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

Chem Day 3: “Now, might be the time to pray”

31 Jul 2025 Leave a comment

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

“Now, might be the time to pray,” according to our pharmacist. We had a lively and insightful visit from our pharmacist this morning. We understand from his advice that it’s time to pray for healing. Day 3-4 is when symptoms may become more severe. Fortunately, since Jadan’s steroid dosage was lowered, he has been doing very well. No shakiness or chills. And he has been doing very well with meals. Today, the doctor added a new anti-nausea medication to help offset the lowering of the steroid. Jadan has responded very well to that also.

One surprising bit of information we learned this week was related to Jadan’s cancer stage level. Jadan was asked to sign a paper acknowledging the medications they were administering – that is where he saw he was at stage 3b, with the highest stage set at 3c. I am grateful for the life-saving science and attentive care Jadan is receiving.

At home, the Subi and Po have been paying closer attention to Jadan than normal. We think they know something is going on. Subi couldn’t understand why she didn’t get out of the car with us this morning. And then this afternoon, Po gave him a funny look. Perhaps he was wondering where Jadan was all day. Now that Jadan is home, everyone seems to be happier.

One thing I appreciated during today’s treatment was how hard each nurse works to care for their patients. It is obvious that they care deeply for each person they serve. One of the pros of chemo treatment is making new friendships with those serving in the healthcare field. The nature of chemo calls for many visits, which provide endless opportunities to get to know the staff. It feels like we are in a different world where the societal ills that typically take precedence in everyday life may become a point of conflict and anxiety, and are not the center of the universe. Rather, what is truly important is the sincere care, attention, support, and encouragement given to each person as they strive with heart and soul to live a life full of health and wellbeing.

During today’s treatment, Jadan decided that tonight would be the night for a dynamic change. One of the side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss within the first week of treatment. It was inspiring to see Jadan embrace the beauty in being bald. And WOW, he rocked the “Bald is Beautiful!” Didn’t he?

Ta-Dah!!! Game on Cancer! He is already looking forward to a scalp massage.

Chemo Day 3 Art:

Today’s art is about gratitude for being present in the moment and being the change by imbuing thoughts and actions with love. Tangles, such as Bales, Flux, Fescu, and Orbs, embellished the word ‘BE’. You are invited to create your “BE” art inspired by gratitude.

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.

Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh     

Play’n through the Port Pain, Chemo Education & The Cancer Chair

22 Jul 2025 Leave a comment

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

As stated in the writings of the Baha’i Faith, ” It is…music which assists us to afffect the human spirit” and “helps us to communicate with the soul,” where “music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart” and serves as a “ladder for the soul,” especially in times of difficulty and pain (Baha’i Quotes). Friday’s port placement went well, as expected. It was Saturday morning that Jadan woke up to pain. The pain wasn’t a surprise, and after a couple of Tylenol, it was bearable. Enough so that Jadan turned to his guitar to play through the pain. Listening to his jam inspired a feeling of relief. It was our ‘normal’ Jadan doing his ‘normal’ thing…even though we knew he was hurting. He continued to feed his soul all weekend. As for the rest of us, we have been preparing for the storm.

How does one prepare for 3 months of chemo? How does one prepare for the unknown? This last question has been one I’ve asked myself over 100 times this last year. In that sense, finding ourselves facing cancer feels familiar. One thing I know is that life goes on. As we prepare ourselves by learning how to care for Jadan during his chemo treatments and the potential side effects, we are focusing on surrounding Jadan with all that strengthens him emotionally, physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

The port needle that will administer the chemo medication.
Image of the type of port Jadan has.

Today was our first Chemo Education session with Jadan’s nurse. We appreciated the opportunity to learn how the port works during treatments, ask questions, and see the location where Jadan will be during next week’s first round. Jadan will have to decide if he wants the port needle to stay in during the week or be inserted into the port each day. Fortunately, he will have some numbing cream to apply before the port needle is used. Jadan’s nurse was patient, informative, and highly supportive. We were grateful for her time and guidance. As mom, I was relieved to have questions answered and to see Jadan feel heard and appreciated.

One more thing on my list was finding Jadan a comfortable chair where he could recover from chemo treatments. Uncle Chuck shared that his chair was his best friend when he was going through his treatments. I’m happy to share that today was the day. We found a cool retro chair that reclines and swivels, allowing him to play his guitar in comfort. The chair is also great for listening to classic vinyl, such as Close Encounters soundtrack and Jerry Garcia’s Garcia. Seeing Jadan feed his soul with his new best friend instills hope and joy.

Thank you for checking in on what’s happening on Jadan’s Cancer Journey. I’ll be posting more soon! We are grateful for your love, prayers, and support!

Next Newer Entries