Round #2: Thursday, August 21: Day #4 and LAST DAY (of round #2)

23 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , , , , , ,

Thursday started out with nausea. Even when not feeling well, Jadan ate breakfast before heading to treatment. Vanny and Subi said farewell as Kevin dropped us off at St. Joseph’s Square.

It was lovely to get a new message from Amanda, the clinic’s receptionist. It was poignant and very timely.

This week has been very challenging. It was the first time Jadan’s favorite chair wasn’t available in the clinic. Jadan chose a new chair next to the nurses’ station. Throughout the day, the nurses paid him extra attention and took fantastic care of him. However, his hand shaking increased off and on during the day. Vitals were monitored, which all showed normal. The shakiness was similar to the first few days during the first round of treatment, when the steroid was at 12 mg. Since then, it has been lowered to 4 mg, which he receives every day during treatment.

One of the challenges for a person going through chemo is trying to figure out what causes the effects that show up. Even though Jadan’s treatment is known to cure his cancer type, each person reacts uniquely. Jadan decided to try some food from the cafeteria to help with the nausea. Happily, they had a perfect cup of grapes, cheese, and crackers. They also had a chicken salad that hit the spot. After lunch, his shakiness lessened.

It is shocking to see so many empty IV bags during each day of treatment. The cancer-killing drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, are being given back and take about an hour each.

Once the last medication had finished, the nurse disconnected the tube and flushed his port. He was finished for the day.

After spending some well-deserved time at home resting and taking his anti-nausea medication, Jadan started to feel better. We ended the evening by the pool.

LAST DAY of ROUND #2: Friday, August 22

It was another morning of feeling nauseated. Subi was extra cute as she snuggled with Jadan’s bear. Jadan woke up early and had some breakfast, trying to fight off not feeling well. He was determined to work through the chemo’s side effects, which continued throughout the day.

Before treatment starts, Jadan’s nurses always take his vitals. Today, his temperature was elevated to 99.7. Chemotherapy reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. If Jadan has a fever of 100.04, we will go to the ER as a precaution to fight a possible infection. Hearing his temperature had increased was a concern. Fortunately, our nurse opted to take a second temp with an oral thermometer, which showed a more accurate reading of 98.7. It was a relief that he was okay and good to continue his treatment. It was also a lesson learned to keep a closer eye on him from now on.

I am impressed and in awe of Jadan’s strength. He spent most of the day feeling sick, working on his differential equations homework, eating, and resting. Once the last medication was finished, it was time for the robot shot to be applied to his tummy. This medication will be administered 27 hours after treatment is finished, which should be a little after 3 pm tomorrow. After two minutes, the device beeped and deployed the needle into Jadan’s tummy. Then his nurse gave the okay to head home.

After a rest at home and some more food, Jadan felt well enough to head to UNM to meet his math instructor. Similar to Jadan’s Physics professor, his differential equations instructor has offered to meet with him one-on-one for personal class lectures weekly.

I sincerely appreciate the dedication of his instructors in helping Jadan succeed in his courses. Their commitment to teaching is an inspiration.

The University of New Mexico has several libraries. As we walked to his math instructor’s office, we passed the Centennial Science & Engineering Library, Jadan’s favorite spot to study. I am confident that he will continue to be inspired by his instructors as he navigates the difficulties experienced on his cancer journey.

Days 4 & 5 ART

Witnessing beauty during times of difficulty can bring hope and peace. I noticed a new rose blossoming in the morning light. A quote from ‘‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to mind, “Sterile soil will produce nothing, even if the cloud of mercy pours rain upon it a thousand years. We must make the soil of our hearts receptive and fertile by tilling in order that the rain of divine mercy may refresh them and bring forth roses and hyacinths of heavenly planting. We must have perceiving eyes in order to see the light of the sun. We must cleanse the nostril in order to scent the fragrances of the divine rose garden. We must render the ears attentive in order to hear the summons of the supreme Kingdom. No matter how beautiful the melody, the ear that is deaf cannot hear it, cannot receive the call of the Supreme Concourse. The nostril that is clogged with dust cannot inhale the fragrant odors of the blossoms. Therefore, we must ever strive for capacity and seek readiness. As long as we lack susceptibility, the beauties and bounties of God cannot penetrate.”

Round #2: Days 2 & 3 “Have fun stormin’ the castle”

21 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , , , ,

As Kevin dropped us off for Day 2 of Chemo Round #2, we heard, “Have fun stormin’ the castle“, before Subi drove away. If you didn’t recognize that line, it is from the classic movie, The Princess Bride. It seemed to work well since St. Joseph’s Square looks very castle-like.

