Aloha all~ I am here, I am doing well. I will explain what my morning was like yesterday. We left early arrived at hospital around 6am. Started out by changing into my new outfit, purple socks and gown. Then I went and had 3 procedures. 1) a small wire was interested into the mass using an ultrasound 2) mammogram 3) dye was inserted and sent to lymph nodes and pictures were taken. I was all done with that about 8:45am. I met lots of caring professionals along the way. By the time I met the OR nurse around 9:30 I was getting pretty hungry! Thanking God my surgery was moved earlier. After surgery I woke up feeling like it had just started, but it was over! I was thirsty and had some ice, graduated to cranberry juice then granola bar. I never got nauseous. I was very peaceful the whole morning. I have had 13 dr appointments in 4 weeks. It was a relief to be there yesterday because even though I don't know the road ahead it was a big step in the road. All the appointments were leading up to it. Thank you thank you to all of you for sending literal gifts, messages, prayers and encouragements all day yesterday and today.
Here's what I know God is good We meet with Dr. Peterson thursday to review the pathology from surgery If you're on the fence about trying an Acia (ah-see-eye) bowl take the plunge, they're tasty Here's what I don't know If they got all the cancer out, confirmation pending What kind and duration of treatment types Praises Feeling well and alert No spreading in the lymph nodes Not having too much pain We left the green bump in the hospital as we drove home Prayer Requests Pain, comfort and sleep improvement Confirmation that all cancer was removed Identify the right oncologist for our situation What You Can Do for Me Pray for others I know near and far who are also dealing with cancer...Virginia, Eric and Kassidy What Makes Today Normal Daniel doesn't like brushing his teeth. Tonight Mike held him upside down while I brushed. #parentsoftheyear Shout Out Rebecca K for the flowers and picture Rachel for dinner last night Relyeas, Paul & Molly, Laura & Adam, Schlenzs and Ericksons for such generous gift card donations Debbie M for the gifts for kids and gift card Laura for the Netflix subscription #greatbritishbakeoff Hannah M for the beautiful coloring book and pencils Aloha Talk to you again later this week~Much aloha~Nikki
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Mikey Monday...
My watch alarm is set to go off everyday at 1:27 PM. The significance? It was on January 27th that Nikki and I got the news that she had breast cancer. The idea with the alarm was to have a physical/daily reminder of how I felt that day and continually compare to my current mental state. Each day that buzzer goes off I thank the Lord we caught it early, that He has guided us, NO carried us, this far and that we've been shown incredible amounts of love from so many people. I use that buzzer to help keep my priorities straight, to remember that relationships trump "things", and to stay focused on the truths of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Today's hospital experience was amazing and smooth, dare I say it was "amazingly smooth"? Not sure that's the typical way to describe a lumpectomy. Checked in at 600 AM, greeted by a warm staff, taken care of the entire time, and out so fast I didnt have time to stop by the cafeteria (my only regret for the day). Nikki did great the entire time. She slept well last night, had a great attitude throughout, and was fearless (thank you Holy Spirit) as they carted her off to the operating room. I kept track of her progress on the screen provided in the waiting room, finally it changed to blue, "recovery room". Soon after, the doctor came in and said "all done" in the same manner as a mechanic who just fixed a car, a tailor that mended a shirt, a subway "sandwich artist" who crafted a sub.....yes, it was that nonchalant, as if to say, "did you expect something else?" No, I suppose I didnt, but come on now, this is cancer not a 6" meatball on wheat. At any rate, I thanked the Lord for giving doctors such incredible talents, it made the day that much easier. Nikki was carted back about an hour later and we were reunited. I gotta be honest, she looked much better than I had imagined; she was able to converse immediately, ate some snacks, and walked around on her own power. As we drove back home this afternoon, it was a strange sense of normalacy..... in many ways it felt like we had just been to another routine medical visit. We returned home to see Daniel and Grammy, and I later went to take Allie to gymnastics. Both Nikki and I are still processing what happened today- although it went so fast things feel very different. We smiled as we realized that it was exactly one month from when we got the news; despite the fact that the "green bump" was only a small specimen, it was a though a huge weight was lifted. Yes, the road ahead still has many twists and turns, there will be multiple treatments and countless follow ups, but for now, Nikki and will just count our blessings and send out thanks to our friends. Oh, and in case you are wondering, my alarm is now set for 2:27. Here's what I know God is good There was no spreading to the lymph nodes! We will have a follow up Thursday (March 2nd) Warren Beatty and Steve Harvey are now friends on facebook (Tragedy + Time = Comedy) Here's what I don't know If they got all the cancer out, confirmation pending What type and duration of treatment types Why Allies tooth came out when she ran into my hand (please dont call CPS, it truly was an accident) What you can do for me Tell your medical providers "thanks", all of them. Too often we take them for granted. Today we must have seen 5-7 different people all of which offered us their full attention