I feel lucky to ride this Tour of NZ as part of the Unicorn Foundation fundraising to bring PRRT treatment for neuroendocrine tumors to NZ.
In 2014 I was diagnosed with a primary neuroendocrine tumour in my Ileum with 27 secondaries spread throughout all my liver - the tumors are affectionately called the fockers.
The liver specialist said he couldnt operate and I needed to start my bucket list now.
I replied I couldn't as I'd been given 6 weeks to move out for earthquake repairs. I said I'd stay well until 2015 so I could ride the Alp d'Huez.
I researched the literature and learnt about PRRT treatment that was extending NET patient's lives around the world. I was lucky friends and the school I worked at fundraised so I could have 5 PRRT treatments in 2014/ 2015. As you can see from the photo I rode the Alps in 2015.
Thanks to the treatment I had 3 years and 3 months in remission. I was able to teach during this time plus continue being active and living a full life.
Read more about my NETs story here:
https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/news/real-life/inspirational-teacher-4595
In August last year I returned to France and cycled from Geneva to Nice, via the French Alps.
The Climbs I did
Iseran
Bonette
Izoard
Colombiere
Aravis
Roseland
Saises
Vars
Mont Cenis
Montgenevre
Pre
Eze
Turini
St Pancrace
Gets
Picture is on the Col de Bonet- 23km up hill. The last 13km is agradient of 13 % and its the highest paved road in Europe!
Shortly after my trip to France , my 3 monthly CT scan showed some of the fockers were becoming active again. Because the fundraising covered all my initial treatments I can now use savings to pay for my second fight for life vs the fockers.
I had the first treatment in Melbourne on 26th February and the next is the 30th April- perfect timing to do the Tour.
I'm proof PRRT works and feel privileged to be able to fundraise for the Unicorn Foundation and give others the opportunities I've had.
Thanks to the fockers I have met a lot of very special people from the nurses, specialists, others with NET cancer etc plus had lots of very special occasions with friends and colleagues. Sure I have the ocasional "Pity Party" but soon get over myself because there have certainly been way more good than bad experiences since the fockers have come into my life. The Tour is another such experience to add to this list.
Please support me on the Tour of NZ and donate to Unicorn Foundation NZ.