Kerr Stubbing from Hamilton knew something wasn’t quite right. The normally fit and energetic 23-year-old lost weight and suddenly felt exhausted all the time. Even simple everyday tasks became an uphill battle.
“I could see Kerr was worn out and not coping. I became even more concerned when his skin took on a pale white glow, so I booked a doctor’s appointment” says Sam, his mother.
Little did Sam know, this appointment would change the course of her son’s life.
“Within 24 hours of receiving blood test results, Kerr was in Waikato hospital having a blood transfusion and on a drip to stop his kidneys from shutting down.”
He stayed at the hospital for a week of rigorous testing. Eventually, doctors broke the news that Kerr had myeloma. Sam still remembers that moment like it was yesterday.
“It was surreal, like a slow-motion movie and I kept thinking this can’t be real. I felt overwhelmed and in shock.”
Kerr’s diagnosis was unusual because myeloma is normally diagnosed in people over 50. He is the youngest person in New Zealand living with this form of blood cancer. Chemotherapy started immediately, then Kerr explains how he received another surprise.
“A new tumour appeared on my spine impacting the nerves in my foot, causing drop-foot. I had to get used to using crutches during outings and sometimes around the house,” explains Kerr.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and a stem cell transplant occurred during the next two years. So did the roller coaster of emotions experienced by Kerr and his family. Sam reached out to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) for help.
“We read the LBC myeloma medical booklet, which helped us to understand Kerr’s illness. It was written in simple language, so it was easy to read. It was a relief to know I did nothing wrong as a parent. Myeloma is made in the bone marrow and it doesn’t discriminate who it targets. We attended support groups and Kerr’s brother was lucky enough to go to the LBC Kids Club which he loved”.
Sam had some words of wisdom for Kerr that will ring true for so many other patients living with myeloma.
“One of the biggest lessons was for Kerr to listen to his body. This means being mindful of any changes. It also means understanding his coping levels, he can’t do the long hours like he used to”.
Thankfully Kerr has defied the odds and gone into remission. Sam admits it has taken two years for them both to come to terms with his diagnosis. They marked the occasion with something extra special that would last a lifetime and signify new hope.
“We got matching tattoos of a turtle wearing a burgundy myeloma ribbon. They were symbolic of our journey and represented healing and being at peace with the diagnosis. We have finally accepted our new normal and are feeling positive about the future.”