Supporting Kylee Through Cancer

On Thursday, August 10th, our world changed forever. A pathology report from a biopsy came in: Aggressive Triple Negative Ductal Carcinoma. Over a 4cm tumor was growing quickly. Kylee was 37 weeks pregnant with a beautiful baby girl, and the oncologist said the baby needed to come now. A meeting was arranged between the OB and oncologist, Kylee was admitted to the hospital, and we prayed. Kynlee Rai was born, and 18 hours later Kylee began the fight for her life.

1st moments meeting her new sister

A little backstory: Kylee noticed a lump in her breast about 3 months prior and brought it to the attention of her OBGYN. The OB told her not to worry about it, it was most likely a "clogged milk duct". Kylee trusted her OB and let it go. After a couple weeks, she started complaining her sternum hurt and the tumor felt bigger. We encouraged her to talk to the OB again and she did. He told her he was almost positive it was a clogged milk duct. She felt uneasy about it because she felt if it was a clogged milk duct, it would cause mastitis and she'd be getting worse. She asked the OB again about it so he did an ultrasound. He said the "mass" was liquid filled and it was probably milk; nothing to worry about. A couple of weeks went by, and the tumor was really hurting her sternum. We were very concerned about it so she asked yet again. Another quick ultrasound resulted in her being told "it's liquid filled" and she was fine. We discussed it as a family and determined we didn't feel good about this diagnosis and wanted to bypass the OB and get a radiologist's eyes on it. Her husband called a colleague to get orders for an ultrasound and Kylee went in. At the radiology center, she had her ultrasound, was dressing to leave, and the tech came in and said the radiologist called and said he needed a mammogram. Kylee said she was pregnant, but was assured the baby would be OK, but he NEEDED the mammogram. She undressed, went for the mammo, and was getting dressed when the radiologist called again. He needed a 2nd mammogram. At this point, we knew something was wrong. She went in for the 2nd mammogram and the radiologist called a 3rd time. He needed another ultrasound. After 4 imaging films, including lymph nodes, the radiologist called and asked to speak directly to Kylee. He asked if she was alone, and she said she was. She said she could 3 way call with her husband and the radiologist, so the call was made. With her husband on the phone, the radiologist said, "I'm very sorry, but I believe you have cancer." Everything was a blur after this with a biopsy scheduled immediately, and pathology confirming the worst news. It wasn't a benign tumor (that we prayed so hard for), it was Triple Negative breast cancer of unknown origin. They have no idea what is causing the cancer. Additionally, a hematoma was found on Kylee's placenta a few weeks earlier, and fear set in for the baby. After giving birth the placenta was sent to pathology, and a biopsy revealed the original hematoma, but also a secondary 6.5 cm tumor was found. This very rare tumor appears to be unrelated to the other cancer, but feeds on iron (blood) during fetal development. Because of this, Kynlee will need to be monitered biweekly.

After the cancer diagnosis, the next two weeks were a whirlwind of delivering a new baby, bloodwork, MRI's, CT's, nuclear medicine (where she couldn't hold her baby or see her kids for 2 days) and ultimately surgery to place a port under her skin to begin chemotherapy/immunotherapy, all while trying to recover from birth.

Immunotherapy is a new treatment advancement in aggrssive triple negative breast cancer for stage 2 and 3 patients. However, the trade off is some of the side effects can be scary. Kylee's chances of shrinking the cancer were only about 50% with typical chemo, but increase to 65% with immunotherapy.

Kylee started chemotherapy/ immunotherapy two weeks ago, and during her very 1st chemo infusion (first 5 minutes), she had an anaphylaxis reaction to the chemo. The chemo had to be reversed, and she was sent home to rest her body. She was LOADED with steroids to try again the next day, where they began titration to help her body adjust to the chemo drugs. She spent 7 hours in the infusion chair the first day and 6 more the next day; finally accepting the drugs. She is on A LOT of steroids (which cause awful side affects) but we are so grateful that God is helping her body accept the drugs so far. She will go through 6 months of chemotherapy, with the second 3 months being "red devil" chemo. After chemo/ immunotherapy she will have surgery to remove the cancer (mastectomy). This will be followed by either more chemotherapy or radiation plus approx 29 more weeks of immunotherapy. She will be battling for her life for over a year.

1st chemo treatment

Recently, Kylee has come into an additional complication with her heart. They have found valve problems and swelling, so her immunotherapy has been put in hold until they can figure out what is causing the heart problems or her heart heals. We continue to pray for miracles in healing and protecting her heart and organs. We pray she won't experience permanent neuropathy.

Through all of this, we have faith in God. We have seen the goodness of his tender mercies in both big and small ways. He has been with Kylee each day of this trial. He saw Kynlee here, safely to earth. We have received His love, through the hands of wonderful people who have served Kylee and her family. We have had many people ask what is happening and how they can help. I decided this was the best way to organize help for the Nickerson family. This fund will help ease the burden of their large deductible that will need to be paid each year for the next two years while Kylee undergoes treatment. They can also use the support for her upcoming surgical costs, meals, gas for medical appointments, cleaning, child care, cancer necessities, masectomy clothing, or whatever help they might need on this long journey. Please consider lifting this family. Kylee is a beautiful, gentle, soul, who is loved by so many. She is a tender and patient mother who was hand picked by God to nurture her special children who need her. She has a wonderful and supportive husband who needs her. She has a long battle ahead, but we know with a big support team, and strong faith, she can beat this! Thank you for all those who have reached out. We feel your love. ❤️

1st chemo complete! The kids made a welcome home crown: "You did it!" for mom, and "big helper" for dad!