About Jared
[Updated] I am a 32 year old guy living in Auckland, NZ. In 2008, the day before my birthday I was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the bowel. Starting January 2009 I underwent a chemotherapy regimen which was supposed to increase the chances of my survival at 5 years from 20% to 40%. The odds weren’t great, but I fought them. My wife, Hannah and I, journey through this together, and whether I make 5 years or 50 years, life still has a lot to offer, and God still has the world in his hands.
In October 2009, I had a follow up CT scan which shows that the cancer has returned, and done so aggressively (Oncology Update 2.0). December 2009 marks the beginning of more chemotherapy, but this time the goal isn’t cure, it is to extend my life as long as possible. My blog has now taken on the roll of documenting this journey, and invites those who want to journey with me to join me as I engage with issues of life, death, and God.
After school I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biomedical Science, followed by a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science and then working in that respective industry for 1 year full time, and a further 3 years part time. After the first year of work, I changed the direction my life was taking and entered medical school. I have now completed all 6 years of medical school, with a 1 year hiatus in 2009. I am currently working as a Doctor at Auckland City Hospital.
In ten years time… I wanna be a surgeon…
Leave a comment
Flickr Photos
The Boredom Blog 
This Jared will be a very amusing blog! And Informative too, but I can imagine with all the time on your hands you are going to have some very amusing thoughts lol!!! Can’t wait to keep reading it!
Sandie!
p.s You already a surgeon of food! hee hee…
Heya Mate, good luck getting better. My brother-in-law had same thing for the last year or so, they had to cut most of his bowel out. Hes just turned 30 now and is clean. Unfortunatly he carries the same gene as my husband and about half the family which means they all have an 80% chance of getting cancer, usually by the age of 40. Some things you just live with.
I just wanted to let you know that you arnt the only one, and our thoughts are with you buddy. Wish you well getting better 🙂
What a terrible post (no offence Liz but maybe you’ll realise one day)….Jared I wish I could meet you mate as you are an absolute legend…..keep on living mate as long as possible mate…….I’ll email you for a coffee this time next year).
Hi Jared
Big hugs to you my friend! I haven’t been on facebook lately so I’ve just been updated. Will keep a keen eye on your updates! You take care of yourself and may God bless both you and Hannah greatly.
Lots love
Penny
Hey Jarod, remember me!! Good times at Rangeview Intermediate huh!
Just wanted to say good luck with everything, my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma about 3 years ago and that was rough but we got through it together and it’s made us even stronger coz you realise just how much love you have for that person when there is a chance you might lose them. Ever since then, I have tried not to take life for granted.
You sound strong and courageous and I wish you and your wife nothing but the absolute best!!
Take care,
Janna
Hey Janna,
Of course I remember you! 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement. I always find it nice to hear survival stories, and also just to hear that other people can understand what you go through. I hope you and Glen are doing well, and continue to do well in the future. 🙂
Hey dude, just wanted to say good luck and of course HAPPY NEW YEAR for 2010. Have been keeping up do date on your blog, I check in from time to time to see how your doing. One of my close friends was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumor. She is staying positive and trying natural therapies. It’s hard to talk to her when I just keep crying and feeling so sad. I have to remain upbeat for her though I know, it’s just unfair, she’s so amazing.
Anywho – thought I would see how your feeling! I suppose it would be hard NOT to remember me considering how much crap you gave me in school – I was a bit of a dork with my huge schoolbag any my “sticker fetish” and poor Mr Laurent (is that his name) who didn’t know what to do with us girls. Ah good times, I’ll bet you remember my friend Amie too, how funny you guys were!
Take care trooper and I’ll be sending you lots of good luck wishes your way. Glen and I are moving back to NZ soon, it would be cool to catch up maybe in the future. Who knows, maybe there will be a Rangeview School reunion someday!
Janna
Hi Jared
Fiona here, Kelsey Crescent days.
