Spring Changes

Our Granddaughter Ammara’s Love Art

Life has been a whirlwind this past month, centered primarily around our upcoming move. Not by choice! Although the new place is just five miles away, the task of packing up hundreds upon hundreds of books, along with the rest of our household, has been quite a challenge. The silver lining? Our new house is filled with light and has a fantastic workspace and is conveniently closer to the beach. Once we're settled in, brace yourselves! The creative juices are flowing, and we're brimming with book ideas.

On the cancer front, today I had a meeting with my brilliant oncologist to review recent results and discuss our next steps. Throughout this journey, scans have consistently failed me, from missing my initial breast cancer years ago to the ongoing struggle to detect my lobular cancer through PET scans, CT scans, and MRIs. However, one test has remained reliable for me: CtDNA. This morning, the latest results revealed a doubling in my cancer's tumor mutational burden since the last test. What does this mean? It's time to switch up my chemotherapy, as the current treatment is no longer effective. Therefore, the plan is to potentially make a change following my seventh stent replacement surgery in June.

Jim and I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been checking in on us and seeking updates on this journey with cancer. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and we are particularly grateful for those who have been a constant source of strength and companionship…and support us by buying our books and spreading the word about our work. The financial toxicity of cancer is real, and I still have to buy health insurance and pay the premiums in the open market place.

We cherish each of you dearly and cannot emphasize enough how much your love and support mean to us through these challenging times.

Valentine's Day Update

Hello Dear Friends,

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here, so I thought I’d give you a health update.

To begin with, this being the month of February and with Valentine’s Day this past week, we wanted to wish you love and happiness EVERY day of the year! This photo was taken pretty much at the time when our own love affair started. In fact, this has to be our very first selfie!

In the personal news department, we've had an exciting start to the year. Low immunities allowed Shingles to afflict me. Then, when I went to the local Urgent Care for medication, I contracted COVID-19, courtesy of another patient who was coughing and hacking in the waiting room! And since we share everything, Jim came down with it before we even knew that I had it. And that's despite us having every vaccine available. (Except for kennel cough, rabies, and distemper...and the vet is all set to give us those when we take Marlo in for his next visit.)

Happily, after five days of Paxlovid anti-virals, we're both on the mend. I still have pain from the Shingles, but I’m toughing my way through it.

On other news of my cancer, the last scans did show problems with my kidney stent, but we couldn’t do anything about it because of low immunities. The good news is that once I started feeling better, all the appointments were back on the calendar. I’ll be seeing my oncologist next week to go over the rest of the results of my scans, and I’m already scheduled for a stent replacement the first week in March.

As William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

One day at a time. One foot in front of the other. I’m grateful, grateful, grateful.  As always, thank you for your ongoing kindness and love and support. Your messages and cards are always a joy for us both. You ARE the best!

Hi Dear Friend,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s theme, No one should face breast cancer alone, serves as a reminder for providers and patients to consider the many ways that we can partner in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer.

In keeping with that theme, I (Nikoo) attended the International Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer conference in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, where I served on a panel and had the opportunity to share my story with leading cancer doctors and researchers from all over the world. Coming home armed with a great deal of knowledge, I'm tremendously energized to help and be an advocate for other patients. And I find myself in a better place to deal with the challenges of my own metastatic breast cancer.

Many of our friends ask me the names of good places to donate during October. One thing you should know before you donate. Out of all the funds that are raised for breast cancer organizations, less than 7% actually goes toward research. So please, if you decide to donate, support research. To help, CLICK HERE FOR A LIST of reliable organizations that your money can help to make a difference.

Supportive Language with Cancer Patients

As I approach my one-year anniversary of getting diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, I think one of the saddest statements people make to me is saying innocently, ‘You'll be fine!' Although these comments are well-intentioned, they DO often invalidate my feelings.

What I have isn't a chronic disease. It will kill me. The goal and the hope is for it someday becoming a chronic disease. But we're not there yet.

