Terminal cancer not holding Sue back from showing gratitude

Multiple myloma patient Sue Ford in Waikato Hospital having stem cells harvested for her stem cell transplant next month. Photo / Supplied

I’m taking some credit for this story about Sue Gunn, who is living with terminal cancer. The truth is, this amazing woman wrote much of her own story as a follow-up to her incredible story published in May last year.

Then we learnt that Sue had multiple myeloma - an incurable cancer that was debilitating for the then-65-year-old and would, possibly in a short time, be fatal.

We heard of how the former health worker was ‘caught short’ by the disease, and the cost, physically, emotionally and financially, it was having on her and her husband Steve. But we mainly heard how humbled by and grateful Sue was for the people who had rallied to support the couple and were looking after them.

Sue would probably admit she didn’t expect to see 2023, but she had some hopeful news last year and doesn’t plan to leave us anytime soon.

And, once again, she wants to share her gratitude in her continuing cancer battle.

Sue is a real multiple myeloma warrior. Along with weekly chemotherapy treatment, steroids, 15 tablets a day, weekly blood tests and many hospital appointments, she still manages to think of ways she can give back for the help she has received.

The Cancer Society is at the top of her list. They still continue to help with meals and support, and a recent stay at the Lions Lodge in Hamilton reiterated the great support they give to cancer patients.

The Cancer Society receives no Government funding and is struggling a bit at the moment, due to their donations being low.

So, despite the fact she recently spent two weeks in hospital preparing for major treatment, Sue is organising a garage sale, with all profits going to the Cancer Society.

And she asks anyone who would like to support her cause to pitch in.

If you have anything you would like to donate, Sue would love to hear from you.

The garage sale is on Saturday, January 21 from 8am at 123 Te Tomo St.

She says your attendance and/or donation would be very much appreciated.

“One never knows when any of us may need the Cancer Society,” she says.

Last month, Sue went to Waikato Hospital for a two-week stint to retrieve or harvest stem cells to be frozen for her stem cell transplant, which will take place on February 4.

A high dose of chemo is given before the harvest, which has left Sue without hair.

The cells are run through a separator machine, and it can take one to three days to collect the required amount of cells.

Former health care worker Sue Gunn, pictured in may last year, is now on the receiving end as she lives with multiple myeloma - a terminal blood cancer. Photo / Dean Taylor

Stem cell growth factors are given daily for five days, via an injection into the stomach.

These cause a lot of bone pain - but the more pain, the more cells.

Sue managed to finish the process in six hours, with 4.7 million cells retrieved. The cells were then frozen, ready for transplant day.

She says it all sounds relatively easy, but the process involved is long and complex.

There is lot of preparation and a lot of after-care, not to mention the necessary three to four weeks in hospital.

“The happy and successful outcome will be extra time on this Earth,” says Sue.

Sue was diagnosed with late-stage multiple myeloma. Early-stage myeloma (smouldering) can be in your body for years before being diagnosed.

Multiple myeloma basically means there are many other lesions and tumours present in the body.

Sue has these tumours in the skull, arms, ribs, collarbone and spine, but most of her pain stems from the T1 neck fracture caused by myeloma, which unfortunately cannot be medically repaired.

This fracture causes other small problems with balance, but mainly creates constant discomfort.

Sue’s haematologist has informed her that she should get an extra 12 to 24 months of life after the transplant.

Unfortunately, the disease is incurable, and while it may go off and ‘sleep’ for a while, it will always return.

Sue’s positive she will be around for a lot longer. She says she is a strong old girl.

And once again, she wants to credit those who have helped her on her cancer journey - including me for bringing her story to light, the Cancer Society, voluntary driver Doreen, Waikato Hospital nurses and doctors, especially Dr Vidya, clinical nurse Jo, stem cell nurse Robyn, cancer psychologist Jenny and all the wonderful friends and family that support her.

If you have anything you could donate for the garage sale, Sue would be most grateful. She can be contacted on 027 535 6498.