Although we have been praying for you, I only last night made the connection I knew you!
I am nursing still, giving the cervical cancer injections to school girls mainly. Married nearly 2 years ago. Still at GCC.
Thanks for sharing your journey. It must inspire many!
God bless
Hi Jared,
This morning I read all your entries and am in total awe of you…I cried heaps and smiled as you drew the picture of your life in graphic detail….I felt so honoured to have come across (by accident indirectly ha ha) this wonderful young man with a spirit and courage that is inspirational.
I concur with each and every word of wisdom you illustrated so so beautifully. Your wisdom is something I totally relate to and hope that through your blog that many others will experience the same illumination.
I know a young friend of my daughters that is actually working in the prison system (clinical psychology) and I was hoping to be able to pass on your blog to her…if you agree???
I think it could be inspiring to her and maybe some of the rather lost souls she comes into contact with…what do you think?
In admiration….Wendy
Hi there,
Thanks for your comments. I’m more than happy for you to pass on the address of this blog to whoever you would like.
Regards,
Jared.
Hi Jared
The latest research into DCA is very promising – it’s now also being investigated by NZ Ministry of Health.
This is being extensively done in Canada, and at University of Alberta. It is believed to be very effective; though actual dose is still in question to minimise side-effects (about 5mg/kg per day or 3 seems ok).
http://www.medicorcancer.com/dca-data.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Dichloroacetic_acid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichloroacetic_acid
http://www.depmed.ualberta.ca/dca/
http://www.thedcasite.com
http://www.buydca.com
Take Care,
Chris
Hi my name is Lynnette from Napier. I will check this blog some time. I’m a believer, I heard your story on Rhema.
I feel sad that this has happened to you and your family.
You had such a bright future planned. I am not so scared of cancer but fear some of the ways to treat cancer.
There are alot of things that cause sickness and cancer as you know. I believe there is alot you can do to turn it around and slow its growth.
One important thing is not to have any processed sugar at all. like the ginger beer bug, cancer grows with sugar. Also stay off meat. It is hard to digest also much chemicals etc. It is wiser not to microware food as well.
Fasting is a good way to deal with most illnesses as not only does the body get a rest that it needs to heal, but also the large amount of water that one can drink at this time will start to rid the body of a build up of toxic waste.
Lemons are also abig help with cancer and tumors. But be careful to drink much water to protect the kidneys. There are alot of products on the market that help if you want to try the herbal way.
Best wishes. I wish you well.
Sir, does your wife have a blog? As the wife of someone whose cancer is in remission and who is always worried it will come back – scan every 90 days – , I’d be interested in reading how she has been coping with your illness.
Thanks – Jolene
Unfortunately she doesn’t, but she has thought about writing to mine. I’m sure that within the next few weeks there will be something from her.
Hey Jared & Hannah,
this is your old travel agent here….
I just herd you talking on Rheema, wow Jared you are amazing I am in awe of your strength.
As I say to my babies… The lord he will keep you safe in his wings
God Bless you both in Jesus name amen
x
Hi there!! Thanks for the message, did you hear me recently, the interview was originally done in november last year, perhaps they are repeating it!! 🙂 I think they repeated it over the Christmas break as well.
Jared.
Good Morning Jared,
Have just watched an interview with you on Shine TV and was most moved by your fortitude and inner strength at this time in your life when so much of the news is not good for you. My heart goes out to Hannah also as, just as you so rightly talk about, this journey is hers also. What a blessing God has given you in her, for this time in your life.
In 1993 my husband had a malignant melanoma removed from his back and by 1996 it had metastisised, resulting in further surgeries and approximately 2 months in
hospital (in total) from complications, etc. After this time, he was told by the specialist there was nothing else they could do for him and to “Go and have a happy life” for the rest of it. We were devastated but, like you, my husband never questioned God and placed his life totally in His hands, seeking prayer from the church elders, as set out in James.
