Update on Brian

Brian has wisely taken some time before he returns to work. He is currently spending time with his family and working through all the normal issues that must be attended to. He appreciates everyones support and continued prayers.

Many people are trying to make contributions to the account that was set up for Nikki and Brian. Some branches are asking for an account number which is not necessary. You just need to give them Nikki's first and last name and they will look up the account number. If the Washington Mutual branch is having a problem finding the account, you can have the branch call Monica Zedd at the Fremont branch at 510-657-0121. She will walk the employees through the donation acceptance process. Be sure to inform Beverly Shull of your donation. You can also mail your donation to Beverly or to the Fremont branch. The address for the bank is 43333 Christy St. Fremont, CA 94538 or for Beverly Shull 2508 Grove Ct. Antioch, CA 94509.

If you are writing a check it must be written to Beverly Lynn Shull FBO Nikole Phipps. Beverly is Nikki's friend that initiated this account.

Tuesday Morning

The two years that Nikki was fighting cancer was a significant drain on their finances. An account was opened up at Washington Mutual by Nikki's friend for those who would like to make a donation. The family requests a contribution be made to this account in lieu of sending flowers. Please refer to the blog posting dated Wednesday 23.

Nikki has requested that her memorial be a celebration of her life. She would like her family and friends to wear cheerful colors. Nikki wanted her reception to be uplifting, full of laughter and music, with lots of stories shared while enjoying food and wine.

We hope you all can join us.

Monday Afternoon

Memorial Services for Nikki will be held Monday August 4, 11:00 a.m. at The Catheral of Faith church, 2315 Canoas Garden Ave, San Jose 95125. (Services will be held in the large chapel. When entering the front doors go down the right hallway.) All are invited to a memorial celebration reception immediately following at Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expy, San Jose. (about 20 minutes driving time from the church.)

Sunday Night

Our beautiful Nikki passed away at 5:40 pm Sunday evening. One is never prepared for the finality of losing someone you care so deeply for.

We will post information about the services when available.

Sunday Morning 11:00 am

The hospice nurse was just here. Brian wanted to make sure there was nothing else we could be doing to care for Nikki. Nikki can't swallow liquid any longer so she is getting Morphine on a regular basis on top of pain medication from a 3-day patch. With the active dying signs that she has, most older people would already be gone. She is young and strong and has stayed with us longer than most. Today or tonight will probably be her time to let go.

Medical personnel associated with her case, including doctors and nurses, have noticed and commented on the excellent level of care and compassion Brian provides to Nikki. The hospice nurse just said again how much better Nikki is here with Brian's ability to care for her than she would be in a hospital. I wish you could all see the amazing love that has been shared by them even in these final days.

Nikki can still hear even though see doesn't speak or open her eyes. Comments are still being read to her.

Sunday Morning

Nikki is still with us this morning, we didn't think she would make it through the night. Nikki had a difficult day yesterday, her breathing is more labored than before. Nikki seems to be in pain and we are increasing her pain medication so she is comfortable. Nikki is not really responsive any longer. The families are staying close to be with Nikki and Brian. As much as we want her here with us, we pray for her to let go and be with our Father in Heaven.

Saturday Afternoon

Nikki continues to hold on, she is such a fighter. Nikki's parents and sister as well as Brian's mother and sister are by her side and supporting Brian. We have been sharing with Nikki all the wonderful blog comments and messages of love from family and friends. We all know what an incredible person Nikki is but it is amazing to see how many people's lives she has touched and enriched. Nikki is truly one of a kind!

Friday Night

We continue to read all of the blog comments to Nikki and the cards that she and Brian are receiving. She is in and out of sleep but when awake she hears what is being said in the room and often has a one or two word comment. Our most important job is to keep her as comfortable as possible. Even in her final days, she is as lovely as ever. It seems to us that she continues to hold on to life and the love she has especially for Brian.

