Outpatient Treatment has started
After just over 2 weeks at home off all chemotherapy, Ray has started his 1st round of outpatient treatment back in Brisbane this week.How we found out Ray had Leukaemia
Ray went in for a blood test for some bruising, a nose bleed and a couple of headaches. At the time we thought that there was nothing to worry about as some medication he was taking explained all of these symptoms.Less than 24 hours after his blood test he was called by the doctor, advising him to get to the emergency department ASAP for further testing because his platelets and white blood cell counts were extremely low.
Ray was at work, in Moranbah. During numerous phone calls over the next hour with haematology specialists at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Ray was told to get to Moranbah hospital where they transported him to the airport and Life Flight arranged for a private jet to pick him up and take him to Brisbane.
On arrival at the Royal Brisbane Hospital later that day, Ray was told that further testing on his bloods through the day had revealed that he is suffering from Leukaemia. He needed to start treatment that day. The cancer was aggressive and left untreated for even 24 to 48 more hours could have a very devastating outcome.
We were told that he would need to stay in hospital for at least the next month, to receive treatment and that he would need daily outpatient treatment after this initial phase for at least the next 6 to 8 months.
This means he will not be able to work for the foreseeable future.
Initially we were told that he may be able to receive his follow up treatment back home on the Sunshine Coast, but we have since been told, that because Ray's Leukaemia is rare (only 100 people diagnosed in Australia each year) that only 2 hospital's in Queensland provide the type of treatment he needs, and Brisbane is our closest option.
It's been just over 2 weeks now since Ray was diagnosed and he is doing well so far. We won't know until the end of the first month how he has responded to the treatment but the doctor's have said that all is looking good so far. Which we can only take as a good sign.
I’ve taken a stand against blood cancer.
On the 24th of February 2021, Ray, my wonderful husband and amazing father to our three gorgeous boys, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia, called Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia or APML for short.There is no known cause for APML and it can affect anyone at anytime. It is as simple as a 'glitch' between two chromosomes that occurs during the DNA replication process. It is a very aggressive blood cancer but if found and treated quickly and aggressively the prognosis is generally very good.
Ray is currently in hospital receiving treatment, where his doctors are hopeful that they started treatment early enough for a good outcome. They believe that he had only had APML for 4 to 6 weeks before his diagnosis. However he still has a long way to go.
After Ray's initial treatment in hospital he will be required to have at least 4 more rounds of daily treatment, as an outpatient, which can only be administered at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. This will mean that we will need to move to Brisbane during these treatment cycles. To do this the Leukaemia Foundation will help by providing accommodation for our family, to stay and support Ray, during this time.
This will cost the foundation approximately $560 per week, which over 4 months comes to just under $9000 for our family to stay together.
My amazing brothers and nephew, Tyson, Trenton and Ethan, have decided to shave their heads to help raise as much money as possible to support the Leukaemia Foundation and to try to help cover the costs of what the foundation will be spending on our accommodation.
Trenton and Ethan are very fond of their stylish dos, so this is a big deal for these two. However what I believe to be one of the most selfless acts is my baby brother, Tyson, shaving his head in support of Ray. He has been growing his hair for over 7 years. It is long and thick and he has been told many times over the years that he should just get a haircut. He said he never felt the need or had a reason to do so, until now.
This to me is such an amazing thing for him to do.
If you can donate to help raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation and to see my brothers and nephew shave their heads in support of Ray's journey, it would mean so much. We would love to be able to raise the whole $9000, but know it is a tough ask.
My Achievements
Congrats! You've hit your goal!
$80 raised - you've given a family a night of emergency accommodation!
You've covered genetic testing!