Subsequently, when his strength returned he resumed his normal day-to-day life, that of a builder, and we embarked on a sodium-free diet, (no preservatives, salt, meat, sausages, bacon, ham, fizzy drinks, etc) and plenty of fruit, vegetables, and wholemeal products, to put it very simply. Doing this gave us some feeling of control over our lives again as, when one is in a situation such as yours, one feels that all control is gone and a feeling of helplessness can set in. To date, (14 years down the track) he has not had any further recurrences at all and several body scans have confirmed that all is clear. He still is required to have an annual check-up. My purpose for telling you his story is to encourage you both at this time as when I was faced with a similar scenario, I craved ‘positive’ input into my life as the spouse.
God bless you, Jared, for the wonderful message about life you are putting out there and the inspiration you must be to so many because of the opportunities this experience with cancer has given to you. Never give up ‘Hope’ as the wonderful thing about the Christian life is not only the ‘Faith’ and ‘Love’ bit but also the ‘Hope’ which we can apply now whilst here on earth.
You will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers and we will keep up-to-date through your website.
Dawne (a Shine viewer)
Hi Jared,
I saw you on Shine TV yesterday and was touched and inspired by what you shared. Thank you for your message of hope and courage. My prayers for you and Hannah.
Joanne
Thank you everybody for your comments so far. Its hard to reply to each one individually, but I appreciate the feed back that people are giving me. I encourage people to subscribe to this blog if you want to stay in touch or up to date.
Blessings,
Jared.
Hi Jared! One of my prayer warriors in NZ was able to watched u in SHINE TV and she thought of me as she watched you, as I too is a doctor, I believe you would be one of my colleagues.. 🙂 By faith!!! 🙂 btw, Im COR, im also young…:) 30 years old, from the Philippines..
..I too, was recently diagnosed with INVASIVE DUCTAL CA (breast CA) stage 4..which metastasized to the lung, liver and bones..
March 2010, I found out i got Lump on my breast it was around 2.2 cm by UTZ..but I thought it was just benign so I didn’t bother about it.. Until..December, when I was in the US for vacation, I noticed it got bigger…there was also a pain on my sternal area.. but I still did not bother …:)
When I got home, January 2010, I was lead by the LORD to have workups done..Cone needle bopsy was initially done..and the result was INVASIVE DUCTAL CA stage 2..however, a 2 days prior to that God gave me HIs comfort…He gave me Isaiah 14:3 and 24..so by the time I got the result, i was calm, collected and comforted by GOD.. I cried but there was so much comfort from GOD.. thats what MATTERED! 🙂
Then metastatic workups were done, and in a week’s time. I was elevated to STAGE 4! PRAISE GOD! SINCE that day, I was given JOY …there were never tears shed anymore because the JOy of the LORD became my strength! 🙂 His supernatural strength sustains me!!!
I started my chemo February 2010..and even that, was a miracle! there never was a bout of vomiting, nausea, nor any loss of appetite thereafter..I even gained weight.. 🙂
Even when my long hair started to fall, since for women, its considered crowning glory, but God told me that HIS crowning GLORY would be enough for me.. and I was in joyful spirit!!!
Big C for me is not cancer anymore! it only means BIG CHRIST in us!!! Because of HIS stripes we were healed..! WE are not trying to get healed, but we are already healed in JESUS name!!! 🙂 Healing is the bread of GOD’s children, and because we are HIS children, then we have the right in that healing..
