Support Leanne Bachop

Hi Chantelle here, It saddens me to bring everyone following Leafs journey this latest update, but due to the love and support she is receiving from you all, we now would like to keep you informed and reveal her latest results. Unfortunately the Tumor found on Leafs spine has grown over the past 4 months and is sitting in a complicated area. The location is too difficult for an operation and recovery from surgery itself could make her quality of life worse. Additional new Tumors are growing on her enewf Liver, which replenished healthily after the initial surgery in 2011. Also, many more Tumors are growing in the bone down around the lower back and pelvic area. As these new Tumors have progressed pretty fast within 4 months and the Cancer is now in the bone, unfortunately surgery is not worth exploring and there are no more treatment options left in NZ. The Doctors are looking into one more option. It is not a cure but may help give Lea more time here with us all. It involves visiting Melbourne in Australia for a new type of Cancer treatment which may help slow down the activity of the Tumors. This option will be due to her body being strong enough however, after her 3 previous surgeries this might not be the case. The fact that the Cancer has now spread to the bone (which is quite rare for this type of Cancer) it is unsure whether medically in NZ they will do anything to help especially with funding, as it will cost thousands of dollars and Lea will have to travel to Australia 4 times. Unfortunately the odds aren't looking great and overall, everyone involved from Doctors, Surgeons, Lea, Mike and the family we are all disappointed with the outcome after working so hard to keep her alive for the past 2 years. I must stress that Lea won't give up and will fight this brave battle until the end, but she now needs to be realistic to her unfortunate circumstance. Writing her story to get the awareness out there about this type of Cancer is now her primary goal and so important more so to keep her proactive and give her a focus to keep going. Your feedback, encouragement and support is a comfort to her and inspires her to keep on sharing her story so we thank you very much and I hope it continues as we follow her on her Journey. Be kind to one and other as at a time like this, it puts whatfs important in life into perspective. Arohanui, Chantelle