June Update

Praise God! Finally Herceptin treatment is finished! Time to move on to a new chapter in God’s plan for our lives. There are still two more minor surgeries needed. I still need to go to hospital monthly for check up until one of the surgeries happens. After that it will just be three monthly checkups while on Tamoxifen for 5 years.

Stuart’s role is changing and he is very busy now preparing for the new responsibilities. Life is quite busy with all 4 children now at school; I am involved as parent help when needed. I am finding myself having to try to get all the house chores and things done before the children come back from school as it is very full on then with homework and other activities that they are involved in, netball, drama, dance and piano.

Please continue to pray:-

1.Both surgeries to be sooner than later as waiting list is between 6 months to a year!

2.No side effects while on the Tamoxifen;

3.God's complete healing and restoration to the trigeminal nerve.

Thank you all for your prayers and support! They are all very much appreciated! We will endeavour to hold a party of thanksgiving and celebration once both surgeries finished. We will keep you all informed.

We will not be regularly updating the blog site from now on, but will post updates when any new developments happen. You may view the blog at http://supportmelissa.blogspot.com/

Lastly and most importantly, Praise be to God who has been our constant companion, supporter, friend. Without whom we would not have made it through. God has been very gracious to us providing all of you our family and friends. Many of you just turned up unexpectedly but God’s timing has been perfect just when we needed some help or were struggling with circumstances. God used many to bless us in many ways.

We have transitioned to a new way of thinking, we feel privileged that God has entrusted us to go through these circumstances and that his Name will be glorified through what He has done in our lives through this time. Our prayer is that God will impact every one of your lives and make himself real to you.

God is awesome and a great friend to have in this messed up world.

God bless each one of you!

Love & Blessings
Stuart and Melissa

May Update

It has been a very busy few weeks of more hospital appointments. Praise God the Herceptin treatments are coming to an end! I will be having my last dose on 3 June. I am looking forward to the end of this very long journey. After that it will just be two more minor surgeries. There are waiting list for both of these surgeries. Until one of them I will still have to go to hospital every month to get checked. Then the continuation of Tamoxifen for 5 years.

The trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain) problem is under control now with medication. I have been reducing the dose and taking it only every couple of days. Seen the Neurosurgeon last week and he did not advise coming off the medication till spring and slowly reducing and see what happened. If the pain comes back then medication will have to be increased and if this does not work, then surgery would be an option to resolve the issue, which does not sound very nice. The doctors have no guarantee that this will fix the problem or whether this pain will be gone permanently.

Only God has the answer as He is our creator. I am believing my God for complete healing and restoration to my whole body. God has been showing up a lot especially over the past year. Teaching us many long and painful lessons, through it all we have come to trust Him completely, knowing that He is always there for us and always hears our cries. We have come to know our God’s faithfulness and that He is the only one we can truly rely on. He is never angry or upset but as a Father he is always encouraging us to new levels of trust in Him. Happy at each attempt to learn more about Him, He is our constant support, when all else fails God is watching over us. He always will be there for us and always wants the best for us.

Please continue to pray for the following:-

1. Waiting list for both surgery will be quick;
2. God complete healing and restoration to the trigeminal nerve;
3. Last dose of Herceptin will go well.

The family are all well. Children are loving school and doing well. I have been very busy too with all the children school field trip, etc. Stuart is very busy at work and his job role is changing next month.

Thank you all for your love, kind thoughts, prayers and support. We appreciate each one of you and thank God for you all.

God Bless!
Love
Stuart, Melissa & family

April Update

Dear family and friends

Sorry for the delay with the update. It’s been a very hectic few weeks of hospital visits and treatment. Firstly the portocath was blocked which required a dye study to see where the blockage was. Then the same week another infection occurred. I had more antibiotics. The MRA scan for the nerves showed that the trigeminal nerve was deformed and I have now been referred to the neurosurgeon for advice. I am fine now, just recovering from the flu, which I may have had a reaction from the flu jab. I will be having my 12th dose of Herceptin next wed 22 April. Then after two more doses I will have completed the treatments. It has been such a very long journey and I am getting weary of all these hospital visits and treatments but Praise God everyday I am one day closer to finishing all these treatments. Thank God that he is restoring health unto me. I am getting better everyday in every way!

We went away to a family friend’s bach at Huia for a few days during the Easter weekend. It was good to spend time with the family and just rest and enjoy God’s marvellous creation, bush walks, rock climbing and the beach. The children are fine and enjoying the break from school. How time flies, Josiah will be turning five next week and starting school next term.