Check-in for treatment went quickly, and Jadan began his day with flushing the port and a saline drip. One bit of good news we forgot to share was that his LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) blood work levels went down to 170. This level is now sitting in the middle of the normal range. Jadan’s first blood test showed his LDH was over 700. It is helpful to know the LDH level because it “is proportional to the mass of tumor cells” (Zaher, p.143). While important, it is not the only way to identify the tumor burden. Overall, it was exciting to see his LDH move to a more normal range.

Since school started, Jadan has spent time familiarizing himself with courses and studying. However, he was still feeling slightly nauseous. The nurse reminded him to take one of the meds that prevents nausea every six hours to stay ahead of it. Once he felt better, it was time to eat and have a foot massage.

At one point, I stepped outside to pick up food for Jadan. I remembered I had left a soulgardener in a tree at the front of the building during our first week of chemo, and I was pleased to see it was still there. I am eager to see if it has found a permanent home. On our last day of chemo during the first week, we handed out tokens of appreciation to our nurses, which included soulgardeners. We are so grateful for the care team staff, especially the nurses who are responsible for the well-being of their patients. They are beautiful and true examples of Soulgardeners – those who tend to the care and well-being of others.

We had the pleasure of spending time with Dave and Anya on Tuesday evening. After resting, Jadan was able to hang out and play Go with Anya. Both are highly skilled at that game, even though they haven’t played much. It’s been difficult to be away from family during chemo and recovery weeks. The dinner choice was sushi and miso soup from Shogun, another fantastic Albuquerque restaurant. This was also the place Anya picked to celebrate her birthday last December.

I remember it like yesterday. Laurie ordered the veggie tempura roll, which was new to me but has become one of my favorites, and Anya ordered her cucumber sushi roll and miso soup. Of course, she enjoyed opening her birthday gifts.

I am grateful for all the time we spent together. Too precious.

It is amazing how fast time passes, especially during treatment days. Day 3 started out very similarly to the previous days, except Jadan was still nauseous and tired this morning. Once at treatment, the med infusions go by quickly, especially when there is studying to do.

Chemo and Vanny’s classes started at 9 a.m. It worked well to drop Van off for school and then head to St. Joseph’s. And, of course, Subi was thrilled to ride in front with Jadan.

As Day 3 of chemo came to a close, and to avoid the unfavorable smell, Jadan sniffed his lavender oil. We were out a little early today, giving Jadan time to rest before heading to UNM. One of Jadan’s professors offered one-on-one time to review class lectures. He is committed to helping Jadan succeed in learning during his cancer journey. Jadan will meet with him weekly in a safe environment.

What an extraordinary educator!!!!

Next week I’ll bring homemade chocolate banana bread. For those of you who have had some, you know how yummy it is. I am grateful that Jadan has so many people who support and care for him. Thank you!!!

Days 2 & 3 Art inspired by Beauty of Nature

I had the gift of observing a new behavior in a local hummingbird. I believe this is a female Anna’s hummingbird. As she was feeding on the flowers, she started rubbing her head all over, inside and outside the flower. It was beautiful and fascinating!

Prayer for Aid and Assistance:

O Thou Whose face is the object of my adoration, Whose beauty is my sanctuary, Whose habitation is my goal, Whose praise is my hope, Whose providence is my companion, Whose love is the cause of my being, Whose mention is my solace, Whose nearness is my desire, Whose presence is my dearest wish and highest aspiration, I entreat Thee not to withhold from me the things Thou didst ordain for the chosen ones among Thy servants. Supply me, then, with the good of this world and of the next.

Thou, truly, art the King of all men. There is no God but Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous.

Bahá’u’lláh

Round #2 Chemo: Day 1 “Any pain today?”

19 Aug 2025 1 Comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , , , , ,

Over the last week, Jadan’s strength returned, and his overall well-being improved. In preparation for the upcoming semester, we shopped at the UNM Bookstore and had lunch across the street at Frontier Restaurant. This started today, the same day we went back to chemo.

Once again, Subi was confused about why she couldn’t join us as we exited the car during drop-off. As she spent the day with Kevin, Jadan got settled into his chemo station as the nurse flushed the port and inserted the Huber needle, the needle that feeds medication into Jadan. Happily, Jadan remembered to apply his numbing cream to the skin over the port. There was no pain as the needle was inserted.