MEdical tests say, stage 4…or advanced disease …but it only means, advanced stage of FAITH!!!! 🙂 for the purpose of giving HIS name GLORY! as HE said, “HOw should MY NAME be profaned? For I will NOt GIVE MY GLORY to another. Isaiah 48:11
Medicine may say, only palliative…but GOD HIS ways! 🙂 WHat’s important is what we believe… and we believe in the WORDS of GOD that supersedes the words of men! 🙂
I am actually excited on this journey like yours…because I know greater things for GOD is at hand! 🙂 Everyday is like a gift… we open it ! and be excited about it..what God HIMSELF has prepared for us…THE KING’s CHILDREN.. 🙂
Godbless and may a lot of peole be blessed through our journey…
To GOD be the GLORY!!! 🙂 The battle has been won years ago! 🙂
IN CHRIST,
COR
Hi Jared,
I heard a bit of your interview on Rhema today. My husband died of invasive cancer only 4 months after diagnosis, aged 43. I just want to encourage you and your wife that if/when the time comes, God has a special care for widows. (That sounds really blunt and tactless, but you did mention that it is hard to think of not being there for your wife.)
There are many references in the bible to the provisions He made for widows, and the blessings people receive when they bless the widow (and the fatherless and the alien). It is hard, and sad, but God will bring you through, with peace, and hope, and even joy. I cant find the words to express the many times when He would comfort me, lifted me up when I was down, and provided all our needs. He is good.
When there is no-one else He is always there.
So, do not have concern for the future, God has it safe in His hands!
with love, Jan
Hi Jan,
Thanks for your feedback and encouragement. Its always sad to hear about another cancer victim, but encouraging to hear God working through the situation. I pray He will continue to be a reality in your life.
Hi Jared,
I attended your talk at GCC a couple of months back and was inspired by the courage you showed in what must be an extremely testing time for you and your wife.
Was thinking of you last night and it occurred to me that there’s a conference coming up in late August called Manifest Presence. You may have heard of it. http://www.manifestpresence.org/
I went last year and learnt so much about the nature of God and His goodness. Among other things I also saw a lot of people get healed on one of the nights. Bill Johnson Senior Pastor of Bethel Church is the key speaker.
I lost a friend to cancer a few years back and we prayed for him with as much faith as we could muster and nothing happened. Regardless, I still believe Jesus heals today even if it’s terminal cancer. The reason I thought of you is I remember last year when I was weighing up on whether to go to the conference, I read a testimony from the previous years conference (2008). I wish they still had it on their website but from what I can remember it was from a middle aged lady who was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and she spoke of how after receiving prayer she was completely healed with all her scans showing zero signs of cancer.
From what I can read in your blog it sounds like you’re pretty busy with studies but if you can find the time to go or make it to one of the nights at least then you never know. Will keep praying for you.
God Bless
Craig
Hey there,
Thanks for your comment. I have put the conference into my diary. At this stage it will be hard to gauge whether or not I will make it, but it’s certainly under my consideration, and I’ll try to get to some fo the sessions. Thanks for let me know about it.
Hey Jared,
I just found out this morning that the conference has completely sold out.
You can still get along to the night sessions that start at 7pm (from memory cost is $20 per session). They can’t guarentee they’ll be seating for everyone but last year I managed to get in on all three nights. It’s well worth it, I’ll try and get along to at least one of the nights this year.
Hope you have a great week.
God Bless,
Craig
Hi Jared,
My aunt (Jenny Crawford) meet your mother going to some kind of hospital meeting a few days ago and told me about your blog. I’m 29 year old female recently diagnosed with bowel cancer. Similar prognosis to you – mets in lymph nodes and liver.
I appreciated reading about your pragmatic approach to life with cancer and death. I’m not overtly religious but I respect the deep faith you have maintained.
All the best for maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible.
I’m on an altered regime to keep rocking it (so to speak) for as long as possible. Oxaliplatin and 5fu every 3 weeks for 3 rounds, then 5fu every 3 weeks for 3 weeks. The plan is to stay on the regime and keep going indefinitely. I’m also exploring monoclonal antibodies through either the Avastin drug or from KRAS testing. This is on the private system with Avastin being uber expensive and the drugs from the KRAS being more affordable. I’m sure you’re well aware of all the options, but I thought I’d mention them as i haven’t read about them on your blog.
Anyway keep up the blogging – have a good christmas and new years.