Please continue to pray for the following:-

1. Balance of the Herceptin treatment will go smoothly i.e. 22 April, 13 May and 3 June;
2. God’s healing and restoration to the trigeminal nerve and no surgery will be required;
3. Wisdom for the neurosurgeon appointment on 15 May;

Thank you all for all your thoughts, support and prayers. They are very much appreciated.

God Bless!

Blessings
Melissa

Update March

Dear family and friends

Praise God! I was finally discharged from hospital after spending 11 days there! I was in deep agony, as any movement of my mouth caused pain, which included drinking, eating and talking. During those times, it is the presence and grace of God that have kept me going. Thank you all for praying, I felt really peaceful and know that our God is in control of the situation and there is nothing I can do to change it. I am so thankful that everyday I am still alive and that I am getting better, healthier everyday in everyway! Amen! It took a team of 18 doctors and 9 days to come to a point of less pain. The doctors still have not finalised the cause of all the pain that I was having. But the pain is now under control with medication for the next 4 weeks. The dose will be reduced slowly if the pain does not get worse. The only problem is that this medication keeps me awake all night long and I have to rely on sleeping pills now to go to sleep for a few hours. They still would like to investigate the cause of all this pain, which now they guessing is to do with the nerve, called Trigeminal Neuralgia. I will be undergoing an MRA in a few weeks time for the doctors to have a closer look at all the nerves around my jaw area. Please continue to pray for complete healing and restoration to the nerve, jaw and mouth areas.

The family are good; the children are struggling and a bit teary when I was still in hospital. Everyday when they came to visit, they wanted me to go home with them. It is very hard as I was very sick with all the pain medication that they were pumping into my system. As days passed and the pain got worse, the pain relief got stronger and I suffered all the side effects of dizziness and non-stop nausea, I was not able to keep anything down. I have lost 3.5 kgs in the 11 days that I was at the hospital. God is good! He is faithful and I am so glad to be home with my family and able to enjoy food again. It is such a joy to see all my children smiling faces when I arrived home.

The Herceptin treatments are going very well. I had my 3rd dose of government funded at the public hospital. The following are the schedules of the balance of the doses for the year. Please continue to pray that the balance of the treatment will go well.

Schedules of Herceptin treatment:-

11 March 2009
1 April 2009
22 April 2009
13 May 2009
3 June 2009

Thank you all for your continual prayers and support. It is very much appreciated.

God Bless!

Love
Melissa, Stuart & family

New Year Update

Dear family and friends

Happy New Year!

Praise God! Melissa finally got transferred to the public system for the Herceptin treatment. She had her 7th dose last week. It went well except for the teeth problem that Melissa’s is now having. She started having a tooth ache end of November and went to see the dentist who could not find out anything wrong but the pain got worse and he think it could be a root canal. The root canal was done on the tooth but the pain got worse and escalates further to 4 teeth. Now the dentist still could not figure out what is wrong and think that it could be a sinuses problem as Melissa has a very bad hay fever. Seen the family doctor who thinks that it could be a nerve infection but she is still feeling the pain today and now the pain goes right up to her ear drum. Please continue to pray for this pain and discomfort to stop and healing to any infection on the gum, nerve and jaw.

It is such a relief not have to worry about fund raising anymore. Praise God! He always supplies. Through the past year, we wondered how we were going to complete this journey, where the funds were going to come from but we knew that God had a plan and would ultimately provide every cent required. It’s being challenging and difficult at times throughout this journey but we know that it is not over yet and we thank God that He is faithful! We do not know what the future will bring apart from the fact that God is faithful and has great plans for our family. Thank you all for all your prayers and support. We really appreciate all of you! It’s been wonderful the way God has brought many friends, family and acquaintances across our path just at the right time.


Love and Blessings
Stuart & Melissa

Fund update

Hi Family and Friends
The National government has approved the funding of Herceptin for the full 12 months, great news.
The structure is not currently in place to enable this to happen yet.Melissa's treatment yesterday was paid from the treatment fund looked after by our church.
We are waiting on information to enable us to claim back the last treatment fees.
When Melissa is moved into the public system and all has settled down, and all payments that can be claimed back, are claimed. We will be contacting those of you that have been so generous and contributed to the fund, as to what to do with any remaining funds.
We are very grateful to you all and know that some of you have made huge sacrifices to contribute.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask us, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
A few weeks ago We had a raffle to raise funds two gift baskets kindly donated by Regency duty free, thank you very much. one prize went to a HP staff member and one to a friend, hope you enjoy. the total raised was just over $1200.
Finally we would like to acknowledge God who is in control of our lives, who is our constant strength, has provided us with many wonderful friends and a great family.
Thank you all, we value you all very much, and appreciate your prayers and kind thoughts.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

God Bless

Stuart & Melissa

11 Dec update

Well a lot has happened in the past few weeks. We have a new Government, lots of things are changing. For us for the better Praise God.!
Finally the funding has been approved for Herceptin in NZ. We finally have a new Government that Kept its election promises! Other party's take note.

