Day 4 of Last Week: Thursday, October 2, 2025: “ONE MORE DAY!!!!”

03 Oct 2025 Leave a comment

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

Jadan has made it to the second-to-last day of chemotherapy. Today was the first day we noticed the flip calendar on the counter. Funny how we don’t notice things and then see them as something new. After helping Amanda change the date, he received his words of encouragement and was welcomed to his chair. Even with the excitement of being so close to the end of treatment, he struggled with nausea.

Once again, we were grateful for our very attentive and caring nurse who helped Jadan avoid feeling sick during the Huber needle placement and flushing. Jadan’s vitals are always checked first thing, which was great.

The next task is to visit the blanket oven for a warm blanket to snuggle with. One of the side effects of treatment has been shakiness. Having a blanket on the shoulders or lap helps.

FUN FACT: I checked to see if our little soulgardener was still watching over us, and he was! So cool! He has been there since our first week of treatment. I didn’t expect the little guy to stay there the whole time. It’s very cool that he’s still here!

Overall, today was better than the first few days of treatment. Jadan still experienced off-and-on nausea, but was able to go mindfully still which helped keep getting sick at bay.

We had a visit from Jadan’s doctor toward the end of the day. We learned that he will have another CT scan in about a month. This will be a baseline scan that will help us as we move further into navigating his cancer. Keep in mind that Jadan’s tumor was mixed, 80% treatable with this therapy and 20% only treatable with surgery. What we don’t and still don’t know is the type of cancer that spread to his lymph nodes. The baseline could give us more information on that, but may not. The doctor said it takes time to see the results of chemotherapy. We were relieved to learn his scan will be sooner rather than later.

Mobi welcomed Jadan home. He waited patiently while Jadan was in treatment. All the animals seem to know when he doesn’t feel well. They surround him with snuggles, which is perfect comfort as he prepares for the last day of chemotherapy.

Art for Day 4: Inspired by patience in times of difficulty

“When calamity striketh, be ye patient and composed. However afflictive your sufferings may be, stay ye undisturbed, and with perfect confidence in the abounding grace of God, brave ye the tempest of tribulations and fiery ordeals.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Round #3: Day 3: Wednesday, September 10: “Strong and Stinky”

11 Sep 2025 Leave a comment

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

Cisplatin

Treatment continues. In between not feeling well from treatment side effects, Jadan managed to figure out how much platinum he would get during his entire treatment. The cancer-killing drug is cisplatin, which damages the DNA of the cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. Jadan calculated that he would get 468 mg or 0.016 ounces overall. Another fun fact is that Jadan’s favorite molecular geometric shape is a square planar, precisely cisplatin’s shape. He appreciates its symmetry and kite-like design.

During chemo week, Jadan gets his treatment from 9 to 1 p.m. daily. During this time, I am able to study and work. We found this portable desk last week, which has made all the difference. I now have a pop-up office next to Jadan.

Jadan continues to suffer from the cancer medication side effects. He has become sensitive to light and has started wearing a mask as he rests. One of his go-to approaches to managing his nausea is music. Earbuds are a must.

Toward the end of the day, the chemo smell continued to cause nausea. With the nurse’s help, he considered removing the access tube and dressing his port. She thought it was a great idea. Having it removed would eliminate some of the smell and also free him up for a shower. She assured him that they can do this every day if needed. On our way out, we determined that Jadan was both strong and stinky, strong in the sense that he is making it through a difficult and challenging health crisis, and stinky because he smells like chemo treatment.

Day #3 Art inspired by the ocean.

O wayfarer in the path of God! Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of the things that lie hidden in its depths. Be thou of them that have partaken of its treasures. A dewdrop out of this ocean would, if shed upon all that are in the heavens and on the earth, suffice to enrich them with the bounty of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. With the hands of renunciation draw forth from its life-giving waters, and sprinkle therewith all created things, that they may be cleansed from all man-made limitations and may approach the mighty seat of God, this hallowed and resplendent Spot.

Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 279-280

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 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

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.