All the best,
Claire
Howdy. Through a rather unique set of circumstances I
happened to stumble upon your blog, and just wanted to say that you
are one inspirational dude – keep up the good fight and have a
cracking 2011!
Jared, I admire your enthusiastic attitude toward life! And am inspired by your on-going quest in life. I was a biology major at undergrad. Then changed gear and got a Master’s in Accountancy. Went on to become a CPA and worked with 2 of the 4 biggest CPA firms in the world. After almost 9 years, I had a change of heart again and decided to pursue a life providing positive memories for people, i.e., being a photographer. All of this is nothing compared to what you have accomplished, under the given condition.
Look forward to your continual journal. Just remember, somewhere in the world, there are people cheering for you!
Jean
Thank you for your kind words! Might I ask how you came about to my blog? I notice you are half way round the world 🙂
You’re welcome, Jared!
One of your posts (the one on photography of a baby) showed up in http://en.wordpress.com/tag/photography/. I guess you used “photography” as one of the tags. So I followed it here. 🙂
Hey my name is landon, im a actully just a freshman in highschool in north carolina who got bored doing a project on megan fox. i happened to stumble acrosse your blog and i just want to say i think this is cool and i hope you get well and make to your goal as a surgeon.
*across, that was dumb
Jared your mother told me about your journey today and shared your website address while we were at Auntie Daphnes funeral.I will read it over the next few days as one of my admin team is going through a year of Chemo and it will allow me to understand a little of what happens next. The funeral was a great celebration of Auntie Daphnes life and all of the nieces and nephews did a great job. Bless you and I look forward to reading more.
I went to Easter Camp this last weekend and hearing you speak was amazing for me. My dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and passed away in November last year. A lot of the things you brought up were things I needed so much to hear. Thank you for your courage and your vulnerability.
Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad I was able to help you process what is a pretty crappy time. 🙂
Hey Jared 🙂
I loved your message at easter camp so much I brought the disk of it. If you provide me with your email address I could email it to you? I have also put it on youtube, as I thought it was an incredible message that I wanted more of my friends to hear. If this bothers you, just say and I will take it down. Here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6zNMA7ZSqI is the link to that 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with this. Honestly, you have really inspired me and helped me to clarify where I am with God, and where I am heading. I just wanted to say thank you so much, and I am praying for you. You truly inspire me.
Thanks. Kristen
Hey, Thanks for that. I’m still waiting to get a copy of it myself as well! 🙂
Hi Jared, I heard from someone that you had compiled some data comparing the lives of Christians vs non Christians as far as healing, finances and a few other parmeters. i would love to see this data if you could point me to it that woudl be great thanks.
Hi Todd,
I haven’t compiled information myself, but there is data available in a few peer reviewed journal articles basically comparing intercessory prayer vs non-prayer groups. The results show no difference. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16569567 is an example
Overall, as far as I am aware, there are no specific studies comparing say Christians v. Non-Christians, but there are always hundreds of epidemiological studies comparing various variables in survival outcomes of many illnesses. Basically, the literature really only shows that ethnicity (genetics), and geographical location (environmental variables) might alter the course of a disease (excluding all the interventional and therapeutic studies). Some studies show that prayer across all religions is beneficial from a stress reduction perspective, lowering cortisol levels and improving survival time in cancer, but this is true for all faiths, and in particular eastern meditation, rather than for just Christianity. Hope that helps.
Hey Jared,
thanks for being such an inspiration, both in faith and art. My other half brought me a new camera recently & tho it’s not as flash as yours, I’m having fun trying to recapture some of the feelings in your photos. What else is there to do on a cold winters evening when you’re at training?!
Blessings on you & Hannah.
