Jesse's Cancer Journey
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Cancer is such an insidious disease and we have found that not only the person with the diagnosis suffers but the whole family are impacted by those words “you have cancer”.
This is Jesse’s story.
In November 2014, Jesse broke her humerus. However, this was not just an ordinary break. On further investigation, x-rays and tests, numerous lesions were discovered in the bones all over her body. She was immediately referred to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for further tests and confirmation of a diagnosis. That diagnosis was High Risk B-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Jesse was 15 years old.
This diagnosis required Jesse to undergo 12 months of IV chemotherapy treatment in Brisbane, away from her family and friends in Hervey Bay.
Once she was allowed to return home, she continued oral chemotherapy treatment with frequent visits back to Brisbane to undergo tests, including lumbar punctures.
Jesse had her final treatment in April this year (2017). Cancer free, she was happily planning her entry into university and her upcoming 18th birthday party.
However, in early August, Jesse was forced to put her plans on hold as she presented at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital again with a relapse of her Lymphoma.
She is required to remain in Brisbane for the next 9 months whilst she undergoes intensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation and Bone Marrow transplant. It is expected Jesse will be very unwell as she receives life threatening treatment. She will be an inpatient for the majority of her treatment.
Jesse has endured numerous radiation, CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays, ultrasounds, rashes, fevers, not eating/drinking, blood tests, blood/platelet transfusions, bone marrow transplant and heaps of various reactions and much more. None of this treatment is glamorous and Jesse has tried her best to keep positive but she has her moments as do the family.
Jesse, and her family, are desperately trying to maintain some normalcy in their family life, however, work and schooling for her younger brother force the family to live apart, visiting only when they can.
The family have not asked for anything, but the situation has depleted their resources, financially, emotionally and physically.
Any help the Australian public can give to make this tough journey a little easier will be greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps.
This is Jesse’s story.
In November 2014, Jesse broke her humerus. However, this was not just an ordinary break. On further investigation, x-rays and tests, numerous lesions were discovered in the bones all over her body. She was immediately referred to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for further tests and confirmation of a diagnosis. That diagnosis was High Risk B-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Jesse was 15 years old.
This diagnosis required Jesse to undergo 12 months of IV chemotherapy treatment in Brisbane, away from her family and friends in Hervey Bay.
Once she was allowed to return home, she continued oral chemotherapy treatment with frequent visits back to Brisbane to undergo tests, including lumbar punctures.
Jesse had her final treatment in April this year (2017). Cancer free, she was happily planning her entry into university and her upcoming 18th birthday party.
However, in early August, Jesse was forced to put her plans on hold as she presented at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital again with a relapse of her Lymphoma.
She is required to remain in Brisbane for the next 9 months whilst she undergoes intensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation and Bone Marrow transplant. It is expected Jesse will be very unwell as she receives life threatening treatment. She will be an inpatient for the majority of her treatment.
Jesse has endured numerous radiation, CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays, ultrasounds, rashes, fevers, not eating/drinking, blood tests, blood/platelet transfusions, bone marrow transplant and heaps of various reactions and much more. None of this treatment is glamorous and Jesse has tried her best to keep positive but she has her moments as do the family.
Jesse, and her family, are desperately trying to maintain some normalcy in their family life, however, work and schooling for her younger brother force the family to live apart, visiting only when they can.
The family have not asked for anything, but the situation has depleted their resources, financially, emotionally and physically.
Any help the Australian public can give to make this tough journey a little easier will be greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps.
Organisateur
Susan Moore
Organisateur
Bunya Mountains QLD