Going into the second chemo session, we figured he was at 95% and was ready to do whatever was needed to fully recover. On Monday, August 18, the nurse asked, “Any pain today?” and Jadan replied, “Nope. No pain at all.”

The usual routine followed: saline, anti-nausea meds, and the two cancer-killing drugs, etoposide and cisplatin. We continue to monitor his hearing to avoid side effects of hearing loss from the cisplatin. I am happy to report that no changes have occurred. It was also time to visit the cafeteria. Jadan continues to enjoy hashbrowns with salt during his treatments, especially when getting his steroid meds. The key is to get breakfast snacks before the cafeteria closes at 10 a.m. for an hour as they prep for lunch.

The remainder of Round #2: Day 1 of chemo went by fast. Jadan was finished by 1 p.m. with no unwanted issues. Once home, he started to feel the effects of the chemo: nausea, shakiness, and fatigue, which lasted the afternoon. It was challenging to find food that he was able to eat. Some of his cravings were tomatoes, miso, and sushi, which he enjoyed.

I was pleased to see he was feeling well enough to meet Subi and me at the park. The skies were filled with dynamic, moody clouds. Experiencing Albuquerque is like living in a beautifully created artwork. We were grateful for the cooler temperature and welcomed the possibility of rain.

Round #2: Day 1 Art: Prayer for Healing

Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy.  Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion.  Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come.  Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

Baháʼu’lláh

Monday, August 11th: “Just do normal”

12 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , , , ,

Jadan is starting his first day of week three today. This is his second week without chemo. He will begin his second round on Monday, August 18th, the same day the Fall 2025 semester starts at the University of New Mexico. From the beginning of treatment, the care team’s advice has been, “just do normal,” meaning live as normally as possible. For Jadan, that means playing music, listening to classic vinyl, and eating his favorite margherita pizza from Amore Neopolitan Pizzeria. I am happy to share that Jadan has been able to engage in many of his normal activities. We are grateful he is feeling well.

Last week, he was navigating bone pain. This week, the pain has subsided, and he is feeling strong. Also, during our last visit to Dr. Purdy, we learned of the concern about possible hearing loss, a side effect from cisplatin, the medication that cures his cancer type. Cisplatin damages hair cells found in the cochlea, where sound vibrations are converted into electrical signals that the brain interprets (Acco.org).

We were able to get an appointment with the audiologist late Friday afternoon, and felt inspired by the sign on the check-in desk. According to the results, Jadan has not had any ill effects of hearing loss. This was great news! He now has a baseline to follow as he progresses in his chemotherapy treatments. The goal is to avoid hearing loss completely. We will follow up with Dr. Purdy this Thursday to get his take on the results and for another blood test. We want to avoid a week-long hospital stay as much as possible.

In celebration of the great news, you are invited to learn how to create your very own soul gardeners. The following video will include the materials needed and instructions for shaping the wire. Soul Gardeners celebrate the essential nobility in all human beings. They are perfect to bring joy to others. Enjoy!

Thursday, August 7th: “I have bone pain!”

08 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , , ,

A needle applicator that is used to administer blood cell growth medication.

According to Dr. Purdy, Jadan’s oncologist, “Bone pain is good; it means you are making white blood cells.” Last Saturday, just before 4 p.m., Jadan’s robot shot successfully administered the medication that stimulates white blood cell growth. One of the side effects of this process is bone pain, which showed up today. So far, he is managing through the pain quite well. Jadan has also been continuing to do well with food, but has different cravings quite often. He has also been feeling strong enough to go on short walks, avoiding direct sunlight due to his medications being light sensitive. However, since Jadan is a walker and loves being outside, I am keeping a close eye on him.

Jadan had an excellent visit from Anya yesterday. She made him the most delicious apple pie infused with love – it even had a heart on top! Apple pie is one of Jadan’s favorite desserts, it couldn’t have been more thoughtful and yummy!

Anya started 5th grade today. Happy back to school, Anya! We are looking forward to the back-to-school picnic in a few weeks.

