Myself, Lewis and Millie wish to thank you all for your contributions and support. Back in July 2022 our world was rocked with my diagnosis of Stage 4 Melanoma. There is no easy way to describe how upsetting and unsettling this diagnosis has been for us.
Chris Jackson (Oncologist) advised us at the time that we needed to act fast and that to give myself the best chance I needed to use a combination of two Immunotherapy drugs. One funded and one not. The unfunded Ipilimumab drug has cost us $34,000 a round and we were told that it would be most effective if I was able to receive four rounds. I’m pleased to report that thankfully my body was able to handle these. However, Chris had warned us to be prepared for the side effects. He said that they could hit hard and that no individual is the same, every person is different. After Round 3 I was knocked for six!
BUT
‘When you have the bad days, you look for the good days that you know will follow.’
Advancements in Melanoma treatment have continued to improve significantly over the last decade. But what is Immunotherapy many of you have asked? Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. Your immune system is how your body naturally protects you from disease by killing bacteria and germs.
Our daughter Millie has recently turned 4. Millie understands that her Mummy is sick but copes well with the continually changing routines at home and periods of unsettledness. We want to be able to continue to create as many happy, loving memories as possible with her and for her.
I wish to also acknowledge and thank the wonderful help and support we have received from our families. My mum Elaine, my sister Mel and her partner Jason. Janice and Lindsay, Rex and Ngaire, Douglas and Megan, Joanne and Ashley alongside Zen and Vaughan. As well as our extended family and friends.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude towards the ‘team’ of people that have supported us during the last 6 months at Manaaki Cancer Care (Mercy Hospital Dunedin). Each and everyone of the individuals that we have dealt with have been fantastic, provided us with constant support and have become like part of our family as we navigate this journey together.
Where are we at now?
I have just recently received Round 7. The plan moving forward is that I will continue to require monthly Immunotherapy treatment of Nivolumab for the next 15 months. During this time we will continue to meet with Chris and the team regularly to check and review the impact that the treatment is having.
Vanessa x