Well what it means for Melissa: From today the treatments are fully funded in the public system, or the drug cost is funded in the private system, other costs e.g. nursing, pvt hospital charges are not.

We have talked to our oncologist and he is currently working on getting us into the public system. Melissa will still be under the care of the private system but the bills get charged to the Ministry of Health until the public system is in place.

Melissa did an interview with both NZ Hearld and Central Leader on wednesday. Details as follows:-

NZ Herald Thursday 11 December 2008
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10547523

Please note that it is not accurate in terms of the statements:
"Now it would be up to the church what to do with the remaining money"

This is not correct the money was given for Melissa's cancer treatment and will be used for that purpose .
Being a trust fund there are certain rules and regulations that will need to be followed, we will have to look into what will happen to any remaining funds.

Also in the Central Leader Friday 12 December
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4789739a6016.html

So where do we find ourselves now, in a place where we no longer have to be concerned with where the remaining funds are going to come from. It is a great day and we are thankful to God and all of our supporters. We really appreciate your generosity and the many kind thoughts.
Please continue to pray for smooth treatments with no side effects. Melissa is currently having an issue with a root canal. Painful time over the past few weeks.

We are very thankful to God for his faithfulness. From the start of these treatments we always knew that HE had a plan and we should not worry as our God has promised to supply all our needs and much more. This has been a time of stretching and growing and learning to hold on to the only one we can truly trust to come through.

We are looking forward to completing the treatments in June and getting on with our lives, though we have a uniquely different view of life now and appreciate every day that God gives us. Every opportunity to touch others lives is special, a kind word, sharing a meal, meeting a need that you see, all are opportunities to be taken with enthusiasm and joy that you have a divine purpose and can make a difference in someone’s life.

You never know, that person might just need what you have to give.
A movie I saw once, said that changing the world was one random act of kindness at a time, there is some truth in that statement.

Again many thanks to all who have supported us. We look forward to your continued support, through the remainder of this journey.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a very Prosperous New Year!

Regards

Stuart

Update November

Well it's been an interesting month, the election, treatments, and some fun times.

We are all doing well, Melissa is well, Her hair is starting to grow back now, still some side effects from the treatments. But overall much improved.

We are waiting to see what is going to happen with the National government pledging to fund Herceptin. We currently have enough funding to carry the treatments through to mid feburary, so if the public funding is in place by then we will be very happy.
We have been encouraged by all of your support and generosity over the past few months. Please continue to pray that the side effects will stop, that Melissa will continue to recover quickly and that the funding will be made available as soon as possible.

We had a good weekend we went to MOTAT with some friends had a good look around, went in their space ship ride, the kids had a great time.

We are thankful to God that this journey is in his hands and we don't have to worry, which is hard to do sometimes. We know this whole year has had a purpose, to work out things in our lives. We have a great God who loves us and has amazing plans for our future. Sometimes when you say to God do anything in my life you want to, it can be dangerous he just might do exactly that! We are all looking forward to see what the future holds for us. And are looking forward to ending this chapter although it will go on for another 30 weeks of treatment at least.
Finally a big thank you to all of you our friends and family we couldn't have got this far without you all, Thank you so much for being there.

regards

Stuart

Update 3 down 11 to go

It’s been 10 months since the start of this journey. Looking back to those times when I was too sick and weak to even pray or do anything, I thank God that He supplied our needs. In the midst of all the pain and discomfort, I felt at peace knowing that our Father in heaven is carrying me through all this. I chose to lean on God’s grace which is truly sufficient and enabled me to carry on this journey. We are forever thankful to God and all the different people that he has brought into our lives. We are very blessed to have all of you supporting us through this time. We appreciate the help, kind thoughts, generosity and prayers of so many people. Many we don’t know very well, or have not seen for some time have been such an encouragement.

The last treatment went well, no problems, things are settling down now. About a week after the treatment, I seem to have a few days with some aches and the occasional ulcer but things are getting better. I am getting some other side effects with the hormone treatment though with hot flushes and sweat and not sleeping at night still. We are looking forward to getting back to normal life.

The children are getting used to school now, are enjoying new challenges, new friends. Though homework is a challenge but we are all getting used to the new routine.