Hi Jared,
My name is Tricia Spence. I live in Gisborne. I just watched the 20/20 show on your journey. I immediately wanted to write you to inform you that I had stage IV breast cancer and went to China to be treated by an oncologist by the name of Dr. Wang. They are doing advanced, targeted, low toxic, minimally invasive treatment. I had a CR (complete response) from this treatment clearing 5cm tumour in my breast, cancer in my lymph nodes (under my arms, down my side, and in my groin), and 2 bone metastasis in L1 and L4 vertebrae. I put an article in the Gisborne Herald upon my return from China and as a result of sharing my story, 3 more New Zealanders have made their way to receive treatment from Dr. Wang and his amazing team of doctors. One of those three just returned and has been cleared of her stage IV lung cancer, a truly amazing story given her condition when she arrived in China. I know that given your background in conventional medicine it might be stretch for you to entertain this option, but I would not be doing myself and my journey justice if I did not share with you what I know. Please go to my website http://www.triciaspence.com where you can read about my journey, but most importantly where you can access the ‘China Cancer Treatment’ section which provides information on the treatment, and the contact person to send your medical history to in order to get their opinion on your diagnosis. You journey does not have to end soon my friend. Please feel free to contact me on spence_texas@msn.com if you have more questions. I hope you can open your mind to this possibility, I feel it is the best option going for treating cancer in a far less debilitating way than conventional medicine. I encourage you to at least investigate this option, it could save your life!
With the best of intentions for your vibrant health,Tricia.
Hi Jared,
I watched your interview on TV and I can only imagine what u feel. Don’t give up. I recently watched the movie about Dr.Burzynski and his interesting treatment using antineoplastones on cancer patients which showed some promise and has no harmfull side effects. I am biochemistry student and have found information to be relevant unlike some other less know treatments. Look him up and see the movie for yourself. All the best,
Dushan
PS: http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/history/biographies/burzynski.htm
and http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/
and movie at http://www.burzynskimovie.com/
Hi Jared – I watched 20/20 last week and have been thinking about it ever since.. I have now been reading through your blog and just want you to know I think you have an amazing spirit, it is easy to see that God is using you for great things. My husband (then 24) and I were also married just 18 months when we found he had Hodgkins Lymphoma – that was seven years ago and we were finally given the all clear early this year.. Although we only had a glimpse of what you and Hannah are going through, we know that God’s hand is in all that happens and he will never put you through anything you can’t handle! We will be praying for you both. Sharyn.
Hi Jared,
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story at our lecture on Wednesday morning. I have learnt so much from you about the way we should view our life and it has certainly humbled me and kept me on my toes. I think I lose perspective sometimes when I should be thankful for the position I am in. You will always be in the prayers of many people (including me) and I hope you keep the statistical outlier trend going. All the best.
Thanks. I’m happy to have been invited to talk, I hope your class enjoyed it and got something out of it. 🙂
You are an incredible person sharing your journey with all . your courage in the face of a dreaded dignosis is inspiring so is your faith . good luck and i will remember you in my prayers .
Jared, thanks for your perspective and positivity as you journey through this. Your blog was forwarded to me by one of my Registrars. I am Director of Emergency Medicine Training at Gold Coast Hospital, Queensland, Australia. In May this year (just before my 48th birthday) I was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the appendix, and required a peritonectomy and intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy (theater time over 13 hours…). It is pretty much an “inside-out-ectomy” with a right + left hemicolectomy, greater + lesser omentectomy, cholecytectomy, splenectomy and diaphragmatic dissections, amongst other things. Then a course of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. I am just over 3 months post-op.
Your faith and determination are an inspiration, and I will follow your progress with high regard. I wish you all the best, and God Speed.
Hi Jared, my husband was diagnosed in December 2009 with esophageal cancer (but the cancer type is small cell) and then in April 2010 they found adecarcinoma in his esophagues as well. He’s had his stomach and part of his esophagus removed and has had 43 rounds of chemo, 33 rounds of radiation, 5 rounds of herceptin, and is now fed via feeding tube. He currently has mets to the liver which he continues to fight. We were talking the other day and he said, “I wonder if anyone with this type of cancer has lived long enough to have 40-something rounds of chemo?” And then I stumbled upon your blog. It would seem that you have managed even more chemo than Rob has!
