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?!!

30 October 2008

Performing Arts Fundraiser

September 26 I had my thank you speech typed up, my wardrobe set and dancing shoes on ready for a fantastic concert with amazing talents who were going to razzle, dazzle and knock our socks right off!!
With general admission set at a very decent $21 and the family pass set reasonably low I was to secure a further 2 treatments taking my treatment totals to 9.
We were going to be spoilt for entertainment, how could we not be with such a fantastically awesome line up!?!!

So I was exceptionally contained as I stepped out from behind the curtains to open with my heart felt speech that I had taken weeks to carefully prepare only to see more empty seats than full but I was not as composed when found that I hadn't secured anymore treatments from what should have been a 'rip your nightie' night.

The poor turnout, low number of tickets sales and no funds made to secure anymore treatments coupled with the feelings of devastation and anger hindered my desire to post on my blog for sometime. Fundraising had become a dirty word and a bloody nightmare. I hit a very big freaking stone wall and I needed to lick my wounds for a bit - sigh.
Okay so I'm done with licking of the wounds and I must must must acknowledge the fact that despite all that I cannot take away the fact that the artists with the heart of gold who came out to support my fundraiser carried the night and gave us all who were there with me on the night a truly magical show. My absolute heartfelt thanks to -

Dawn Raid Entertainment's Sweet & Irie, Devolo, Mareko
Nesian Mystik
Sweet and Sour (SAS)
Lil Saints
Legacy
Launch Band
Alofa Tunoa Ministry Band
Kelston's Bring It On
Polytentials

And of course to everyone who came to support thank you for carrying me through that night. Peace out!
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