and concern despite the fact that they had so many patients and paperwork to deal with. Praises Surgergy went so smoothly No spreading in the lymph nodes Prayer Requests Good recovery for Nikki Confirmation that all cancer was removed Identify the right oncologist for our situation Shout Out Dr. Sutherland (church friend) for surprise visit and prayer this morning (Thanks Ashley for orchestrating) Summer Gardner for sending her colleague to chat with us prior to the surgery Merla and Lonnie- two awesome nurses in the Surgical department Dr Mennis for the wonderful drugs and allowing Nikki to sleep well during surgery Eric and Amy Eck for dropping by with some great treats to help Nikki's recovery Mom for watching Daniel ALL day after flying in yesterday Matt and Shiela for checking up on us tonite All those who texted, called, emailed their support to us Aloha Nikki is fast asleep, thank you all so much for your prayers and support. She'll write some more tomorrow. Mucho Aloha, Loco Moco Uyboco Turtle included with our hotel visit If you live near us watch out for this driver Here's what I know
God is good Tomorrow (Monday 2/27) is surgery day! One month exactly from my diagnosis. I wonder what 3/27 will hold? Mike and I will arrive at the hospital at 6am and surgery is now at 10:15am. Allie is going to school, my mom arrives here in 1 hour and will stay with Daniel. My surgery is about an hour and I will come home the same day. The movie "Hidden Figures" was so good I forgot about cancer for a while Here's what I don't know If there is spread to the Lymph node What type and duration of treatment types Praises Mike and I enjoyed a night away at the Kahala resort, very fancy! Turtles and dolphins were included. Mom will be here to help for 3 weeks Prayer Requests Safe and successful surgery, with little to no complications Healing For the Mike, kids and Mom during recovery Shout Out Juli & Josh for watching the kids overnight! Laura for setting up meals Aloha We will update the blog as soon as we can after surgery...much aloha~Nikki Mike and I were talking the other day about star gazing and how you can see so many stars at night in the desert. His experience being in Iraq on deployment mine in the Mohave desert on a house boat. As we were talking it kind of hit me. I said to him, "Hey that's kind of interesting...you can see more stars in the desert." He said, "wow." The desert is hot, dry, exhausting etc...but because of that when the sun goes down you can see millions of stars you wouldn't otherwise see. Tuesday was hard physically/emotionally. Yesterday I was in less pain but grumpy and anxious all the life long day. I am in the desert. Today I saw the stars o so clearly. Here and there all day today I got messages and prayers from many of you. My two additional spots are benign. Surgery is scheduled (pending overnight prayers). I am memorizing Psalm 121...vs. 5-6 " The Lord is your keeper, the Lord is your shade on your right hand (same side as my mass). The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night." Thank you all for turning on my stars today. They were not missed.
Here's what I know God is good. All the time. God is good. Surgery is tentatively set for THIS Monday (2/27) for a lumpectomy. Bye Bye green bump. Adult coloring books are actually therapeutic (now don't all of you go up and buy me one, I'm set). I made kale chips today, tasty! Here's what I don't know If it has spread to the lymph nodes (test result came back undetermined). Praises Two additional spots found are benign! Surgeon has open spot on Monday My rose is red today Mike and I are staying overnight (no kids) tomorrow at a nice hotel #christmasvalentinecancerpresent Prayer Requests Lymph nodes are cancer free Surgery to go smoothly with no complications That I lose my appetite Monday What You Can Do for Me Keep praying, God is listening and truly answering our prayers What Makes Today Normal Yesterday's conversation: Mike: Are you sore today? Me: No, not too bad Mike: What are we going to do for a workout? Me: You do realize I walked 8 miles Monday and had 3 biopsies yesterday? Mike: Yea that's why you got today off. #norestfortheweary #imagineifIdidnthavecancer After picking Allie up tonight: Allie: Did they take out the green bump yet?! Me: No, they're doing it on Monday! Allie: Oh great! Grammy's coming! Shout Out Cathy Ruff and Brooke Knepper for the beautiful letters you sent Ms. McGee's 4th Grade class at Carver Elementary for singing to us~Happy JOY Day! Laura, Adam, Pamela, Shelbun and Alina for sending me pics of the biggest rainbow in Pasadena Keiko and Eve for more Cali rainbow pictures Rebecca and Shara for childcare today and to Juli for dinner Aloha We will write again before surgery~much aloha~ Nikki Well I'm glad I walked 8 miles yesterday and not today. Three areas were biopsied today, multiple pokes and took almost an hour plus a mammogram after. Probably the most difficult physical challenge and pain I've had thus far. Emotionally draining as well. While waiting to go in other ladies in the waiting room were complaining about the procedures and even complaining about getting a rose when they leave. On this island whenever I've had a mammogram or biopsy I've left with a fresh long stem rose. Hardly something to complain about. My current rose count is 4. Today's is red. They have become a little glimmer of hope for me when I am going thru procedures. Like a little kid feels when they get a sticker after visiting the doctor. Although today was difficult, I am so grateful for the health care facilities, doctors, nurses, medical assistants, ultra sound techs, mammographers etc. They have truly been wonderful. Giving me warm robes, smiles and even snacks when I leave. Thank you all so very much. And thanks for the roses.
