This page will be used as fundraising for Stu's unfunded cancer treatments.
Waikato
We are raising funds to help pay for unfunded Cancer treatments for Stu, our Husband/Brother/Son/Dad/Uncle/Friend and all round good guy.
His cancer started as a mole which turned out to be a melanoma. This was operated on and he was given the all clear in 2017, although under surveillance. In May 2020, he self-detected a mass in his groin, which ended up being inoperable due its size and positioning. In July he was due to begin his Keytruda immunotherapy treatment, but unfortunately developed tingling sensations in his arm which was then diagnosed as a brain lesion. After brain surgery and radiation, we thought the brain lesion was gone, but after a month it has returned. At this time they also picked up other spots in multiple sites such as the liver and lungs. He has now started Keytruda to fight the melanomas and the brain lesions, and requires four booster treatments of Ipilimumab, costing $11,000 per treatment.
Despite multiple setbacks throughout this time, Stu has remained incredibly positive and is taking everything in his stride. He has always been the sort of person that would do everything he could for anyone else in this situation, therefore we feel that he deserves the same in return.
We would appreciate any donations you can make to help Stu get through this crappy situation. He has always been an active, fun-loving person and going through this makes it impossible for him to get out and do the things he loves to do most, such as going to work and especially watching his kids play football and mountain biking.
There has been lots of other cases similar to Stu's that have had positive outcomes from using this booster treatment, which is why we need to give him the best chance to get through it.
This is for our Husband/Brother/Son/Dad/Uncle as he goes through major cancer treatment fighting an aggressive melanoma.
These funds will be spent directly on the booster treatment (Ipilimumab).
Stu"s progress on the new meds 26 November 2020
From Stuart:
Hi everyone. Thank you all for your continuing generosity and support. I'd especially like to thank Charli's friend Emma, who did a fantastic job raising money by having her lovely long hair cut off and donated to Freedom Wigs. I have seen Emma and given her a big hug, and there were tears (not hers).
As for my treatment progress, the Dabrafenib and Trametinib that I am taking seem to be doing amazing things. Since starting these medications while still in hospital, and in the subsequent weeks that I have been home, I have been feeling better and better every day. I feel better in myself, and despite having lost quite a bit of weight and strength, am almost living a normal life again. I even started back at work (part time) this week, which is a huge milestone, and quite a surprise to most people I mention this to.
Physically I am doing well. Some of the tumors that were quite large and easy to see and feel have reduced considerably in size. I'm not sure how long these medications will continue to be effective, but for now things seem to be heading in the right direction.
I have had amazing support from family and friends through this whole ordeal, which I truly appreciate, and to see so many names from my past lives from different parts of the world on this page is really humbling. Thank you all.
Thank you all for your financial contributions, and for the kind words of support and encouragement. We have a long way to go yet, but it is nice to know there are so many people out there thinking of me and wishing me well. The cost of these medications is ongoing, so I'd appreciate it if you could continue to share this givealittle page.
Cheers
Stu
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.