New Year for Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Donation protected
This past summer Nikki, went for a
doctor appointment with concerns of unexplained weight gain in her mid-section
and left with life changing news. While viewing an ultra sound, doctors
discovered a large cyst completely wrapped around one of her ovaries that along
with the ovary, needed to be removed immediately. 6 days later she underwent
major surgery to remove the cyst which they discovered was 10 lbs. A few weeks
following the surgery the doctor's office called with some very frightening
news. At only 21 years old she was being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The
cells were determined to be Stage 1 Type 2 and they recommended chemo and an
appointment with a fertility clinic to freeze eggs since the treatments would kill
any existing and future production of eggs.
The clinic had her go through a process beginning in September that was supposed to take 3-6 weeks and involved at home injections once a day, and appointments every 2 days for blood work and ultra sounds on the producing ovary. Into the 3rd week Nikki became anemic and dehydrated. She needed to be hospitalized overnight and receive 2 blood transfusions. After the 4th week of fertility they were able to retrieve 18 healthy eggs to freeze.
At the end of September they needed to put in a pick line, which is a device placed under the skin to attach a tube for easier access for the chemo IV to get to the vein. This process was traumatic for Nikki, they only gave her a local for the area and made an 1 ½ inch incision the left side of her chest.
They recommended 3 cycles of chemo beginning October 7th. The first round was to be Monday-Friday from 8:30-1:30, and then the following weeks would only be Mondays. After the first 3 week cycle they opted to discontinue the Monday sessions because it was just becoming too much for her body. The treatments caused her to be very tired and sick, and of course to lose her hair. Nikki had the longest, thickest, most beautiful hair of anyone I had ever met and she rightfully took pride in it. She was told this day would be coming so in preparation she cut her hair to a bob length. The reality of actually losing all of her hair came around week 3 when she noticed it falling out in clumps in the shower. This is when she made the devastating decision to shave her head. Thankfully she had a lot of support from friends and family members who also gave themselves a matching hair cut.
Nikki continued to stay strong throughout this difficult journey, making it easier on family cracking jokes and making everyone laugh with her good spirit. Her last day of chemo was the end of November. She is beginning to feel more her self. Although she is still bald they are optimistic about her hair growing back in the next 6 months. For now she still has the pick line in, but is cancer free! She must continue to return to for checkups every 3 months to look for any changes.
Nikki plans on starting fresh with 2014. Her mother and her are selling their house and getting an apartment, and Nikki would love to return to college in the nursing field. Although she is cancer free the sickness has left an emotional and financial burden on her and her family. Although most of you have never met her believe me when I tell you she is one of the sweetest, strongest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She has been one of my best friends for 14 years and I want to do whatever I can to help her. I along with the generosity of a local business am holding a benefit the Friday after Christmas, but this only allows local people to help. That being said I'm asking you to help me in raising some money to aid her in getting back to a normal cancer-free life. Anything helps, even a single dollar. So please help me to spread the word and give Nikki a New Years gift she more than deserves.
The clinic had her go through a process beginning in September that was supposed to take 3-6 weeks and involved at home injections once a day, and appointments every 2 days for blood work and ultra sounds on the producing ovary. Into the 3rd week Nikki became anemic and dehydrated. She needed to be hospitalized overnight and receive 2 blood transfusions. After the 4th week of fertility they were able to retrieve 18 healthy eggs to freeze.
At the end of September they needed to put in a pick line, which is a device placed under the skin to attach a tube for easier access for the chemo IV to get to the vein. This process was traumatic for Nikki, they only gave her a local for the area and made an 1 ½ inch incision the left side of her chest.
They recommended 3 cycles of chemo beginning October 7th. The first round was to be Monday-Friday from 8:30-1:30, and then the following weeks would only be Mondays. After the first 3 week cycle they opted to discontinue the Monday sessions because it was just becoming too much for her body. The treatments caused her to be very tired and sick, and of course to lose her hair. Nikki had the longest, thickest, most beautiful hair of anyone I had ever met and she rightfully took pride in it. She was told this day would be coming so in preparation she cut her hair to a bob length. The reality of actually losing all of her hair came around week 3 when she noticed it falling out in clumps in the shower. This is when she made the devastating decision to shave her head. Thankfully she had a lot of support from friends and family members who also gave themselves a matching hair cut.
Nikki continued to stay strong throughout this difficult journey, making it easier on family cracking jokes and making everyone laugh with her good spirit. Her last day of chemo was the end of November. She is beginning to feel more her self. Although she is still bald they are optimistic about her hair growing back in the next 6 months. For now she still has the pick line in, but is cancer free! She must continue to return to for checkups every 3 months to look for any changes.
Nikki plans on starting fresh with 2014. Her mother and her are selling their house and getting an apartment, and Nikki would love to return to college in the nursing field. Although she is cancer free the sickness has left an emotional and financial burden on her and her family. Although most of you have never met her believe me when I tell you she is one of the sweetest, strongest, most beautiful people I have ever met. She has been one of my best friends for 14 years and I want to do whatever I can to help her. I along with the generosity of a local business am holding a benefit the Friday after Christmas, but this only allows local people to help. That being said I'm asking you to help me in raising some money to aid her in getting back to a normal cancer-free life. Anything helps, even a single dollar. So please help me to spread the word and give Nikki a New Years gift she more than deserves.
Organizer
Jessica Newton
Organizer
Hillsborough, NH