Here's what I know God is good Meet with surgeon again Thursday at 2:45 Today's pain and discomfort pails in comparison to bringing Daniel into this world...it helps he gives good hugs Here's what I don't know Surgery type or date yet Results from today's biopsies If Mike's "ski lift" idea would be a helpful solution to Honolulu's traffic problem Prayer Requests Prayers that the lymph nodes are clear and "spots" are benign Wisdom for surgery type Prayer for peace during the "waiting" I am pretty sore today, prayers against any complications What You Can Do for Me Give someone (other than me) a rose who could use a smile What Makes Today Normal Allie: "That car is really small." Me: "It's called a mini cooper" Allie: (laughing) "Why is it called a pooper?!" Me: (laughing) "No, no a COOper!" Shout Out Ashley W and Juli for caring for Daniel this morning Melody for doing my ultrasound (again) Lei for encouraging me through my biopsies Aloha Talk to you again soon~Much aloha~Nikki This morning Nikki, along with 20,000 of her closest friends, participated in an 8.2 mile race known as the Great Aloha run. She has done this race the previous two years and was unsure if she would do it this year as recent events threw off her training regime. But she did it and did amazing, our friend Emily ran with her and helped her along. As we waited for her near the finish line, I saw the many runners passing by- all shapes and sizes, everything from walking to running, some wearing crazy outfits- everyone was running the race a little bit differently. I couldnt help but think about the many times that Paul utilizes the analogy of a race to that of life. We are each called to run OUR race and run it with the talents and skills that God has given us. Just like a race, our life has parts that are easy and parts that are marked with steep inclines. There are times when we run alone and times when we are surrounded by people. But one thing that is different is the prize at the end- for those who run God's race for his glory, we are promised a crown, an eternal prize, something that will last forever. I want to encourage everyone one of you to run your race and fix your eyes on heavenly rewards as opposed to temporary earthly ones. I know there are times when you fill like you are alone, moving slowly uphill, and no end in site (trust me I KNOW!), but take heart and know that He has an eternal plan for you if you'll allow it. By the way, Nikki and I were planning on using this race as part of our half-marathon training----- although we dont know exactly what her medical situation will be like on April 9th, I have reassured her that both of us are crossing that finish line!
Here's what I know God is good Tomorrow at 800 AM HST we will have two spots and one lymphnode biopsied. Our doctor discussed Nikki's case with several colleagues on Friday to get additional opinions on wayahead Allie is going to get hypothermia if we ever move back to the mainland. "It's FREEZING today." (I think it got down to the high 60's tonite, brrrr) Here's what I don't know Surgery type or date yet When the Hawaii rail project will finish Praises Biopsy date was moved up- direct answer to prayer Prayer Requests Prayers that the lymph nodes are clear and "spots" are benign Wisdom for surgery type Prayer for peace during the "waiting" What You Can Do for Me Turn off your TV, go for a run/walk, take a selfie and send it to Nikki (SUBJ: "Running along side you") What Makes Today Normal Daniel and Daddy time- tossing farkle dice all over the place, "jumpees" on the couch, mooching daddy's food. Allie and Mommy time- pedicure, shopping at Target, smoothies from Lanikai juice Shout Out Emily for being a good running buddy and joining Nikki for the 8.2 mile trek Eric and Jen for hosting us at their house tonight for some wonderful homemade italian - "These are the BEST noodles ever" (Allie) Uncle Alex- for sound medical advice Aloha I am so thankful for all of you...your prayers and support are amazing. Tonite I want to pay particular attention to all the brave ladies who have shared your personnel experience with this disease. Many of you are still dealing with it but you have encouraged us and helped us along the way. Much aloha ~ Mike Lemonade stand success! Here are a few photos from yesterday's lemonade stand. We raised $123! We are searching for a worthy breast cancer cause to donate it to. Thanks for those who came and those who wished they could come...we had a great time! Mahalo~ Left unattended eating a chocolate cookie... This is what I call "clearance torture" (I was able to walk away empty handed)
Yup, we're doing it. Hoping to raise some money for a non-profit cancer organization. Allie will be there to pour your drinks. All donations will go straight to the non-profit. (We have very low administrative fees!) Stop on by the house if your travels bring you to Kailua.
