This CaringBridge site was started as a way to update family, friends, co-workers and all those that know and care about Nikki, as to how she's doing.
Nikki has been battling an Oligodendroglioma brain tumor and resulting focal seizures since 2001. In 2004, she had more than 90% of her tumor removed (as much as they could safely do at that time) at Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota. Oligos--slow growing, low grade tumors--never stop growing however, and in 2014, she underwent chemo and radiation to treat it. In 2019, she underwent radiation for a 2nd time, along with a "tumor starving" immunotherapy drug called Avastin.
While the past nearly 20 years of battling this tumor has definitely featured plenty of ups and downs, adversity and tough times, Nikki has battled and persevered through it with courage, determination and grace. Through it all, she's been an unbelievable wife, mom, daughter, friend, teacher and role model, enjoying life with her family and friends, despite too often feeling fatigued or downright exhausted, mentally and physically, due to her medications and the cumulative effects of her treatments.
This past summer, Nikki was starting to notice a loss of strength, coordination and memory. Because of that, she decided it was the right time to retire from teaching Phy Ed and Dance at West Fargo High School. In October, the tumor, radiation necrosis (residual effects of 2 separate radiation treatments), or a combination of both, showed up again more noticeably in an MRI. While not surprising, it certainly wasn't welcome news, as treatment options are minimal/non-existent. While she did start back on Avastin again, radiation and surgery are no longer options. So with that being said, she is no longer focused on fighting the tumor, but instead, 100% focused on enjoying whatever time left the Lord blesses her with on this earth. We don't know at this point if that's a few months, many months, a year or beyond. While the progress of the tumor and the radiation necrosis is continuous, it's speed is unknown. We pray it is slow and ask for your prayers for this as well.
So that's where we are as of the first week of November 2020. Nikki is feeling decent for the most part. She has some fatigue and is moving a little slower and more "carefully," than she used to, but can still do most daily activities. She is enjoying retirement, spending more time with her family and friends, and of course, napping whenever she feels like it! Warm weather trips over the holidays with family are already planned. Who wouldn't want to spend 3 weeks in Florida, right? ;) We ask for your prayers for Nikki and our family during this scary, uncertain time. But know this...we are not focusing on counting the days, but are turning our anxiety and fear over to the Lord and savoring and cherishing every day we've been blessed with as a family!
Heard this relatively new song by Casting Crowns on the radio called 'Scars in Heaven'. It expresses so well how I'm feeling, almost like it was written just for me. Christian music can do that to you. Take a listen if you can. Be prepared for tears, but also the feeling of joy and hope. I feel it's so fitting for those who loved and cared about Nikki and what we're all feeling right now.
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