Nico Rogers' cancer expenses

On February 17th, 2022 the Rogers family received the shock of their lives when the wife and mother of 4, Nico, was diagnosed with stage 1B Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Nico had been battling extreme fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and night sweats for some time, thinking it was solely depression holding her back after the tragic loss of her sister in late 2021. Determined to feel better, she was seeing a doctor and taking medication to battle depression with little success. Finally, the doctor decided to give her a full examination and immediately became alarmed by a lump on Nico's neck. Tests and a biopsy were scheduled and Nico was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma explaining all of her symptoms.

February included 2 surgeries, at least 6 other scans and tests, and a visit to the ER due to a chyle leak in her neck where the lymph nodes were removed. It was a taxing month for the family. Getting the kids back and forth to school between medical appointments and weather, and financial hardship due to Matt not being able to work in the family business. Because she is a natural horticulturalist, Nico had been working at a wholesale plant shop, increasing her morale and helping with the family finances. In fact, one of her favorite past times is caring for her many hoya plants. Unfortunately, due to pollens, bacteria, and other things that can compromise her immune system, her doctor has recommended she stop working until she is finished with chemotherapy.

The cancer has been staged at 1B unfavorable and requires a minimum of 5 months of chemo, which may not be long enough to complete treatment depending on her health along the way. Radiation is also a possibility when chemo is complete in July or August. The prognosis is good, and they along with their doctors, have full confidence that cancer will lose and Nico will be back to living a normal life come this fall.

Matt and Nico are the owners of Dakota Stained Glass in Garretson, SD. As artists and craftsmen, they provide custom windows and repairs to businesses, churches, and individuals throughout the U.S. With the diagnosis of cancer requiring Matt to step up to be the main caretaker of their four children as well as take care of Nico, he is unable to take on as many glass contracts. And with Nico being unable to work, the couple needs our help financially to stay afloat during this trying time. Your donations will help cover medical expenses, the day-to-day living expenses for the family, and a 2nd vehicle for Nico to use to get to her treatment sessions.

Update 4/6/23:

Nico has had three chemo infusions so far. With the type of infusions she is receiving, she is receiving treatment for about 3.5 hours twice a month. Because of the steroids they give her she usually feels okay the first day but is often very sick on days 2,3, and 4 after infusion and then feels like she has flu symptoms the rest of the time until she has treatment again repeating the cycle. Her hair is falling out and she is trying to get up the courage to shave it off.