Nikki Martin battle with Terminal Brain Cancer

8/19 update- Third Surgery. On 8/18, Nikki underwent a third surgery. This is a total of three brain surgeries, with the second only seven weeks after the first and this one only four weeks after the second. Nikki had some symptomology and was brought to UVM. At that time, she had CT and MRI scans, along with a host of other testing. There were areas on the CT and MRI scans that were indicative of potential infection. On 8/18, her neurosurgery team did an initial surgical test, which was taking a sample from her brain of the potential infectious fluid.  Pathology testing was immediately completed, and infection was confirmed. The other significant concern is there were bacteria noted in the pathology. We are awating the final pathology report for indication of the exact types of infection and bacteria. Her neurosurgeon indicated "there was puss-like fluid." They also indicated it was a larger pocket of infection than they first thought it appeared to be. At that point, the surgery immediately continued for the removal of a significant part her skull and full cleaning and debriding of the area/brain.  The piece of her skull that was removed was not replaced. This has left her with an area of her head where the only coverage for her brain is her skin.  She will have to wear protective covering to ensure her overall safety. The initial course of treatment appears to be aggressive antibiotic treatment and close monitoring. This does create a situation in which radiation and chemotherapy are not able to continue. We are awaiting further consultation on the course of potential treatment for the cancer. It was noted that there did appear to be new growth of the cancerous tumor. Please keep us in your thoughts and Nikki in your prayers. Any additional donations are greatly appreciated as our costs continue to increase with each day and new development.  We truly appreciate everyone’s support in each and every way. 

7/26 update-Second Surgery. I have attempted to load an update video but it would not let me upload it. I am posting the video to my personal page for you to find it. Thanks again for your support. 

7/22 update- Nikki had the second mass removed and it was larger than the first one. She has done well since surgery, however they are trying to maintain her sodium levels and recently gave her platelets. They are also monitoring her for a DVT in her left leg. We are unsure of a discharge date from the hospital as of today but hope to have her home soon. 

7/15 video update below. 

See 7/7 video update below. There has been significant growth since surgery 6 weeks ago and they will be doing a second surgery. 

We never thought we would ever have to do this. Nikki was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma which is an aggressive malignant tumor in her brain. It is a highly aggressive cancer, with pronounced brain invasion and destruction and very fast progression. There was no way to get all the tumor in surgery, it will grow back and it is terminal. Nikki underwent brain surgery on 5/27/22 for removal of as much of the mass that was safe to do. We have continued to meet with her neurological team. We were shown an MRI prior to surgery and the tumor was large and deep in the brain. The pressure caused edema, changes in her level of functioning and structural shift in the brain. She is in surgical ICU for the next day and will stay in the hospital/rehabilitation -timeframes will be determined. The next 72 hours will show effects of the removal of this large tumor post surgery and long term. At this point things are positive in this area. She is awake but is sleeping the majority of the time and there is not any indication of personality change, memory, cognitive delays or motor concerns. This is super amazing news !!! Further determination of the course of rehabilitation is dependent on overall effects from the removal of the tumor. The initial pathology showed what type of cancer we are facing and further genetic testing is in process. She will have radiation and chemotherapy to slow the growth of the tumor however it will continue to grow. It is a primary cancer site in her brain and this is of significant concern. Please keep her in your thoughts. This is something a family should never have to face. Nikki is in a fight that is an uphill battle. Due to this war we are in we have substantially increased expenses and decreased overall income. We are uncertain about our future. We know that every day is a day to ensure we are living life to the fullest. The costs are beginning to stack up against us. We want to thank you for the outpouring of support we have received and hopefully will receive moving forward.