You've given a family a whole weeks accommodation near treatment
$1,000 raised - you've made a tube gene test with state-of-the-art-technology possible
You've covered 3 months of lab costs for vital blood cancer research
You've fund life changing research for 3 months
Thank you to my Supporters
$104.40
Karen Mendez (byrne)
$83.52
Wendell Weber
$40
Kahlee Lucy
you look absolutely stunning with short hair! All the best to you and your beautiful family xox
$104.40
Bubble ‘n’ Kick Swim School
You guys are amazing and we love you xx Brianna you are so brave and supportive, you are the Wonder Woman of Mums and we know your boys (big and little) are so lucky to have you. Ray make a speedy recovery we want to see you in the pool again soon xx
$83.52
Tara Toohey
You guys are amazing x
$55.33
Ri Banyard
$52.20
Jake Goldsworthy-cook
$100
Tys And B Hargreaves
$104.40
Brandt Dempster
Get well bod
$31.32
Byron Tik
Sending love
$20.88
Judy And Cyril Winen
Sending prayers to you all
$104.40
Matt Ellaway
$108.58
Anonymous
$100
Greg Tash Wilkinson
Best of luck for the treatment Ray our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family x
$55.33
Carmen And Tony
Thinking of you and your family
$80
Chrissy Wright
Sending love and best wishes for a speedy recovery x
$261
Michael Leask
Same as always ... anything you need, just ask.
$83.52
Glenn & Karen Page
$104.40
Scotty Barclay
All our love from the Barclays x
$208.80
Sean Byrne
Love you guys so much! Always here for you.
$20.88
Tegan And Wayne Beutel
Thinking of you Ray, Bri and the boys. We will be thinking of you all over the hard journey ahead.
$376
Ben & Kylie Curry
Im sure this 15K will be a great help. We are all behind you Ray. You got this mate
$55.33
Jenna D’annunzio
To my crockpot and her beautiful boys...may this small donation help to make all the difference in ensuring the continued health and happiness of your family💙💙 thinking of you all the way from Rochester, NY!!!!
$104.40
Dean Spilsbury
$80
Jaimie, Kane And Girls. Xx
All our love Brianna, Ray and boys.
$104.40
Alex Clark
Mr Page and family Stay strong you can beat this, sending my thoughts through these hard times. all the best and look forward to seeing you back at work soon
$104.40
Kathryn Lawson
We wish you luck and I really hope for the best x
$50
Paul And Louise Crangle
X
$104.40
Nat And Dale Xo
Sending love and strength to you all. You got this Ray!!
$500
Barpiccolo Pty Ltd (arran Spinks)
My love goes out to you
$104.40
Anonymous
$104.40
Leanne Leggett
Hurry back Ray. Best of luck with the journey ahead. Thinking of you all x
$208.80
Phil
Hurry back milkman.
$83.52
Yogi
$53
Karina Winen
Thinking of you all and praying that the treatment goes well xx
$52.20
Terry Markham
Thinking of you all Sending our love strength and prayers Love the Markham clan xxx🙏🌸❤️
$83.52
Anonymous
$104.40
Troy Barron
$104.40
Ellen Gosper
$83.52
Rebecca Topp
$10.44
Pauline
Sending Prayers and healing light your way
$55.33
Natalie Davis
$26.10
Karen Shirra
$156.60
Lincoln Ryall
Big hugs mate to you and your family
$20.88
Sally Adams
Thinking of you guys😍
$50
Lloyds
Sending all our prayers to help your family through this journey.
$515
John And Dianne Glover
Thinking of you all looking forward to catching up with you all love and best wishes uncle Johnny and Dianne
$55.33
Michael & Mikahlia Danks
Sending all the love in the world to you all xo
$55.33
Tiff Elgar
Sending all my love and best wishes!
$55.33
Moggy
Good luck and god bless you all
$55.33
Bec Wood
$31.32
Gail Yates
Sending lots of love and strength to you all.. xx
$104.40
Amanda Harris
Thinking of you and your family Pagey, get well soon mate
$104.40
Colin Sharon Walker
Stay strong Ray you have this mate all the best Big cuddles to you and your family From colin sharon
$55.33
Mark
$104.40
Mikhala Walker
Thinking of you and your family Pagey.
