10/07/2026
CORAL’S HEALTH UPDATE
Yesterday, Coral had her iron infusion and chest X-rays completed.
The chest X-ray will help her doctors assess the condition of her lungs, but it cannot measure lung function as a percentage. Coral’s previous spirometry result showed her lung function was around 38%, so she is booked for another spirometry test in a couple of weeks.
That test will give us a clearer picture of whether her breathing capacity has declined and, if so, by how much.
We have also learned that an iron infusion does not normally produce an immediate improvement. It can take a week or two, and sometimes longer, before the body begins to respond.
So far, Coral has not noticed any improvement, and for now we simply have to wait and hope it helps with some of her exhaustion and breathlessness.
Coral did notice that the doctor was much more attentive to her needs yesterday. Sadly, it sometimes seems that mentioning a private specialist appointment makes people realise just how seriously concerned you are.
The good news is that one of the three respiratory specialists we contacted has now offered Coral an appointment with Dr Angela Moran at Canterbury Respiratory Care in Christchurch on Friday, 18 September.
We will accept this appointment so Coral’s place is secured, while continuing to wait and see whether either of the other specialists can see her sooner.
The first appointment could cost as much as $740 for the consultation (1 hour) and breathing investigations.
That does not include travel to Christchurch, accommodation, further scans, tests, medication, or the follow-up appointments Coral is likely to need.
Emphysema is a form of COPD where the tiny air sacs inside the lungs become permanently damaged. This makes it harder for oxygen to move into the bloodstream and causes breathlessness, exhaustion, coughing, and difficulty carrying out even simple everyday tasks.
The damage already caused by emphysema cannot be reversed, and the condition can continue to progress.
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, reducing flare-ups, slowing further decline, and helping Coral maintain the best possible quality of life.
We have been told that emphysema is an incurable and life-limiting disease. Coral is currently considered to have Stage 3 disease, and Stage 4 is not somewhere we want her to be anytime soon if ever.
How quickly emphysema progresses and how long someone may live with it varies greatly from person to person. No honest prediction can be made from one percentage alone, which is why the new spirometry test and specialist assessment are so important.
We are also laying low at the moment because there is a nasty throat and respiratory infection doing the rounds.
With Coral’s lungs already so compromised, she would not cope well with becoming sick, and even what may seem like a minor infection could cause a serious setback.
For now, we are being extra careful, avoiding unnecessary contact, and doing everything we can to protect her while we wait for the next tests and specialist appointment.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to every person who has donated, shared Coral’s page, purchased something through a fundraiser, messaged us, or simply sent their love.
As you can see, this will not be just one appointment. Coral is likely to need a series of consultations, tests, and follow-ups, and your kindness is making treatment that we could not otherwise afford a reality.
Every donation, no matter the amount, is helping give Coral the opportunity to receive proper specialist care and hopefully enjoy as much quality time as possible with the people who love her.
We will continue to keep everyone updated as we learn more.
Thank you all so much.
Love,
Russell and Coral.
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