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 31 brave Her2 positive women will be telling their stories – one for each day of the month. These are the 31 heroes the site is named after. I have written my story (listed at 14) also in this website and you may read about it at the following address:-
http://31heroes.co.nz/stories.php

News from Stuart

Well it’s been a busy few weeks. My new role at work has been busy, a bit of a learning curve. Quite a bit has changed since I was involved in the support area. I am starting to settle in the new position. It has been a bit hard on Melissa as I am not at home very much, I now work from the office most of the time.

We are going through these circumstances for some reason, we don’t know what God’s plan is in all this and we are looking forward to seeing what happens through this journey. We have learned that attitude is critical, also the words you speak are defining to your future. Have you heard the saying you are what you speak.
The words that come out of your mouth, you are more likely to believe. It has been very important to us to keep speaking positive confessions. That we are going to get through the circumstances and be much better than we have been in the past. We have learned a lot through this time of trial and we are now better equipped to succeed in anything we do in future. God is on our side and we can’t fail. We are running a race and will make it all the way to the finish. The future is very bright for us. We have seen many people who give up, have bad situations and don’t understand that it is ok to be happy and confident in the future and not to be consumed by fear.

Fund update

This week the fund stands at $35,463.54 (including payment of $12,519.90), 64% of target. Praise God! Many thanks to all for your prayers, effort and generosity.

Have a blessed wonderful weekend!

Blessings
Stuart and Melissa

2 Down 12 to go

Well it has been an eventful few weeks the treatment is going well there have been some side effects the last couple of weeks.

The Children have settled in to school well and are enjoying the new environment, it was hard for us to make the move as we were very happy with the ACE home schooling program, but it is a time where Melissa's health is more important to look after. We all miss the home school group each week.

Many thanks to all of you for your support we really appreciate the kind thoughts and generosity.

On Saturday we went out to a Skip for life event at Westfield Albany thanks to Jacqueline Harrison for all the hard work and to the students from AUT for supporting this great cause.

Most of all we thank God for keeping us through all these circumstances He has been a great comfort, to know that He is in control and everything will work out. We have nothing to fear, God is for us and has a plan, it is to bless us and prosper us.

I have been increasingly noticing that there are many people who are dealing with sickness and have no real hope. It makes me glad that we have a God who we can rely on.

Two treatments are finished and twelve to go we are looking forward to the end of this whole journey and to getting back to normal life.
Thank you again for all your support it makes a big difference
.
Regards
Stuart

Update 1 Down 13 to go.

Dear family and friends

It has been a very busy couple of weeks for us. The girls started school and are settling very well and loving school even though they get very tired at the end of the day. We are missing each other at home.
I am feeling really weird coming to a quite home after dropping everybody at school and kindy. But it has been nice and given me a chance to catch up with things that I have not been able to do over the last 9 months. Time flies really quickly before I need to pick Josiah up from kindy at midday and then school in the afternoon. Then it gets really busy with the girls homework and dinner.
It has been really nice to have the 2 hours to spend with Josiah. He is learning to read and write now and is very excited and proud about his reading. Thanks Mum/Grandma for still visiting weekly and helping to pick Josiah and girls up from kindy and school which means I can have a day to enjoy and not have to rush to pick them up.
Stuart started in his new job role, providing phone support to computer engineers throughout New Zealand for all technical issues, which means he is not able to work from home as he used to except on the days when I am having my treatment. We are so blessed with the kindness shown towards us from the company for the last 9 months. This week he hasn’t been getting home till 7pm or later.

The 1st dose of herceptin went well. A very expensive drug going into my veins and I am so thankful to you all for all your prayers, efforts, kindness and generosity. You have all make a huge difference in our lives. Praise and Thank God the side effects are minimal. I am just aching all over my body and tired. Some days I get very weary and can’t wait for this long journey to finish. But I am learning to live just one day at a time. To ENJOY TODAY and GIVE GOD TOMORROW. Now that chemo is finished, my hair is starting to grow and not falling out and I am looking forward to not having to wear scarf or wig, hopefully soon in a few months time.
It is a new season we are living in and I know that all the pain, long suffering, endurance the past months have come to an end and there will be abundance of God’s blessings which is going to overflow. God is in control of the whole situation and His plan is perfect and will bring much fruitfulness in our lives and others too who have been faithfully walking with us in this journey.

Fund update

This week the fund stands at $30,985 (including payment of 1st dose Herceptin $4,854.10) 56% of target. Praise God!

Fundraising Events

Skip For Life Event

Please support the following events run by Skip For Life, which will help to contribute towards the fund. Skip For Life have contributed $1000 towards the 1st dose and will carry on as more funds become available. Thank you Jacqueline and team! So, if you are available, please show your support.

