Nicki's Treatment

In April 2015, Nicki was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. She has two types of cancer in her breast - invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma, one of which is the her2-neu aggressive form.

Nicki underwent surgery to remove her breast on April 22nd, and is awaiting test results to know what stage of cancer it is.

Nicki will be soon undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and treatment with herceptin for about a year.

After the surgery, Nicki will need significant time off work, and during chemotherapy Nicki will endeavor to work part time. Nicki has limited leave, due to the fact she has been through years of treatment and surgery for endometriosis prior to this diagnosis.

Although part of Nicki's treatment is paid for, she will be liable for some costs related to the surgery and breast reconstruction.

One of the difficult things for Nicki is living away from her three oldest children (Jesse, Ben & Kirstin) who live in Auckland, and part of the funding from this page will go to helping them to travel down to Wellington to be with her - this support and love from her kids at this time will mean a lot to Nicki, who has always put her family first.

She will also benefit from financial help for living costs while she is taking leave without pay, or working reduced hours - including care for her youngest daughter Holly. Although family will try their hardest to support Nicki through this, there will be times when Holly will need to be looked after by her carer.

It is for these reasons that we would appreciate any contribution for Nicki's sake, no matter how much. It will mean that it is easier for Nicki to have love and support, along with reduced stress in such a trying time.

I also think it is important for me to note that Nicki, usually a private person, found it very difficult to ask for help in this way. However, Nicki has always given so much of herself to others, and I'm sure we all can agree that if we can help such a generous, kind-hearted person in any way, we will.