Help James Redshaw kick this cancer
Donation protected
Meet James Redshaw, 35 years young. Husband and best friend to Evie Redshaw, father to 2 beautiful children – Haylee (9) and Carter (5), step father to 2 beautiful young adults – Chris (17) and Alyssia (13), dearly loved son and brother, dedicated employee, selfless colleague, captain of the cricket team, fill in for the footy or basketball, squash buddy, gym partner, golf buddy, school friend, best friend, distant friend and of course, the last man standing on any occasion possible. This life-filled young man has more friends than anyone I know.
In June 2018, James had to tell his children he has Stage 2 Cancer. Let me explain;
While playing cricket in late April 2018, James developed a suspected groin injury. Due to the nature of the injury, James followed standard injury procedures and iced/ rested to recover. The coming weeks saw the pain intensify leading him to seek a GP’s advice who recommended a physio. The physio suggested this could be referring pain from a previous back injury several years ago and recommended he return to the GP. Wednesday June 20, James attended an ultrasound appointment to get to the root cause of the injury. He was taken urgently for a CT scan at the recommendation of the Radiologist and GP due to a suspicious growth found in his groin. That evening the GP phoned advising he needed to have an urgent biopsy performed on this mass and a radiologist will be in contact the following day. By mid-morning James had not received a call so followed up with the GP who advised he would phone around as this could not be postponed. Unfortunately all radiologists were booked solid until the following Tuesday however the GP was not comfortable waiting this long and pushed for James to be seen at 10am Friday morning. June 22, James had his first aspiration biopsy performed. Tuesday June 26, James was diagnosed with Lymphoma.
On Wednesday June 27, James had his first consult with the Oncologist who proceeded to advise whilst this is Lymphoma, the biopsy could not reveal if it were Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s however suspected based on symptoms and the CT scan, it was stage 2B Hodgkin Lymphoma. James was booked in for endless tests and appointments for the coming week including a surgeon that afternoon. The surgeon advised this tumour (enlarged lymph node) that had developed in his groin was on the inner side of his pelvic bone making it less visually obvious. It was just over 6.cm in size and needed to be removed to determine which type of lymphoma it was and to provide some relief on James. The oncologist wanted the surgery performed the following day, the surgeon advised this is a risky surgery due to the iliac artery being attached to this tumour and she needed more time. Thursday July 5 James had surgery to remove the tumour (an excision biopsy). Unfortunately mid surgery, the surgeon decided the procedure was too risky and removed a smaller lymph node next to it, leaving the large one there. With no further news, James proceeded to see the Oncologist with the expectation of receiving the full diagnosis and commencing Chemotherapy the Tuesday following surgery. Unfortunately the news was disappointing. The lymph node was reactive, meaning James could not commence chemo as the diagnosis was not confirmed and he required another aspiration biopsy. Again, this one was inconclusive. After 3 biopsies and rising medical costs, James sought a second opinion for clarity. He had the same opinion but recommended James attempt surgery again. Whilst in the oncologists office, he spoke with the surgeon, she advised she would not willingly perform this procedure and this is too risky as he could possibly bleed out. James went for another aspiration biopsy, this one CT guided via his back into a second growth in his abdomen on July 18. This CT revealed the tumour was now just over 8cm. The results were expedited and the following day, James received his full diagnosis and treatment plan.
July 19 2018, James was diagnosed with “Stage 2B Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma, Mixed Cellularity, unfavourable, non-bulky”. He commenced his first round of Chemotherapy on Tuesday July 24 at a cost of $684 due to 1 of the 4 chemo drugs not being on the PBS or MBS, meaning the private health insurance would not cover it either per the fine print. The oncologist has been able to source options to work around the system to reduce but not eradicate the cost of the fortnightly treatment and has been amazingly supportive and understanding of the unnegotiable financial burden.
James will have 4 treatments, fortnightly and be retested via a PET scan to determine if he is responsive to the chemo. If he is, he will continue for another 4 or 6 treatments and likely to require radiotherapy following this due to the unsuccessful surgical removal. He will remain off work until his treatment plan successfully ceases with the amazing support of his employer. During this time, James and Evie continue to keep normality in the home as much as possible for the children. Evie has returned to work after taking 5 weeks of unexpected leave. She has a supportive work environment and has the flexibility to leave the office if the urgent need arises.
Unfortunately, this rollercoaster hasn’t stopped the standard bills and they are now pressured by the prioritised medical expenses. Private Health insurance and Medicare rebates do not cover all expenses.