Skip For Life have set up a display at the Pt Chevalier Library for a "Melissa Appeal". It will be there for the next two weeks. So, if you are in the area, visit the library and support the appeal.

Pink 4 HER 2! : A Skip For Life Fundraiser

10- 1 pm Saturday 27 September

Pink 4 HER 2! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event Management Programme at Auckland University of Technology, University Pink 4 HER 2! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink 4 HER 2! Join Jackie Clarke (NZ Idol Judge, Jazz singer) and the Skip For Life crew in an fun filled event for all the family. This is guaranteed to be a fun family experience as well as educational. On your visit to Botany Downs, stop by, be entertained and support Skip For Life! This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with early HER2+ breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Pink Moves! Join The Movement: A Skip For Life Fundraiser

12- 3pm - Saturday 27 September

Pink Moves! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event Management Programme at Auckland University of Technology, University. Pink Moves! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink Moves! Music and Hip Hop with appearances from well known New Zealand artists. Also included: a fantastic skipping event with surprise celebrities Pink Moves! Is guaranteed to be a fun family experience as well as educational. On your visit to Westfield Albany stop by, be entertained and support Skip For Life! This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Pink Yourself! And Join The Challenge on Friday 26 September!

Pink Yourself! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event management Programme at Auckland University of Technology University. Pink Yourself! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink Yourself! challenges businesses in the Auckland Central Business District to encourage their staff members to wear pink on one day a year, Friday 26 September. This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Skip For Life is a charitable organisation formed to assist those in this group who choose to undergo a 12-month course of the drug Herceptin but who, because of its lack of state funding, must raise between $70,000 to $100,000 themselves. All money collected for Skip for Life goes directly to these women.

Our Challenge: To enlist organisations to participate in this important initiative. All organisations, if they desire, will be mentioned on our website and media material. We also encourage all firms who participate, to donate $20 to the Skip for Life on the $20 donation phone number 0900 4 HER 2.
For more information: http://www.skipforlife.org.nz

Please also check the website, http://www.skipforlife.org.nz there is merchandise available to purchase with profits going to Melissa’s treatment. When making purchases please mention it is for Melissa Murphy's fund.

Update 5 days to go

This week the fund still stands at $28,875, 52% of target. Praise God! We are over half way. Many thanks to all for your prayers, effort and generosity.

It has been a very busy week, exploring the different options of education for our children. After much prayer and seeking God as to the direction of our children’s education, we feel it is a new season in our lives and have God’s peace to put the girls to school. God has bought us to this point and can certainly look after the children at school. Once all of Melissa’s treatment has finished and she has recovered, we may review this.

Shannon started school on Tuesday and is already making a difference in her class, witnessing to her friends and inviting them to church. This morning, she asked me if she could use her piggy bank money to buy a bible for one of her friends who is interested to know more about Jesus. She is settling very well and loving school and making lots of friends. Both Gabrielle and Kimberly are settling well and loving school too. We are very happy that they are all enjoying school and already making a difference at their school.

The past few months have been very challenging and overwhelming for Melissa with the diagnosis, surgery and the ongoing treatment, being in and out of hospital. For health reasons she needs to rest up and recover and be able to look after the basic needs of the family and trust God to look after the rest.

Melissa will be starting her 1st dose of the private Herceptin treatment and the Tamoxifen treatment on Wednesday, 3rd September. We will have to pay $4,854.10 for this. Skip For Life have kindly offered to pay some of this (which is to be finalised) and the balance from the fund.

Fundraising Event

Skip For Life Event

Skip For Life have set up a display at the Pt Chevalier Library for a "Melissa Appeal". It will be there for the next two weeks. So, if you are in the area, visit the library and support the appeal.

Pink 4 HER 2! : A Skip For Life Fundraiser

10- 1 pm Saturday 27 September

Pink 4 HER 2! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event Management Programme at Auckland University of Technology, University Pink 4 HER 2! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink 4 HER 2! Join Jackie Clarke (NZ Idol Judge, Jazz singer) and the Skip For Life crew in an fun filled event for all the family. This is guaranteed to be a fun family experience as well as educational. On your visit to Botany Downs, stop by, be entertained and support Skip For Life! This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with early HER2+ breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Pink Moves! Join The Movement: A Skip For Life Fundraiser

12- 3pm - Saturday 27 September

Pink Moves! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event Management Programme at Auckland University of Technology, University. Pink Moves! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink Moves! Music and Hip Hop with appearances from well known New Zealand artists. Also included: a fantastic skipping event with surprise celebrities Pink Moves! Is guaranteed to be a fun family experience as well as educational. On your visit to Westfield Albany stop by, be entertained and support Skip For Life! This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Pink Yourself! And Join The Challenge on Friday 26 September!

