Clinical trials have shown the treatment can keep advanced breast cancer under control significantly longer than previous standard therapies.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see the oncologist next week and I think she\u2019ll book a PET scan, which will tell us if the treatment\u2019s working,\u201d Hori said.<\/p>\n
Her cancer journey began last year when she found a lump in her breast. Initially, she was diagnosed with mastitis and prescribed antibiotics.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt got worse. I went back because I had two lumps, but they still thought it was mastitis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only after a third visit, when she had three lumps and other symptoms, was she referred for further scans and a biopsy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s when they came back and said I had cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zivana and Thomas Hori are drawing strength from each other as Zivana continues treatment for stage 4 breast cancer while raising their family.<\/p>\n
Twenty rounds of chemotherapy followed.<\/p>\n
After giving birth, Hori underwent surgery to remove the expected three tumours. Instead, surgeons found and removed 20.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found out none of the chemo treatments had worked because the cancer had spread so fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cancer had progressed to stage 4, and Hori feared she had run out of options.<\/p>\n
Instead, she became eligible for T-DXd, a treatment that had only recently become available in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we didn\u2019t have the T-DXd, I would have had no more treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although it is too early to know whether the drug is shrinking the cancer, Hori has already noticed a dramatic improvement in her quality of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got more energy now. I\u2019m doing everything I used to before I had cancer. I can take my kids to school and kindergarten, go shopping, clean the house and play with the kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was real sick-looking and tired before. I couldn\u2019t even get up and move and I was weak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zivana Hori with her baby, Dianne Rhythm Harmony Hori, whose birth brought hope during a battle with stage four breast cancer.<\/p>\n
Throughout her journey, Hori said the support of her husband, their children, family and friends had carried her through.<\/p>\n
\u201cA special thank you to my children and my husband for caring for me and not giving up on me. When things got tough, through my struggles, you gave me strength.\u201d<\/p>\n
She is also grateful to Tania Masters and the musicians behind the Musos Tribute Extravaganza, whose fundraising helped the family enjoy a special trip to Rotorua together.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for all the aroha and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also praised the oncology team at Whakat\u0101ne Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey gave me so much dedication and compassion when I needed it most. I will always be grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n