Please check out these two short and informative articles.

https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/post/talk-with-loved-ones?postId=a364283d-fc70-425b-9aac-93595a069ccc&utm_campaign=6c296ec0-9205-4ef8-aff8-09e8689f4eb5&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=9e027de3-f8ce-40df-b0a9-0c37a19a024e&cid=064092a9-796a-4f8d-834d-ae2ea30dca0e&fbclid=IwAR1rvLhp6RQnFI6tJPfHdHfy1wcz28wAi6YT0x6mZxXYtNx4jC7AeUwIz4I

https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/battling-brave-or-victim-why-language-cancer-matters

As always, posting this with love and gratitude for all your prayers and warm support.

May Gray in California...and Good News on our Journey

Well, the annual "May Gray" has enveloped our corner of the world, so (ornery as I am) I find myself impelled to share a positive update with all of you. Through the mists and fog that accompany these days, a ray of hope always manages to shine through, warming our spirits here.

First and foremost, I again want to express my deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and affection you have showered upon me during this challenging time. Your unwavering presence in my life has provided solace and strength, reminding me that I am not alone in this battle. I am eternally thankful for your constant loyalty and love.

Speaking of battles, I am happy to share that I am responding well to the current regimen of chemotherapy I have embarked upon. Though the road ahead will be arduous, your encouragement, prayers, and well wishes continue to fortify my spirit, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

However, since my last report, an important change has taken place. After seeking a second opinion with a top oncologist in San Diego, I made the decision to change my care team. This may seem like a small shift, but in the realm of battling cancer, it carries immense significance.

The experience of facing this adversary has taught us the value of seeking multiple perspectives when it comes to our well-being. All of us diligently research and compare material possessions such as televisions and cars, but when it comes to matters as precious as our health and confronting the complexities of cancer, we need to remember that the same principle applies. It is through this realization that Jim and I sought a second opinion—an act that has empowered us and bolstered our confidence in the decisions we make regarding my treatment.

In closing, I want to emphasize how truly blessed I am to have such an incredible community of readers, friends, and well-wishers. Your letters, messages, and gestures of kindness have touched my soul in ways that words can never adequately express. Together, we shall face the challenges that lie ahead, weaving a tapestry of resilience, love, and unwavering determination.

First CT Scan Update of 2023

Hi Friends—

Today's appointment with the oncologist was a positive one. The scans show a slight improvement in the previous cancerous areas, and even more important, there are no new areas that are lighting up. This news is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds after a stormy week. Actually, a stormy nine months (since my diagnosis).

Also, my dosage of chemo is being adjusted, and I will now be on two weeks on, two weeks off, which will allow my blood counts to improve in between treatments.

Jim and I want to express our sincere gratitude to all of you who have been praying for me, sending positive vibes, and keeping me and our family in your thoughts. Your love and support have been a constant source of comfort and encouragement, day after day. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful community around me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Again, your love and support mean the world to all of us. We love you all and are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.

The Little Engine That Could

To all of my wonderful family and friends who’ve been asking about the results of my scans on November 4th. Here is a quick summary of the meeting with my oncologist and the urologist today.

My oncologist repeated that lobular breast cancer at the metastasized stage is a very difficult disease to track as it hides from scans. Still, she was incredibly positive and encouraged by how I feel. Here is some of what we discussed.

The line of treatment I’m on is currently working. There has been a reduction in ascites and less inflammation in my peritoneum. The brain MRIs were clear and showed just some inflammations from sinus infection.

What they suspected before as bone cancer—the breast cancer having metastasized in my spine—is confirmed, and now it’s showing in the sternum. I’m starting on a new regimen (injections) to treat that, in addition to the original targeted chemo.

The stent in the ureter is staying, and we’re changing it in January. Also, the report warns of colitis.

We’re again pushing my insurance company to approve an FES PET scan. My oncologist believes that will give us a better method of tracking this cancer.

How do I feel about all of this? GREAT. Do I consider it good news? ABSOLUTELY.

But most important of all, I’m extremely grateful to have your love and support, cheering me on every step of the way. Jim and I are The Little Engine That Could. We know we can…thanks to you.

Love you,

Nikoo