Pink Yourself! is a student Event Production initiative from the Event management Programme at Auckland University of Technology University. Pink Yourself! aims to raise awareness for the charitable trust Skip for Life.

Pink Yourself! challenges businesses in the Auckland Central Business District to encourage their staff members to wear pink on one day a year, Friday 26 September. This appeal is to visibly highlight the needs of those suffering with breast cancer unable to afford a full course of Herceptin.

Skip For Life is a charitable organisation formed to assist those in this group who choose to undergo a 12-month course of the drug Herceptin but who, because of its lack of state funding, must raise between $70,000 to $100,000 themselves. All money collected for Skip for Life goes directly to these women.
Our Challenge: To enlist organisations to participate in this important initiative. All organisations, if they desire, will be mentioned on our website and media material. We also encourage all firms who participate, to donate $20 to the Skip for Life on the $20 donation phone number 0900 4 HER 2.
For more information: http://www.skipforlife.org.nz

Please also check the website, http://www.skipforlife.org.nz there is merchandise available to purchase with profits going to Melissa’s treatment..

Other Events

Please continue to check this blogsite for other fundraising efforts and details.

Love & Blessings
Stuart & Melissa

Fund update 1 1/2 weeks to go.

The fund now stands at $28,875, 52% of target. Praise God we are over half way. Many thanks to all for your efforts and generosity.

The past week has been filled with challenges and has been difficult. Josiah bought home some bugs which quickly spread to all of the other children. Melissa, due to her low immunity, and having just finished her last chemo, in close contact soon followed. Last Tuesday, 12 August she had a fever and as per instructions given by the doctor I called the hospital at about 11.30pm and was told to bring her in for a check up. After grandma arrived we were off to the hospital, later it was decided to keep her in for the night as she had a fever. Over the next few days there were several other infections and we kept hearing you can probably go home tomorrow, only to find that tomorrow took a long time to come. During this time Melissa was moved to the ward, as the hospital is full and she needed a single room, due to her low immunity, she had to sleep in the shower room , which was converted to a bedroom. It was a very humorous text I received that night. Then after a couple of days she was moved to the TV room. It’s so good to finally have her home, she arrived on Tuesday afternoon after spending 7 days in hospital. Special thanks to all those who have helped with meals, prayer and kind thoughts. Melissa is still recovering from her last chemo and the flu type viral infection that she caught last week. Please continue to pray for the spinning headaches to stop and for quick recovery before she starts her 1st dose of the private Herceptin , on 3 September.

Melissa had several opportunities to pray for people in the hospital. Having been through so much suffering and pain, we could not have made it this far, without the help of our heavenly father. Every day we thank him for the blessing of another day he created for us, everywhere we look we see amazing creations, great beauty.

This seemed to fit well from Joel Osteen:

“Everyone has times in life when they feel like they are going through the fire or perhaps feel overwhelmed with everyday life. If that’s you today, understand that God is going to bring you through those challenges; He’s going to bring you through the fire and the flood into a place of abundance. We serve a God of more than enough, and His heart is to always make sure you have whatever you need to be successful in every area of your life. The Bible says that Jesus came so that we can have life—abundant life! He wants you to have an abundance of resources, an abundance of wisdom, an abundance of peace—everything you need. Open your heart and thank Him for His goodness. Begin to receive His promises by faith. Remember, your praise opens the door for Him to move on your behalf, and He wants to take you to a place of abundance in every area of your life! “

Fundraising event

Encounter Christian Centre Garage Sale raised $1,000 towards the fund. Many thanks to Briar Hale for all your hard work, efforts and the many people who contributed towards the Garage Sale.

Skip for Life Merchandise

Please check the following link for purchase of T-shirts, necklaces, etc. When making any purchases, please state on the order that this purchase is for Melissa Murphy’s fund, so that any profit from these proceeds will go to her fund.

http://www.skipforlife.org.nz/merchandise.html

Update

Well it has been a difficult week, All the children have been sick, Melissa caught some of the bugs had a fever went to hospital. Now three days later Melissa is still there and has been told that that she may be able to come home on Sunday if the fever settles. The children are still sick, showing signs of improvement though, Grandma has been a great help staying and helping looking after the children.

Many thanks to those who have brought meals they have been a great help.

Through it all I have been asking God for help as we have some big decisions regarding the future to make. I am so glad that we serve a great God who does have everything in control, the things we have been going through have been huge in our lives and we are finding it quite hard.

Although the Pharmac decision is not the best one for us we have certainty that our God is the provider and he has already arranged all the funding necessary for Melissa's treatment we just have to trust Him who is able to do exceedingly more that we can imagine.

