Introduction

Sarvs Falefitu is a 40year old NZ born, Auckland bred Samoan/ Niuean. Sarvs is mother to four teenagers (Kroydon 19 years, Denae 16 years, Kendra 14 years, Grayson 13 years) and has been married to her 'Samoan warrior' for 19 1/2 years.



My gals, Denae (left) & Kendra

My boyz, Grayson (left) and Kroydon

I have breast cancer and so...

This blog has been created in the hopes that I could raise awareness of this 'evil influence that spreads dangerously', according to Collins English Dictionary, Compact Edition, to fundraise to cover the majority of my Herceptin treatment and hopefully this might help other women even in the tiniest way who might be living and dealing to breast cancer also.
I have Grade 2, HER2 positive type cancer and my cancer has moved away from the primary spot and invaded other parts of my body via my lymph vessels and blood vessels. Along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy I will also need Herceptin. NZ only funds Herceptin for 9 weeks but a full 12 months is recommended. I have opted to take the recommended 12 months and it will cost exactly $96,273.60. While some specialists are 'comfortable' with 9 weeks of Herceptin, I am not. I want to attend my teenagers graduations. I need to wave them goodbye when they go on their OE's. I wish to witness them all walk down the aisles, be present at the births of my grandchillens and finally do my big OE with my hubby too - of course without the grandchillens!!! Clearly I have far too much to live for and I implore anyone with time to please support my fundraisers or send any fundraising ideas our way.
Your support will make a lasting difference to my quality of life and I sincerely thank you all in advance for your love and support.

Accolades

Sarvs wishes to acknowledge the amazing staff at St Marks Clinic who at the early days of her breast cancer diagnosis helped and coached her through one of the darkest days of her life.Thank you Michelle, Beverley, Jenny, Tracey, the wonderful surgeons Stephen and Stan. Most importantly Sarvs would like to acknowledge 'Johnny' for having the foresight to establish a beautiful haven such as St Marks Clinic many years ago for women such as herself.



Breakdown of Herceptin costs

Since day dot Dr Mike McCrystal my oncologist has been apologetic of the horrendous Herceptin costs for HER2+ women. Nothing to apologise about Mike it is out of your hands and ours however look closely at what Pharmac and NZ Government are blissfully content in handing to a cancer patient and their loved ones -

Loading dose cost: (1 loading treatment)
Drug cost, delivery (+GST) 500mg $7018.65
Nursing $250.00
Medical $350.00
Consumables $35.00
Hospital charge $100.00
GST $969.20
Sub-total $8722.85 for loading dose at 8mg/kg

Maintenance dose cost: (13 maintenance treatments)
Drug cost, delivery (+GST) 370mg $5251.35
Nursing $250.00
Medical $350.00
Consumables $350.00
Hospital charge $100.00
GST $748.30
Total $6734.65 maintenance dose at 6mg/ kg
Overall total for full course: $96,273.60

So dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer, losing a breast, having major surgery, being put through chemo treatment, being hospitalised 3 times, going through radiotherapy, getting through the remission period, dealing with the emotional side of this all and then having to fundraise endlessly for Herceptin do you think Pharmac or NZ Government have the right to play God with our lives?!!

27 February 2008

Chin wag with my local rag

I would normally shy away from the public eye but when one needs to raise big money to fund their own anti cancer drug you do what you need to do without a second thought.
The opportunity to be interviewed on air (radio), an interview with my local rag (Western Leader) and a story on Maori Television (to be aired at a later date) I am now thinking of hitting up Mark or John for more exposure. ..!!

I am both nervous and excited about my walkathon but I look forward to seeing you there.
Again I sincerely thank you all from the bottom of my heart for giving up your time to 'walk the distance for me'..and to my wonderful fundraising committee for organising it all!!
I was fortunate to have the Western Leader print my story.
Please note that my walkathon will run from 6am (for the early early birds) through to midday, Saturday 1st March 2008.

Here is the link for the online version of my story -
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4418029a22402.html
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1 comment:

Carey TeWhata said...

Hi Sarvs, I've just picked up the western leader and was saddened to see it was you on the front page! My heart and love go out to you, Mapu and the kids - I had a similar scare last year and I know how it can completely turn your world upside down. Worrying about the children is always the biggest stress! However, I've read your blog and can see that you're just as strong and awesome as always - way to go girl! I will donate regularly and will continue to read your blog - my love and prayers go out to you guys. If you ever want to get in touch I'm still in TAT and in the phone book, I'd love to hear from you. All the best with your treatment.
Aroha and sunshine,
Carey and Adrian, Joel, Michael and Kyle TeWhata.

February 29, 2008 at 2:35 PM

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