Nicki’s Metastatic Breast Cancer
Donation protected
September 19, 2012
I remember like it was yesterday, the phone call from my sister, Nicki as I waited in the drive-thru at Starbucks. She told me that she just left an OBGYN appointment, having seen a Nurse Practitioner. Unbeknownst to me, she found a lump under her right breast. During her visit, the NP had reassured her she didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about, however she recommended a diagnostic mammogram. Nicki’s appointment was the next day. This was her first mammogram as she was only 37 years old, let alone diagnostic. Following the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies, the doctor came to talk to her preparing her for the worst. In less than 24 hours, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were all devastated. Frantically, I began calling family and friends seeking guidance and referrals. It was my girlfriend, Fran who referred Nicki to Dr. Ekbom. After meeting with Dr. Ekbom we felt optimistic and hopeful. We all went with Nicki to her initial visit, he was one of a kind. He prayed with our family and assured us he would pray for Nicki in the operating room and take great care of her. Surgery was October 12, 2012. She had a lumpectomy including the removal of 21 lymph nodes - Stage 2, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Surgery went well, however within days she got a call regarding pathology results, the surgical margins were positive and cancer cells remained. A second lumpectomy was scheduled October 23rd and this time they got clear margins. Post-op was 4 months of chemo and radiation. Nicki was amazing and took everything in stride...she NEVER complained. I’ve never known anyone with such a positive disposition as my sister. She beat the odds and continued to live her life.
Fast forward to October 2017.
Marking a milestone, 5 year SURVIVOR and counting. Nicki’s oncologist told her she’d only need to see her annually.
July 19, 2018...Our family changed forever.
Nicki began to not feel like herself for a couple weeks, she thought her symptoms were minor. After meeting with her family doctor, her symptoms were suggestive of her gallbladder. An ultrasound of her abdomen was scheduled. Upon arrival, the technician struck up a conversation...”so we’re looking at your gallbladder? The ultrasound should only be 10 minutes.” Nicki called me after the test, I could hear the panic in her voice. She said, “Lisa, I’m so nervous...I think somethings wrong!” The test was almost 25 minutes, the technician was typing a lot during the exam and the way she asked, “how long has this been going on?” was concerning. I assured her she was going to be okay. She listened and went to work. Around 10am my cell phone began to ring, it was an incoming call from Nicki. She was hysterical...”can you conference Mom?” Nicki tells us the dreaded news that has changed our lives forever. Nicki told us “I have masses on my liver, I have to have a CT stat of my chest, abdomen and pelvis.” Her appointment was that afternoon. Within in a few hours her doctor called with the results, metastatic cancer. It’s in her liver, bones and abdomen. After a long week and a half of several doctor appointments and tests, the biopsies confirmed Metastatic Breast Cancer, Stage 4. While this disease isn't curable it is treatable. Nicki is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy at the Froedtert Cancer Center.
Nicki, you are such an inspiration and my “hero!” You continue to amaze us with your strength and courage as you battle this disease. You are cherished and loved by so many!
Keep giggling Nicki!
Thank you ALL for your love, prayers and support.
Love your sister Lisa ❤️
I remember like it was yesterday, the phone call from my sister, Nicki as I waited in the drive-thru at Starbucks. She told me that she just left an OBGYN appointment, having seen a Nurse Practitioner. Unbeknownst to me, she found a lump under her right breast. During her visit, the NP had reassured her she didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about, however she recommended a diagnostic mammogram. Nicki’s appointment was the next day. This was her first mammogram as she was only 37 years old, let alone diagnostic. Following the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies, the doctor came to talk to her preparing her for the worst. In less than 24 hours, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were all devastated. Frantically, I began calling family and friends seeking guidance and referrals. It was my girlfriend, Fran who referred Nicki to Dr. Ekbom. After meeting with Dr. Ekbom we felt optimistic and hopeful. We all went with Nicki to her initial visit, he was one of a kind. He prayed with our family and assured us he would pray for Nicki in the operating room and take great care of her. Surgery was October 12, 2012. She had a lumpectomy including the removal of 21 lymph nodes - Stage 2, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Surgery went well, however within days she got a call regarding pathology results, the surgical margins were positive and cancer cells remained. A second lumpectomy was scheduled October 23rd and this time they got clear margins. Post-op was 4 months of chemo and radiation. Nicki was amazing and took everything in stride...she NEVER complained. I’ve never known anyone with such a positive disposition as my sister. She beat the odds and continued to live her life.
Fast forward to October 2017.
Marking a milestone, 5 year SURVIVOR and counting. Nicki’s oncologist told her she’d only need to see her annually.
July 19, 2018...Our family changed forever.
Nicki began to not feel like herself for a couple weeks, she thought her symptoms were minor. After meeting with her family doctor, her symptoms were suggestive of her gallbladder. An ultrasound of her abdomen was scheduled. Upon arrival, the technician struck up a conversation...”so we’re looking at your gallbladder? The ultrasound should only be 10 minutes.” Nicki called me after the test, I could hear the panic in her voice. She said, “Lisa, I’m so nervous...I think somethings wrong!” The test was almost 25 minutes, the technician was typing a lot during the exam and the way she asked, “how long has this been going on?” was concerning. I assured her she was going to be okay. She listened and went to work. Around 10am my cell phone began to ring, it was an incoming call from Nicki. She was hysterical...”can you conference Mom?” Nicki tells us the dreaded news that has changed our lives forever. Nicki told us “I have masses on my liver, I have to have a CT stat of my chest, abdomen and pelvis.” Her appointment was that afternoon. Within in a few hours her doctor called with the results, metastatic cancer. It’s in her liver, bones and abdomen. After a long week and a half of several doctor appointments and tests, the biopsies confirmed Metastatic Breast Cancer, Stage 4. While this disease isn't curable it is treatable. Nicki is currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy at the Froedtert Cancer Center.
Nicki, you are such an inspiration and my “hero!” You continue to amaze us with your strength and courage as you battle this disease. You are cherished and loved by so many!
Keep giggling Nicki!
Thank you ALL for your love, prayers and support.
Love your sister Lisa ❤️
Organizer
Nicole Sebastian
Organizer
Franklin, WI