The future is certain for us, we serve a great God and he has great plans for our lives and we have certainty that the future holds great things for us.

The fund is slowly climbing another $1025 and we are at 50% many thanks to all those who have been so generous.

4 WEEKS TO GO

Well it has been an eventful week, God is still in control no matter what happens!

Praise God! This week was the last of the chemo treatments, we are so glad it is finally over. The first two treatments were the most difficult with Melissa having every side effect in the book and 14 days in hospital. After some intense prayer sessions and a bit more wisdom from the doctors in settling the medication, the last 4 cycles have been very good apart from some minor side effects. She is very tired though and we are praying that she will recover her energy soon.

We were optimistic that Pharmac might consider funding the 12 months of Herceptin. But as we prayed from the beginning, we only wanted God’s will to be done.

Although a bit dissappointed in Pharmacs decision we are excited that God has a better plan, he has already provided almost half of the funds required for Melissa’s treatment. The remaining funds required are on the way and we have faith that God is in control and has everything in hand.

We did an interview with TV1 News and it was broadcast yesterday at 6pm, 10.30pm and also at the 7.30 am breakfast show today. Please find below the link:

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1989925

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/410965/1986727

Please note that the interview took approx 20 minutes and the editor conveniently edited out the many references to God, family and friends, prayer, Christian family / supporters, etc.

Fund update

We haven’t been able to get an update on the account this week but as of 29 July 2008, the account stands at $24,540 44% of target. Thank you so much to all who have been contributing to the fund. We thank God for all your kindness and generosity.

Fundraising Events

Encounter Christian Centre Garage Sale
8am Saturday, 16th August 2008.
495 Rosebank Road, Avondale

Proceeds to Melissa’s Herceptin Fund and Missions work at Tanzania.

Items needed for donation: clothing, linen, furniture, bric-a- brac, books, etc. You may take all items to be donated to church at the above address between the 3rd and 15th August. More details, please email Briar Hale on briar@mac.com.

Please keep in mind our other fundraising efforts detailed earlier in this blog e.g. stickers, movie tickets, insurance, catering supplies, etc.

Regards
Stuart & Melissa

5 WEEKS TO GO

Well it has been a great week for the family. We just returned from holiday last Wednesday. We are very thankful to God for arranging the break at a great beach Oakura Bay not too far from Russell. We had great weather, sun and blue sky for most of the time. We spent lots of time going for walks around the rocks and along the beach.

Thank you to all those of you who have been contributing to the fund. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. It now stands at $24,540! 44% Praise God!

Thank you to Kim for organising the movie at Victory Christian Centre last Saturday. $1,015 was raised from the event! And special thanks to those who are organising fundraising events . We appreciate the effort you have put in.

It has been encouraging talking to some of you over the past week to know that you do read the updates and they are encouraging. We are thankful to God for all of you who are supporting us and praying for us.

Update from Melissa
Praise God! We serve a faithful God! Amen! God is an abundant God ! He is a more than enough God! We thank Him that He has already provided every single cent that is required for the treatment even though we do not see it all yet, it is on the way! We are so thankful to God for using so many people, who have been so kind and generous towards us.

We had the most wonderful holiday away at the beautiful beach house at Oakura Bay. It is great to not have to think of doing any housework or wanting to catch up with things that I have not been able to do the last seven months! We had so much fun as a family, enjoyed God’s creation and each other!

I was so blessed to be able to go to our church, Encounter Christian Centre, Expressions Women’s conference over the weekend. It has been such an encouraging,inspiring, uplifting conference. God’s presence and anointing was so strong during the conference. In every session God was touching me and reinforcing what I have learnt through Him the last seven months, since my diagnosis. God has taught me to choose to smile in every situation, to enjoy Today and give God tomorrow. It has been a very challenging few months but our faith in God has grown tremendously during this time. It has also brought our family closer. I can confidently look to the future and say Yes, “I smile at the future” (Prov 31:25). God is in control over the whole situation and He has great plans for me and my family! We’re so excited with what God has in store for us!

Hooray! I'm finally down to my last chemo session next week, 6 August 2008! Praise God! It has been so good not feeling sick and able to eat and taking care of my family. Please continue to pray for no side effects from this round of chemo.

Thank you so much to all of you who have been praying, supported and standing with us. You have all made a difference in our lives!

Fundraising Events
Encounter Christian Centre Garage Sale
8am Saturday, 16th August 2008.
495 Rosebank Road, Avondale

Proceeds to Melissa’s Herceptin Fund and Missions work at Tanzania.
Items needed for donation: clothing, linen, furniture, bric-a- brac, books, etc. You may take all items to be donated to church at the above address between the 3rd and 15th August. More details, please email Briar Hale on briar@mac.com.