August 5th marked 6 months since Laurie’s death and 2 months since we learned of Jadan’s cancer. This is how we tell time these days. Our experience with loss and serious illness has redefined our relationship with time. In a way, our current reality feels familiar, like we’ve been here before…we have. And at the same time, we are living a new moment in time that unfolds daily, and as we continue to move through the pain of loss. Kulber-Ross and Kessler state, “The pain of loss is so intense, so heartbreaking, because in loving, we deeply connect with another human being, and grief is the reflection of the connection that has been lost,” which in turn becomes “the healing process that ultimately brings us comfort” as we embrace our love in experiencing the pain of loss. Essentially, if we “avoid the pain of loss,” we would need to “avoid the love and the life we shared” (On Grief and Grieving, p. 203). Another quote that resonates deeply is from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He states, ” To attain eternal happiness one must suffer. He who has reached the state of self-sacrifice has true joy” (Paris Talks, p. 178). Experiencing Jadan’s cancer journey so close to our experience with Laurie’s cancer journey is dreamlike. It is an opportunity to embrace the love found hidden within our grief in losing Laurie, and, at the same time, it strengthens our understanding of purpose and meaning, as we focus on healing and a full recovery for Jadan’s cancer.

Lovelace Medical Center – St. Joseph Square,
where Jadan receives his cancer care.

According to this morning’s blood test results, Jadan’s white blood cell count looks good. Dr. Purdy is happy with how Jadan responds to the robot shot from this weekend. However, there was some not-so-good news also. One of the side effects of cisplatin is loss of hearing. Cisplatin is the key to curing Jadan’s cancer. Jadan has had light ringing in his ears a few times this week and noticed a slight change in his hearing that comes and goes. In light of this, Jadan will see an audiologist ASAP to test his hearing. Once we learn the results, we will know the following steps, which may include another medication that will require him to stay in the hospital for the duration of his August 18th week-long chemotherapy treatment. More to come on this new development. In the meantime, we are hopeful that his hearing has not been negatively affected and he can continue on his current treatment plan.

Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you to all who sent cards filled with beautiful art, love, and encouragement. Words fall short in expressing our gratitude. I am inspired by Jadan’s courageous spirit and positive attitude. He is committed to being cancer-free and faces each challenge with his zestful smile and determined spirit.

Art inspired by the innate powers and qualities of youth, as stated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá;

“Man’s life has its springtime and is endowed with marvelous glory. The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life. Therefore you should strive day and night so that endowed with heavenly strength, inspired with brilliant motives and aided by His celestial power and heavenly grace and confirmation, you may become the ornaments of the world of humanity, and preeminent among those who are initiated into true learning and the love of God. You must be distinguished amidst men by your sanctity and detachment, loftiness of purpose, magnanimity, determination, noble- mindedness, tenacity, the elevation of your aims and your spiritual qualities; that you may become the means of exaltation and glory for the Cause of God and the dawning places of His heavenly bestowals; that you may conduct yourselves in conformity with the counsels and exhortations of the Blessed Beauty—may my life be offered up for His loved ones—and by reflecting Baha’i qualities and attributes, you may stand out distinguished from others. ‘Abdu’l-Baha eagerly anticipates that each one of you may become even as a fearless lion moving in the pastures of human perfection and a musk-laden breeze wafting over the meads of virtue.”

Chemo Day 5!!!! “Oh, by the way, you will have bone pain.”

02 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , ,

Wahoo!!! Jadan made it to Day 5 of his first week of chemotherapy. It was a pretty good morning. So far, Jadan’s appetite has been demanding. And he has done exceptionally well with his meals. After enjoying a beautiful morning, Jadan gave Subi some goodbye snuggles.

We were excited to see Amanda, one of Jadan’s new best friends, and her special message, which couldn’t have been more perfect for our last day of chemo: “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship!” If you didn’t know, Jadan LOVES watching the weather, especially storms.

Anytime we see clouds starting to build, Jadan narrates the process and what to expect. Over the last year, we have had some really great storms. The sky seems to open up and drop all the water at once. Jadan will sit on the front porch or walk in the rain, enjoying the beauty. During our last storm, I spent some time outside and was thrilled when I heard the rain hit our metal roof. It sounded like a rain stick! So cool!

On his way to the chemo chair, he ran into Howard, his pharmacist. After hearing about Jadan’s night, he mentioned that if Jadan decided not to pursue Physics, he could study to become a pharmacist. He thinks Jadan would excel at “being a legal drug dealer.” Howard has an incredible sense of humor and an excellent bedside manner. We have appreciated the time he spent coming over and checking in on how Jadan is managing with his chemo meds. He is a very thoughtful guy!

As Jadan worked through his nausea from the steroid, I read out loud the Lawḥ-i-Karmil (The Tablet of Carmel) from Baháʼu’lláh. This tablet is a charter for establishing the world spiritual and administrative center of the Baháʼí Faith on Mount Carmel. I am especially fond of this tablet. Two years ago, while traveling in Israel, Laurie, Anya, and I read this tablet out loud on Mount Carmel while visiting Deir el-Mukhraqa Carmelite Monastery. It is truly a blessed spot.