We have also been told there is no cure… he can only manage the cancer. So Robbie continues to try to manage it. I am amazed at his strength and courage.
I just wanted to say… that reading your blog and watching the videos… you are giving Robbie strength to continue on his journey. Thank you for that.
You will be in our prayers… all the way in Texas, USA.
Jared – I saw the documentary on you tonight on 20/20. I was going to have a smoke but I’ve decided to quit. I began smoking again once I got very depressed, I have suffered from depression my entire life. I started again because, although I do not particularly like smoking, I secretly hoped to contract cancer and die because I do not have the courage to go through with suicide. But, after seeing what you have achieved, and your outlook on life, I chose not to. There is no point in feeling sorry for myself. Yes, my life is bad in some respects, but I can see how incredibly foolish and selfish I have been.
You are an inspiration mate, I hope you get better. And you have also saved someone else’s life. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment Boris, I appreciate your honesty. I hope you live a life that in turn makes a difference on others as well.
Jared-I too watched the 20/20 doc.last night,and wondered whether or not you have heard about
Blood electrification,Colloidal Silver and Ozone treated water?Apparently,researchers have
had tremendous success in curing cancer and other major illnesses with a combination of
the three treatments mentioned.Please contact me for detailed info.if you are interested in
finding out more about it.I too am a God fearing Christian,and look forward to hearing from you.
best regards,
Claude
Hi Jared,
I first heard you speak at Parachute Music Festival at Mystery Creek at the Seminar Space a couple of years ago. I think your topic was ‘When life sucks!!’.
I get your blog in my email inbox every now and then.
I recently went to the Dr to find out I had a small haemorrhoid/pile.
I’m keen to give money to medical research(NZ or international) that deals with this.
It may be an anatomical area a bit further down the intestine than bowel cancer but I wondered if you knew of any foundations or good initiatives I could donate money to?
I think the area of medical science that I would like to give towards would be proctology or colorectal surgery.
If you had any ideas it would be good to hear from you.
Hi Jay,
I have to say that I don’t know of any specific research initiatives or foundations in that particular area sorry. I’ll make some inquiries and see if i can find out for you.
Jared.
Thanks Jared, I know it is a bit of a long shot but it would be good to hear from you if you find out anything!! 🙂
I forgot to say I wish you all the best 🙂
Hi Jared,
I found a good initiative/foundation for coloproctology research. It is the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand(www.cssanz.org). I am new to this so I don’t know how different this area is to bowel cancer. There is a Dr at Auckland Colorectal Centre(www.colorectal.co.nz/SPECIALISTS/Arend_Merrie) who is a member of CSSANZ.
Another area I found is the University of Auckland School of Medicine Foundation(www.uoasomf.org.nz) which looks like it is a more general foundation interested in funding teaching and research at Auckland University in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Anyway, I may have found what I’m looking for!!
Excellent. I know the surgeon you have mentioned. He’s a good guy.
Hello Jared,
I just wanted to say hello and wish you and your family only good things on your journey. I feel like I know you as so many people have told me how amazing you are! You have been mentioned to me by counsellors, doctors (including my lovely cousin), many nurses and even a family member who heard about you through a friend. I am thirty three with an amazing partner and a beautiful three and a half year old little boy, in the new year I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, I had symptoms but, everyone said I was too young and it would’nt be anything sinister anyway on New Years Eve I was very sick and ended up in hospital (a week later I finally got that colonoscopy) thank goodness. I know it’s not common in younger people but, I have to say it doesn’t seem to be that uncommon either. I would love to help raise awareness in some way but, perhaps not until chemo has finished! A week ago I had my third round which wasn’t nice so I am in absolute awe of what you have been through and how you have coped. It definitely helps to have a wonderful partner by your side doesn’t it! As the days go by you realise that it’s not just your journey but theirs also. I am not Christian as such but, I am spiritual, I believe in the universe and Mother Nature. Life might not always be fair in people’s eyes but, I believe if you look hard enough there is beauty in everything. There are days when I am distraught (usually the first week of chemo) but, I have shown myself I am stronger than I ever thought. I have also realised how loved and treasured I am and that I am surrounded by amazing, caring people and I know you are too. I was operated on by Proffesor Bissett (what an incredible man) and his amazing team and I will always be grateful to them. What wonderful people we share our time on earth with.