$80
Jade And Adam King
$250
Aaron Mcwaters
$55.33
Jessica Helsham
Sending all my love! U got this ray!
$104.40
Jasmin Johnstone
Thinking of you Ray ❤ You got this 👊
$100
Katie Maree Webb
❤
$104.40
Chloe Haynes
$208.80
Owen
Our thoughts are with you and your family Ray...
$104.40
Diane Kershaw
$104.40
Hannah Ellis
My heart goes out to you!
$83.52
Matt Harris
$41.76
Jason Osborne
$50
Carly Glazer
$31.32
Damo
$52.20
Luke & Jaz
$104.40
Gemma Hopes
Thinking of you all ❤️🙏
$26.10
Marg
$55.33
Gabrielle Wheeler
$104.40
Kirsty Mckavanagh
$10.44
Emiliano Maccaferri
$515
Luke Page
$100
Scott Greenhalgh
$53
Maria Grimes
Tell Carl he has to lose 10kgs as well as the hair!
$360
Terry And Zoe Lung
Stay strong Ray and Brianna. You guys can get through this.
$20.88
Loren And Rohan Shay
$31.32
Pauline Frater
$500
Kyren, Molly, Ryder And Hardy
Sending all our love, thoughts and prays to you all xx
$31.32
Goodwin George
$20.88
Xander Page
This money is to support you dad.
$208.80
Gj Horticultural Pty Ltd
Sending positive hugs
$83.52
Chris Chadderton
$104.40
Ange, Roman, Mason And Guy Shead
Wishing you the best success.
$31.32
Nathan Hahn
$104.40
Emma Courtney
$53
Pete & Tess Liston
$31.32
Rebecca Moldoveanu
$104.40
Kirsten Jordan
You got this Ray Ray. Thinking of you and your beautiful family.
$156.60
Gordon & Charlotte Yates
Hope this helps to get the hair off these guys xo
$55.33
Sonya Hall
I went to school with Ray, so very sorry and shocked reading the diagnosis. Thinking of you and your family.
$208.80
Anonymous
$10.44
Anonymous
$100
Megan Stokje
Sending all our love and support always ❤️
$52.20
Radar & Shell Attenborough
Thinking of you guys! You got this Pagey...kick it in the shins x
$104.40
Aramoana Ackroyd
$83.52
Anonymous
$208.80
Dylan Ford
Get well soon Ray!
$208.80
Tim Johnson
Thinking of you guys. All the best.
$100
Michelle Edwards
$104.40
Denielle Tearle
Get better Paigey!!
$55.33
Louise Pow
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
$104.40
Mel Kliese
My thoughts are with you and your family Ray through this difficult time. Looking forward to seeing you hit your fundraising goal!
$55.33
Dan & Becca
Much love to you both! It’s a horrible card that you’ve been dealt but you are strong and can beat this. Let us know if you need anything. We are more than happy to help.
$20.88
Kip Ebner
$208.80
Darlene And Adrian Stibbard
Thinking of you guys through this hard time. Being a cancer survivor myself we know that there will be tough times ahead. You’ve got this Ray. Keep strong mate x
$31.32
Marion Miosge
$52.20
Helen
Sending you love and strength. I know you guys are a great team and you will fight through this together. 😘
$50
Rod & Janelle Daniel
Sending lots of love to you all.
$104.40
Gerard &michelle
$100
Brendan & Kate Daniel
$20.88
Paula Garnsworthy
Go boys. You 3 are legends.. so heart-warming gesture.
$31.32
Jimmy Hoey
$31.32
Jodie Davies
All the very best, sending much love 🤗
$53
Warren Ashford
hes got this
$52.20
Anonymous
$31.32
Anonymous
Love you guys x
$52.20
Leia And Scott Lawson
We will fight this! Xxx
$104.40
Paul Ash
$104.40
Vaughan Moldre
Tons of love to you all Brianna.