Please keep in mind our other fundraising efforts detailed earlier in this blog e.g. stickers, movie tickets, insurance, catering supplies, etc.

Regards

Stuart

Update

Well the past week has been good. Melissa has only had some mouth ulcers to contend with.
The chemo went well today. She’s just tired and feeling a bit nauseous. Thank you to all those who have prayed and supported us.

Movie Tickets

Many thanks to those who have contributed to Melissa’s fundraising efforts; I have only talked to a few who joined us for the movie last Saturday and they all seemed to enjoy it. We still have movie tickets available for those who would like to help. We have Adults tickets at $20 and Child/Senior tickets at $15. If you would like any please contact Nigel – supportmelissa@gmail.com .
Tickets are valid for 1 year and can be used in any SkyCity or Rialto cinemas.

Computer

The computer donated by Hewlett Packard – we raised $1150. Thank you to all who put in an offer.

Fund update

Currently we are sitting at $ 19,640 - 35% of our target. Thank you to all of you who have given us ideas, helped fundraise, or contributed. If you have any more ideas or would like to run an event please let us know.
We are feeling quite tired and needing a break from all the busyness that is going on.
Tomorrow we leave for a weeks holiday. Please pray that the weather will be good so we can enjoy God’s creation.
We are constantly amazed at God’s goodness. He is our constant companion and it increasingly giving us more peace, more confidence that He is truly in control and this is a challenge we have already overcome. We just have to rest in Him and see his glory.

I am finding that my prayers are changing. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God hears my prayers the first time I ask Him. So I only ask once from then on I spend my time thanking Him for the answer he has already provided. God is awesome and on my side, He is for me, He has my best interests at heart and He has great plans for our lives. We can’t lose, God is on our side.

Regards

Stuart

Computer update

Hi Everyone

Thank you to all who have bid on the computer the current offer is now $1150. I will contact highest bidder tomorrow after 5.00pm.

Thank you to all who have put in an offer.

regards
Stuart

Update

Fund update

Well it has been a good week. Praise God! It started slow, wet and cold and improved from there. The fund for Melissa’s treatment has jumped to $19,140. Thank you to all who have contributed. It is very much appreciated. It is encouraging to see the funds climb. We know that God has already arranged the full amount required, but to see it come in like this is great. We are now close to 35%, only about another $8000 and we reach the half way mark.

Movie Tickets

The Movie Tickets are going well but we still have lots of tickets left (15 Adults and 33 children). If you are planning to come to the movie please note details: Saturday, 12 July St Lukes Cinema – 11.15am session (Narnia – Prince Caspian). We will be there at 10.30am if you need a ticket Adults $20, Children 15yrs and under $15 all proceeds to go to Melissa’s treatment. If you cannot make it tomorrow but would like to support Melissa this way, you may still purchase the tickets by contacting Nigel Shivas on email supportmelissa@gmail.com. Please note that these tickets are valid for a year and can be used for any movie, session in any Skycity / rialto cinema any where in the country.

Computer Auction

Closing date for offers extended to tuesday 15th July 5.00pm.
HP Pavilion Media Centre PC M8075a CURRENT OFFER IS $800, anyone else like to make an offer? The keyboard has been replaced with a usb keyboard. The wireless keyboard can be used with a purchase of a wireless mouse and receiver $124. This unit is still under warranty till 10 Sep 2008, an extended warranty can be purchased for $225 to take the warranty to 10 Sep 2010. This computer has been donated by Hewlett Packard and all the proceeds will go towards Melissa’s treatment.
To place an offer please email it to supportmelissa@gmail.com we will update total on site daily.

Family Holiday / 5th cycle Chemo

Great news! We are going on holiday, for a week, a get away to the beach. Please pray for fine weather and no complications from the chemo which is next Wednesday 16th July, then we are leaving after for a week away. It has been a challenging time since December. We are looking forward to having some time away, time to refocus on the Lord, time to play and laugh and be refreshed. Thanks to the Hanna family - Beach Escape (The Hanna family) supports Northland and Auckland families with cancer by providing approximately 10 families a year with a complimentary stay of up to a week in one of their two Northland beach houses during their off season (March-November).

Please keep up to date on the latest news by visiting this site regularly.

regards

Stuart

Computer update

Hi Everyone
I have has a few requests to extend the computer fundraiser to allow more time for people to evaluate and put in an offer.
So will move the date back to Tuesday 15th July at 5.00pm to allow a bit more time. Thanks to those who have already put in an offer.