just to add a small message from Sylvia, who put up this give a little page, I also want to thank you all for your donations and support. Any further support for the family would be very welcome, as they also consider further alternative foods and treatments to maintain John's health and quality of life, which can also be costly.
Most of all, keep them in your prayers before our Lord.
Many thanks, Sylvia.
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