$83.52
Marc Mallet
$104.40
Paul & Megan Stokje
Sending our support
$31.32
Sarah Wingfield
Love your brothers for doing this Bri. Can't wait to reach that $7,000 and see the new hair styles. XXXX
$50
Dean Wingfield
See you next week mate.
$10.44
Millie Wingfield
I hope this helps you reach your target Brianna. Love from Millie
$5
Harry Wingfield
I'm hoping Ray gets better soon.from Harry
$10.44
Coral Heathwood
Best wishes and I hope you feel better soon mate
$31.32
Jo Thorpe
Saw Rays story through Gordon & Charlotte Yates ( I’m charlottes UK bestie) Sending best wishes to you all on this tough journey xx
$20.88
Julie Miles
Thinking of you through this tough time.
$208.80
Steve Miles
$53
Matt Frisby
Absolutely devastating news for Ray, you and your family Stay positive Our thoughts are with your family During this shocking time Frisby Family
$83.52
Healthy Impact (scott Baines)
Hope this helps. Naomi, Scott, & Jono
$55.33
Isaac Eadie
$26.10
Naydeen Soward
A struggle ahead, but you are tough people with lots of love surrounding you.
$20
Salene
Lots of love to you all!
$208.80
Stu & Lyn
Love always to you all. Xx
$104.40
Carl And Louise Fox
Thinking of you Ray, Brianna and gorgeous kids. xxoo
$200
Dwayne
$31.32
Lelia Mathewson
I’m a friend of Trenton and Nikki and I have a rare blood cancer as well, though mine is controlled at the moment. Wishing you all the very best and willing you to get better soon. Lelia
$104.40
William Dennison
Wishing you a speedy recovery Ray, here if you need anything!!
$31.32
Kathryn Taylor
Sending lots of love to you all!!
$80
The Dukesons
Good luck with Ray's treatment. We hope he has good outcome.
$10.44
Tamika
From cousin to cousin, it’s not much but I hope it will help x
$104.40
Kerrie & Brett Miller
❤️ Thinking of your family and wishing you all the best. Brett & Kerrie Miller
$52.20
Carly Tunney
$20.88
Blake Strike
All the best to you and Ray. 💙💙 Show that cancer whos boss! 🖖🏼🖖🏼
$104.40
Gail Page
$5.22
Olly Sellars
$100
Sarah Hingst
$55.33
Sara
So sorry to hear this news Brianna! Sending your beautiful family lots of love and support to get through this battle and strength in the healing process Xx
$208.80
Sonja Harreman
Sending love and strength to your beautiful family ❤️ Praying for a speedy and full recovery ❤️ Stay strong Ray!
$340
Stewart Yates
$31.32
Vanessa Adamson
Sending your gorgeous family strength and love. Ray you are an absolute legend.
$10.44
Sally And Eki Ryhanen
$31.32
Christine Curry
A true gentleman x
$83.52
Tom Sibbons
$500
Jack And Ros
THINKING OF YOU ALL WITH MUCH LOVE AND HUGS. HERE ALWAYS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
$31.32
Janelle Kesarlal
Big big bone crunching hugs to you all xxx
$83.52
Margaret💞 Johnson
$104.40
Brown Clan
Love, hugs and heaps of support. Stay strong family. 😘
$208.80
Anonymous
Praying for the very best outcome for Ray and the strength you all need to get there.
$83.52
Scooby Sanson
Sorry to hear the bad news Brianna... all the best to you all... he's a tough bloke and he will beat this. Thinking of you Ray
$208.80
Carly Heathwood
$104.40
Trenton Ebner
We wanna see Tys shave his head so let's get to $7000 and raise some money for the Leukaemia foundation as well.
$104.40
Nikki Ebner
Let's get the $7000 so we can see Tys shave his head too.
$261
Love the support you have around you. Speaks volumes. All the best in this journey you must undertake ❤