Supporting Lois Through Cancer and Beyond
Help Rob and Lois as they face metastatic cancer’s challenges together. Your support brings hope and makes a difference for their family.
Ashhurst, Manawatu-Wanganui
Introduction:
My wife Lois is the strongest, most loving person I know, but she is now battling metastatic cancer that has turned our lives upside down.
Our Story:
On December 21, 2024, Lois’ health took a sudden turn. Chest infections escalated into extreme migraines and nausea, leaving her unable to retain food or liquids. After 30 hours, I called an ambulance. At the hospital, Lois was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer originating in her breast that has spread to her bones, liver, brain, and spinal cord.
This has devastated our family, especially our two children, who are struggling to understand what it means for their mum. Despite countless tests, hospital stays, and debilitating symptoms, Lois continues to fight. However, this illness has brought challenges we cannot face alone.
Why We Need Your Help:
While New Zealand’s healthcare system covers much, many costs remain:
Specialist appointments and treatments.
Travel and accommodation for hospital visits.
Non-subsidised medications and therapies such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Keytruda, IV Vitamin C and similar options.
Unemployed since July 2024, I’ve paused my job search to care for Lois and our children, Amy and Sam. Your generosity allow us to focus on Lois’ care and creating precious memories.
What Your Support Means:
Every contribution makes a difference. Your help provides Lois with the best care possible and gives us hope during this difficult time. Truely, thank you for standing with us.
Use of funds
Donations will cover medical costs (Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Keytruda, IV Vitamin C and similar options), travel, accommodation, and family expenses during Lois' care, and as she recovers.
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Latest update
First milestone... 15 January 2025
Lois had her first radiation therapy yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. Prior to going down she was having a really good day, and was actually able to take a very small amount of food etc by mouth...and hold it down. This is a huge milestone.
She came back from radiation in some discomfort, which was to be expected, as the radiation is targeted to damage or destroy the DNA of the cancer cells, which will stop them from further growth.
Because it is what it, there is likely to be some associated inflammation and pain in the treated area. Also, as it is not an 'instant' cure, the death of the cancer cells, and their transition out of the body is likely to create some discomfort as well.
When we left, she was having her pain very effectively managed by the nursing staff, and appeared to be settling from the pain.
I want to be absolutely clear here; this is going to be a long-term fix, and is going to take time to deal with the situation.
I also want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, and from the rest of our family (Lois, Sam, Amy) all those who have donated so far in what is, I realise, a very tight time for us all. I am beyond humbled by the aroha and the support that people are displaying to us in our time of need. It has not, and will not go unnoticed.
Latest donations
Thank you Lyndsay. Deeply appreciative of your support. We WILL get through this successfully.
Thanks Kath. Deeply deeply appreciated. I wish I didn't have to do this, but if thats what it takes, thats what I will do.
Thank you Zena. I will pass your greetings on to Lois; they will help significantly
Thank you on behalf of all four of us. Deeply appreciated.
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