James and Evie have been asked by friends how they can help. This page has been set up to ask for a small donation to allow them to relieve the pressure resulting from such large costs of each individual treatment. With 4 children, a mortgage and now regular chemo and medical expenses any little help would support this family face the tiring few months they face together.
In June 2018, James had to tell his children he has Stage 2 Cancer. Let me explain;
While playing cricket in late April 2018, James developed a suspected groin injury. Due to the nature of the injury, James followed standard injury procedures and iced/ rested to recover. The coming weeks saw the pain intensify leading him to seek a GP’s advice who recommended a physio. The physio suggested this could be referring pain from a previous back injury several years ago and recommended he return to the GP. Wednesday June 20, James attended an ultrasound appointment to get to the root cause of the injury. He was taken urgently for a CT scan at the recommendation of the Radiologist and GP due to a suspicious growth found in his groin. That evening the GP phoned advising he needed to have an urgent biopsy performed on this mass and a radiologist will be in contact the following day. By mid-morning James had not received a call so followed up with the GP who advised he would phone around as this could not be postponed. Unfortunately all radiologists were booked solid until the following Tuesday however the GP was not comfortable waiting this long and pushed for James to be seen at 10am Friday morning. June 22, James had his first aspiration biopsy performed. Tuesday June 26, James was diagnosed with Lymphoma.
On Wednesday June 27, James had his first consult with the Oncologist who proceeded to advise whilst this is Lymphoma, the biopsy could not reveal if it were Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s however suspected based on symptoms and the CT scan, it was stage 2B Hodgkin Lymphoma. James was booked in for endless tests and appointments for the coming week including a surgeon that afternoon. The surgeon advised this tumour (enlarged lymph node) that had developed in his groin was on the inner side of his pelvic bone making it less visually obvious. It was just over 6.cm in size and needed to be removed to determine which type of lymphoma it was and to provide some relief on James. The oncologist wanted the surgery performed the following day, the surgeon advised this is a risky surgery due to the iliac artery being attached to this tumour and she needed more time. Thursday July 5 James had surgery to remove the tumour (an excision biopsy). Unfortunately mid surgery, the surgeon decided the procedure was too risky and removed a smaller lymph node next to it, leaving the large one there. With no further news, James proceeded to see the Oncologist with the expectation of receiving the full diagnosis and commencing Chemotherapy the Tuesday following surgery. Unfortunately the news was disappointing. The lymph node was reactive, meaning James could not commence chemo as the diagnosis was not confirmed and he required another aspiration biopsy. Again, this one was inconclusive. After 3 biopsies and rising medical costs, James sought a second opinion for clarity. He had the same opinion but recommended James attempt surgery again. Whilst in the oncologists office, he spoke with the surgeon, she advised she would not willingly perform this procedure and this is too risky as he could possibly bleed out. James went for another aspiration biopsy, this one CT guided via his back into a second growth in his abdomen on July 18. This CT revealed the tumour was now just over 8cm. The results were expedited and the following day, James received his full diagnosis and treatment plan.
July 19 2018, James was diagnosed with “Stage 2B Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma, Mixed Cellularity, unfavourable, non-bulky”. He commenced his first round of Chemotherapy on Tuesday July 24 at a cost of $684 due to 1 of the 4 chemo drugs not being on the PBS or MBS, meaning the private health insurance would not cover it either per the fine print. The oncologist has been able to source options to work around the system to reduce but not eradicate the cost of the fortnightly treatment and has been amazingly supportive and understanding of the unnegotiable financial burden.
James will have 4 treatments, fortnightly and be retested via a PET scan to determine if he is responsive to the chemo. If he is, he will continue for another 4 or 6 treatments and likely to require radiotherapy following this due to the unsuccessful surgical removal. He will remain off work until his treatment plan successfully ceases with the amazing support of his employer. During this time, James and Evie continue to keep normality in the home as much as possible for the children. Evie has returned to work after taking 5 weeks of unexpected leave. She has a supportive work environment and has the flexibility to leave the office if the urgent need arises.
Unfortunately, this rollercoaster hasn’t stopped the standard bills and they are now pressured by the prioritised medical expenses. Private Health insurance and Medicare rebates do not cover all expenses.
James and Evie have been asked by friends how they can help. This page has been set up to ask for a small donation to allow them to relieve the pressure resulting from such large costs of each individual treatment. With 4 children, a mortgage and now regular chemo and medical expenses any little help would support this family face the tiring few months they face together.
Organizer
Rachel Prime
Organizer
Kidman Park, SA