Can you see it?! I can. Current rainbow streak out here on this island is two days in a row. This one followed us to school for a bit. Stay tuned. Sometimes you want the whole giant double rainbow in your front yard but God gives you just a little piece of it. I'll take it. Today was 60% waiting and the rest ultrasound, and talking with doctors. I received a call this am from surgeon's office saying they wanted me to come in for another ultrasound today before I met with her. The MRI showed two more "spots" and of course they wanted to take pictures. Those will be biopsied next week as well as checking the lymph nodes. I was disappointed initially and also frightened, however that is the whole point of doing the MRI. Thank you all for all your prayers, as we planned out our day Mike carpooled to work. So when I had to go in much earlier I had to drive myself there. I enjoyed watching a giant Rottweiler hang out the window of his car. Little things. Mike met me there, and we enjoyed lunch at the mall. Then came back to meet surgeon and had to wait 2 hours to be seen. Her surgery went long. I ran out of patience but all your prayers pulled me together. So many questions still. No surgery type or date yet. I didn't see my kids albeit an hour today #yogathursdaynights but I will take that sliver of a rainbow and run with it.
Here's what I know God is good Chemotherapy is most likely needed based on type of cancer More biopsies needed to schedule surgery Tomato basil soup is really good I memorized Psalm 23 and 100 yesterday and they're still in my head today. Parrtaayy. Here's what I don't know Surgery type or date yet Why almost everything is on sale at Old Navy Praises Genetic testing is negative!!! This means good things for my future as well as Allie's I got to go kid free shopping at the mall I only got upset/discouraged twice allllllll day long Prayer Requests Prayers that the biopsies are moved up Prayers that the lymph nodes are clear Wisdom for surgery type What You Can Do for Me Learn the name of those who serve you (i.e mailman, dry cleaner, nurses etc) and start calling them by name What Makes Today Normal Me: "You went a different way today" Mike: "Of course. In case we're being followed" #differentkindofnormal Shout Out Kaci for taking this rainbow picture Juli for watching Danny all day and making our dinner! Katherine F for picking up Allie and watching her all afternoon To all of you who prayed and or messaged me today Karelin for your yoga classes Melody for taking my ultrasound today Aloha I am so grateful for all of you. I read every comment even though I can't respond to all of them. They mean more than you know. Thank you all so much. Much aloha ~ Nikki Happy Valentine's Day! Hope everyone had a piece of dark chocolate (sea salt carmel) like I did!! I'd like to thank you for praying for my MRI yesterday. It was not so bad. I was worried about being on my back for that long but it turns out I was on my stomach. It was about 30 minutes in the MRI tunnel with headphones to drown out the noise. I really felt your prayers because it felt like a weight came over my body to relax it and keep it from moving. Also, my thoughts stayed on prayer and worship songs (and some random other stuff). Thank you all so much.
Here's what I know God is good Meet with surgeon Thursday at 2:15 Hawaiian time Here's what I don't know Why Daniel can get his own tissue, wipes his own nose but then returns his used tissue to the tissue box #youcan'thaveitbothways Praises MRI went well I got brand new Birkenstock sandals today! Prayer Requests Prayers for our doctor visit to go well, for us to get all results to make an informed decision. Prayers for peace with all results even if they aren't what we'd hope for, specifically we'd like the genetic test to be negative Prayer we can schedule a surgery date Thursday What Makes Today Normal I got to attend Allie's field trip to the nursing home, to hear them sing and pass out Valentine cards Shout Out Mike for the roses, the best husband ever (just like the sign says). You continue to be my best friend every single day. Love you. Juli and Shara for carpool and childcare Aloha Talk to you again later this week... Much aloha ~ Nikki |
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