Robyn's journey to beat Cancer
Robyn's journey to be Cancer free
Manawatu / Whanganui
Robyn was diagnosed with stage 2 triple positive invasive ductal breast cancer 3 weeks ago. She requires immediate chemotherapy treatment which is starting 20th Dec 23, followed by surgery and ongoing radiation.
She did everything right in July when she noticed 2 lumps. She went for an ultrasound and was told they were firboadenomas which aren't harmful. When they changed late October and she noticed new lumps she went back to her Dr who then referred her for another ultrasound and biopsy. 2 of the lumps come back as positive for cancer. It has also spread to her lymph node at this point.
Due to the aggressiveness of her cancer she has just undergone egg preservation and is about to start round 1 of 6 chemo sessions.
Unfortunately she needs a drug called pertuzumab which is not funded in Aotearoa.
Her oncologist has said this drug increases pathological complete response rates by about 10% from a baseline of 40% for triple receptor positive disease. Achieving a pathCR strongly predicts for an individual having a higher long term disease free survival (cure rate).
She needs this drug for the last 3 rounds of chemo starting 21st Feb 23.
Robyn never asks for help and is always the one helping others with whatever life throws at them. It would be great if we can all get behind her in her time of need.
Use of funds
This money will be used for an unfunded drug (pertuzumab) to give her the best chances of being cured. Any funds given above the amount needed for the treatment will be used to help us while I'm off work caring for Robyn.
Latest update
Radiation is done 1 July 2024
Manawatia a Matariki ✨️
We started this jorney at the end of last year and we finish it at the start of the tau hou Maori.
Just like that radiation is done. The first session I was overwhelmed and terrified, as I didn't know what to expect. The unknown can be frightening. The nurses were lovely and explained everything to me, they were very patient and allowed me time to process what they were telling me as I stood there crying. All of the other sessions that followed were a breeze. Zach got to come in and watch them set me up. At the mapping appointment, they give you 4 little tattoos, which they use to line you up on the table. Everything about your body position has been calculated. From the height of the table to the height of each arm, the distance of your chin from your chest. You are aligned using lasers with the prison tats as markers. From there, they get an x ray and overlay it with the previous to make sure everything is still the same. Then, the radiation arm comes around and adjusts to the treatment area and does its thing. It's about 20 minutes all up, and no pain is involved. Over the next 2 weeks is when I may start to have skin reactions and fatigue. Fingers crossed these are the only side effects I have.
Now I just have 3 more Herceptin treatments via
I'm not so sure it has all sunk in yet. The last 7 ish months have been a Rollercoaster.
Thanks for the support, everyone.
Aroha nui,
Robyn & Zach
Latest donations
On it! 😀 doing great thus far. Thanks for the support.
Thanks Gwyn, awesome to catch up.
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