Take care, big breaths, little steps.
Kate
Hi Jared, have been following you blog since heard you on radio during bowel cancer awareness week couple years ago. My husband had bowel cancer that occupied liver when our son was 5 months old. We since did ivf to have our daughter. We have had our own bumps along the road. So far hating 75% of liver removed and further treatment recently we are still hopefull.
Realistically we know it will come to a point. I mainly wanted to identify with Hannah. I dont want to bring up my children alone but glad they have him in them. I pray for strength for you all. X
Hi I cant find an email to get hold of you but I read your story and wanted to offer my services to you if you were interested, I am a professional birth photographer and I thought it could be something for your daughter to look back on. Please get in touch if you were interested 😀
hope you ‘ll see your babygirl!!!
all the best from the other side of the globe (Belgium)…
X
As a cancer survivour. Yr story touched me. Good luck mate
Don’t give up mate my dad had the same thing started as bow cancer with in 6 months was liver and lungs told he had 6 months to live he went back to the specialist 4 years later and the doctor nearly passed out he passed a way a year after that ,the power of the mind and a lot to live for are powerful things stay strong have faith u will see your child regards Matt.😊
Hi Jarod, You won’t remember me but I taught you for a short while at Rotorua Baptist Sunday school. Nikki and I have followed your progress and will continue to pray for you
I like your perspective on hope and suffering. Now it’s your turn to teach us. I think like you the idea that God will heal you if you have enough faith is a fragile way of looking at hope. It was more important in Jesus’s perspective that people should know him rather than being miraculously healed, That doesn’t diminish the reality that he can heal people but often it’s for the purpose of drawing them to knowing him and sharing the hope of eternal life. We are all on a short journey into eternity and some of us will get there sooner than others. Suffering is a part of building character into our lives and facing up to the ultimate reality of our existence. So more power to you and keep up the fight.:)
Graeme.
Go Jared! Good on ya!
You will not believe how I came to hear about you. I was in the gym this morning and one of the members felt light headed so I made her lie down with her legs up and a lady offered her a hydrolyte. She and I got chatting and she said she always takes hydrolyte. I said I know all about hydrolyte because my husband has bowel cancer and she said “I must give you the name of a blog” and hence we are now chatting to you.
My husband Anton has adenocarcinoma too and we are walking a similiar road. He has recently started his 2nd round of chemo and avastin. He was perfectly healthy and had similiar symptoms when diagnosed. He is excited to make contact with you.
Regards
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl. I won’t put my email publicly on the blog, but he can either find me on twitter, or write a comment on here with his email, and I will moderate the comment so it won’t be publicly visible. Jared.
Hi Jared.
Haven’t seen any comments from you lately and just wondered how you were getting on.
Dee 🙂
Hi Jared, We don’t know each other (yet) but I also have stage IV Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel with liver mets that cannot be resected. I am about to start my first round of Oxaliplatin & Capecitabine this Friday at Akld Oncology. I have stayed in touch with your blog and it brings me great hope that I WILL get through this. I am a 42 year old male with a young family, a family that provides me unbelievable love & support. I hope to catch you one day in the Oncology building if only to say gidday and shake your hand!
All the very best Jared.
Sean
Adios Jared. You are an inspiration. I will never forget your ‘When Life sucks’ presentation/talk at Parachute.
Next Stage.
I’m glad you got to see your daughter.