Hi.
This is the story of how life can change too fast. From Asian beaches to Irish chemo wards, we document it here.
This is the story of how life can change too fast. From Asian beaches to Irish chemo wards, we document it here.
March 19th 2019
After a short hospital stay and many scans, Professor Crown has deemed that any more immunotherapy would be more damaging to her liver than helpful. He has offered third line chemotherapy, but the success rate is unproven and Rebecca doesn’t want to go through the trauma of chemo any more. She has decided to decline further treatment and travel to Florida to spend time with family.
Dec 27th 2018
Rebecca has moved to St.Vincent’s Hospital in Ballsbridge. Through some fortunate family connections, she has been taken under the care of Professor John Crown. This doctor and health advocate has lobbied the Irish parliament for greater access to cutting edge drugs for cancer patients. We are very hopeful his tenacity and knowledge will contribute to Rebecca’s recovery.
Chemotherapy
Session 1 @ St.Luke’s - October 2, 3, 4
Session 2 @ St.Luke’s - October 23, 24, 25
Session 3 @ St. James’ - November 22, 23
Session 4 @ St.James’ - December 12, 13
Session 5 @ St.Vincents’ - Jan 7, 8, 9 2019
External Radiation Therapy @ St.Luke’s
23 sessions from Oct 1 - Oct 25th
Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
Session 1 @ St.Lukes - November 1st, being admitted Oct 31st
Session 2 @ St.Luke’s - November 5th, being admitted Nov 4th
Session 3 @ St.Luke’s - November 12th, being admitted Nov 11th
Immunotherapy - Keytruda/Pembro
2 Sessions @St.Vincent’s in Ballsbridge. February and March 2019
What she has
Rebecca’s medical care is almost completely covered by her public health insurance. She has been approved for a medical card which will cover medicines and more.
She was signed off work and will be moving out of her shared flat into a place in Rathmines that has been kindly donated by a family member.
What she wants
To be honest, not much.
The activities that are making her happy are self-care treatments like reflexology, acupuncture, manicures and anywhere she can get a bath!
Jessica: Oct 10th - Nov 10th
Mary: Nov 8th - Jan 9th
Donal: Nov 29th - Dec 15th
Jessica: Dec 17th - Jan 9th
Pre-Christmas drinks in town
Gina and Matt’s wedding in Rathmullan, Co. Donegal
Dublin with shorter hair
At the Giant’s causeway
The support, and love she has received from family and friends has been incredible. Somedays she feels quite overwhelmed by the generosity and genuine goodness of people.
She could not be in a better place than Dublin right now, or propped up by so many wonderful people. Thank you all for reading this and sending your hopes, prayers and hugs.