Anyone who knows Nikki knows she is tough and a deeply good person. She is known for working hard to live true to her convictions. This includes caring for people, animals, the earth, and her family. She does these things in concrete ways by working 2-3 jobs at a time, opening her home to those in need, volunteering at permaculture farms, picking up litter wherever she goes, cleaning friends’ homes, sharing healthy food, investing in her son’s education, and so much more.

As friends who have been recipients of her generous care, we are putting this together to assist Nikki and keep people updated on her health. For many months, Nikki has been in pain and going through some very intense and serious health issues. She is now unable to work or drive. Any donations will go directly to the Buel family to subsidize the loss of income while she goes through this medical journey. Thank you for reading, sharing, and donating.

See below for health updates. Please be aware that content may be considered medically graphic.

•Nikki was experiencing prolonged bleeding that she thought was menstrual blood.

•While being checked she found out that she had a very damaged uterus.

•It was discovered that she has a uterine tumor.

•Ultrasounds have shown that the tumor is fast growing and is now 11-12 centimeters long.

•A biopsy is not being done to determine if the tumor is cancerous because the procedure would be difficult with the condition of her tissue, and regardless, the tumor must be removed.

•The tumor is pushing other organs out of place, putting pressure on Nikki’s spine, causing her to pass fist-sized blood clots, and a cascade of other issues.

•The immense pain and blood loss has led to multiple ER visits and iron infusions.

•Primary care providers, naturopathic healers, emergency room doctors, and gynecologists have all been unsure about how to remove the tumor. Her gynecologist said that they were not comfortable treating it.

•Nikki saw specialists in Seattle who told her it is good that an emergency hysterectomy was not performed when it was previously suggested. Because of the way her organs are out of place, surgery would have been lethal.

•The specialists plan of treatment was to inject a menopause inducing medication that will cause her ovaries to stop working to stop her uterus from providing the tumor with cells.

•Her most recent ER visit was in response to the injection. She had a major allergic reaction to the medication and had to be put on oxygen and steroids to open her airways.

•On top of what was already a painful weakening and worsening condition, she experienced anaphylactic shock, and now she is going through a very rapid menopause with all its symptoms including heat flashes, a lost sense of taste, more fatigue, and more emotional ups and downs.

•She has been told that in the coming weeks it will be very painful as the tumor dies.

•We are unsure when the tumor will be small enough to remove.

•There is a lot of unknown regarding what damage has been done, what further surgeries or procedures will be necessary, and how long recuperation and healing will take.