CJ's fight with progressive brain tumours.

In August 2016 after having severe headaches over the weekend then developed left arm weakness, mum didn’t waste a minute and phoned for an ambulance and they were rushed to Whangarei Hospital. After several tests, a CT scan, followed by an MRI, the doctor broke the news to us that dad has a brain tumour the size of a mandarin in his head. It was a major shock to the whole family.

Dad needed emergency surgery to remove the tumour so he was sent to Auckland Hospital where they removed 95% of the tumour, however they couldn’t get it all safely. We were told dad has a Grade IV Glioblastoma which is the most dangerous and very aggressive form of brain cancer. He then needed 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy then a further 4 months of chemo alone to stop the tumour from progressing. Mum has given up her job to care for dad permanently and they drove from Ruakaka to Auckland very regularly for treatment which was very tiring and hard on them both. At this point we were optimistic as dad was showing good signs of beating this beast.

In April 2017 dad had an MRI and was told the devastating news the tumour has progressed. Also two new tumours have appeared and the oedema has increased. As a family we made the decision to try a targeted therapy called Avastin which is taken with a chemotherapy drug called Irinotecan. It has the highest percentage of response rate than any other treatment on offer but unfortunately it is not funded. Dad has started this treatment and is coping very well.

Our dad has always been so fit, active and healthy his whole life. Dad is a talented self-employed hard working builder. His passion is surfing (he has taught myself and my two brothers to surf), fishing (the best fisherman who never came home without a fish), a keen organic gardener (he has the biggest vege garden you have ever seen).

Most of all dad has always been there for us and we love him. I have recently got engaged and it would mean the world to me if dad could be there at our wedding.

The Avastin treatment will cost around $100,000 for 20 weeks treatment. Lots of our friends and family have wanted to give flowers and gifts at this difficult time which is very much appreciated but a small donation towards dad’s treatment would be kindly accepted.

Thank you for your support.