Once his steroid was administered and his light nausea passed, it was time to read, eat, and get a foot massage. He had the munchies for quite some time. Once again, the lunch of choice was hashbrowns and tortillas from Frontier Restaurant, one of Albuquerque’s most iconic and famous places to eat.

We also had a visit from Jadan’s doctor. He’s been watching Jadan closely this week and was very pleased with how well he’s been doing—especially on day 5. His overview of the week was super positive. Before he left, he said, “Oh, by the way, you will have bone pain,” as he referred to Jadan’s Neulasta, an on-body-injector for Saturday’s med. This drug will stimulate the growth of white blood cells in his bone marrow, which are essential in fighting germs. However, patients have experienced intense bone pain as a side effect of this process. Dr Purdy shared his hopes that Jadan may not have any pain since he is young. His injector is set to administer the dose 27 hours after the completed chemo treatments. Since the center isn’t open on Saturday, they stick the injector into his abdomen, which will give the dose shortly before 4 pm Saturday. Once administered, it can be removed. I’m calling it a robot shot.

As Jadan wrapped up for the day, his nurse flushed his port, removed the needle, and gave him the okay to head out. Lavender oil has helped him with the chemo smell. As each med is changed, there is a strong smell. Smelling lavender during this procedure keeps the nausea away.

As we were leaving, Dr. Purdy’s nurse stopped by with some super cool chemo merch. Subaru (yes, the car company) and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society partnered to create a soft, cuddly blanket that lives in a heart-shaped zipper pillow. Who knew a blanket could be so cute?

And guess who LOVES it? Yup – The Subi! She thinks it belongs to her.

Fun fact: Did you know the word Subaru is the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster? That is why Subaru has stars as its logo, and it is how Subi got her name.

Chemo Art day 5: I am grateful for all the Soul Gardeners who translate their love into inspired acts of love. I am especially thankful for all my family and friends’ love, support, and prayers.

As we move into the next phase of Jadan’s first of four sessions, all are invited to include the Long Healing Prayer in your prayers over the next two weeks. The music by Elika Mahony, complemented by the ocean sounds, immerses our souls in the ocean of healing.

Chemo Day 4: “Never trust your fears, they don’t know your strength”

01 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

by lanikamal in Jadan's Cancer Journey Tags: , , ,

It’s day 4 of chemo, and Subi was not going to let Jadan leave without her this morning. She had a lovely ride to the hospital, cuddling in Jadan’s lap. With only one more day to go, it will be a relief to complete the first of four weeks of chemo. Jadan is doing very well, considering how many different medications he is taking. We are still dialing in specifics on types of medication and dosages. I have deep respect for all those who are on his care team. I have learned that treating this cancer is difficult due to its nature and is unique to the individual. I appreciate how Jadan’s nurse constantly evaluates and analyzes his reaction to treatments to ensure he feels as well as possible.

We were looking forward to seeing Amanda at check-in. Jadan received his words of encouragement and support on his bracelet, and I learned that Amanda writes each message by hand at home after a full day’s work.

As I reflected on Jadan’s message, the video Armed by Devon Gundry came to mind. Armed was inspired by a prayer from the Bahá’í Writings, where a soul is protected by the power of God’s Name. Rather than focusing on fear, one focuses on the power of Divine Beauty and Knowledge through the world’s spiritual educators.

This theme seemed to resonate throughout the day. Jadan had another wonderful visit from the pharmacist, who reminded him to pray for healing. He also brought Jadan a thoughtful gift: an 11-page section of The New York Times from 1996, “Themes of the Times…Physics,” covering an assortment of topics, such as the mass of the universe, neutrinos, ice shelves melting, and lightning above storm clouds.

Jadan had already been studying the Law of Transformation of Velocities before his gift; what perfect timing!

One of the challenging side effects of treatment has been smell. He gets frequent whiffs of chemo meds. His nurse suggested essential oils and patches to help fill his sense of smell with frankincense, lavender, and peppermint. One thing that helped this afternoon was green chili from lunch. Each time he smelled chemo meds, he took a sniff and a sip of his green chili. It was a total success!

Chemo Day 4 art was created in gratitude for green chilies and a caring, kind, and skilled health care team that provided a ‘blessed spot’ for Jadan and patients to heal.

“Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.”

Baháʼu’lláh, Baháʼí Prayers