31/05/2025
For the past year and a half I have been experiencing a strange flushing and blood pressure crash when exercising. In October 2024 I experienced three Cardiac episodes in which I was hospitalized with a suspected heart attack.
I was initially told by the Cardiologist that it was nothing to worry about and I would have to manage the worrying symptoms. After a few near misses with power tools at work, and one flushing incident where I nearly fell from a ladder off a scaffold, it was time to investigate further.
My dear old mum, upon her tireless research, found a thing called neuroendocrine neoplasm which matched the symptoms. On taking this to the doctor and after months of testing it has been confirmed. (I am in esteemed company with Aretha Franklin and Steve Jobs both having had NET’S.)
Whilst being a very challenging time it has also been a time of immense personal growth in appreciation of what we have, this life and the beautiful people in it.
It’s been pretty hard for me to share this news and to ask for help. However with mounting treatment costs and having been off work since Christmas it’s time to follow the old Jiujitsu code of knowing when to tap out, and in this case, ask for support. I’ve also had countless people ask how they can help us.
We can’t properly express what your donations mean to our family other than the deepest gratitude. Particularly as we know how hard these times are for all.
(Whilst we know that many will want to express their good wishes we just ask to be aware of time and place and how the accumulative effect of sharing may impact on us at an emotional time. Sometimes a hug can speak a thousand words.)
Arohanui.