We know that there are many people reading this blog each day to keep up with Nikki's journey. It is important for you to know how much you are giving to us by your loving and compassionate comments. --- Barbara

Friday Morning

I know there are many people who love Nikki and check this blog often so I wanted to take the time to update you this morning. Nikki is having chest pain and we needed to increase her pain medication throughout the night. Nikki's breathing is very labored, her blood pressure is down as well as her temperature and her heart rate is high. A Hospice nurse will be coming sometime this morning and we are hoping she able to give us a better idea of where Nikki is at.

Brian doesn't leave Nikki's side and is spending every moment taking care of her and cherishing her. Nikki is so sharp, she continues to boss us around with orders. Of course we are happy to accommodate her every wish. Nikki's parents Joann and Doug and sister Becky have also been by her side taking care of her and sharing special memories.

I will continue to keep you updated as much as possible.

Thursday Night

Nikki had a pretty good day, we are trying to keep her pain under control. Nikki is using oxygen, she doesn't have to but feels more comfortable having it. Nikki is not eating much any more and trys to drink as much as she can. She is very weak and sleeps or rests quietly most of the day. Nikki talks a little but very softly, she will usually just nod her head if you ask her a question. After everything Nikki has been through she is still so beautiful and we are so amazed by her strong will, she is an amazing woman. We are so grateful for everyday we have with Nikki, she is such a blessing.

A Hospice nurse came in the morning and helped us with how to best care for Nikki. Pastor Betty from Nikki and Brian's healing class came to visit. Pastor Betty prayed with Nikki and Brian and anointed Nikki with oil. Nikki also had a number of other visitors spend time with her.
Joann read more of the blog comments to Nikki today. It is nice to see Nikki smile when she hears some of the comments and the stories people share. Nikki's neice Holly and nephew Hugo spent some time at the house and Nikki was able to see Holly's cute smile and Hugo's big brown eyes.

If you would like to make a donation we would like to request that you please email Beverly with the date of your donation, the amount, and your name and contact information as she has to document these donations. Also, state if you want your donations to be anonymous or not. Beverly's email address is groveshulls@sbcglobal.net

Again, we can not thank you all enough for all of your prayers, love and support. We appreciate all the offers to help with anything and we will be sure to ask for help when it is needed.

Wednesday

Nikki came home around 2:30 and we are working on getting her comfortable. We have set up a bank account at Washington Mutual if you would like to make a donation to Brian and Nikki to help with expenses. Nikki has not been able to work for awhile now and Brian has missed about three weeks just recently and will not be working again for at least a month. I know they would appreciate whatever you are able to contribute.

Currently you can go to any Washington Mutual and donate cash or a check. You just need to give them Nikki's first and last name and they will look up the account number. If you are writing a check it must be written to Beverly Lynn Shull FBO Nikole Phipps. Beverly is Nikki's friend that helped set up the account. You can also mail a check to the bank or to Beverly if you do not have a bank near you. Unfortunately they do not take deposits over the phone. The address for the bank is 43333 Christy St. Fremont, CA 94538 or for Beverly Shull 2508 Grove Ct. Antioch, CA 94509.

We have printed all the comments from the blog and Nikki's mom Joann read them to her today. I know she enjoys hearing from all her friends and family. Thank you so much for all the loving support.

Tuesday Night-Very Late

Today was a difficult day as Nikki continues to decline quickly. She is taking a lot of pain medication to stay comfortable. Nikki would like to take less pain medication so she can be more alert to talk and aware of what is going on around her but is unable to. The medications make it easier to rest and after taking medication she can sleep.

Brian reads Bible versus to Nikki throughout the day and takes such good care of her. It is so amazing to see the love Brian has for her. Nikki couldn't have a better husband and care giver.

Nikki will come home Wednesday afternoon. An ambulance will bring her home so she is comfortable and in the best care. Nikki will be grateful to be home again.

Brian has requested that only family and close friends visit and again please make sure you call first. With the little time Nikki has we want to make sure she and Brian as well as family have alone time with her.

We appreciate all the wonderful comments and prayers for Nikki, Brian and family.

Tuesday Afternoon

Nikki has a lot of pain that is mostly controlled by medication that makes her sleep. She is not conversing with visitors. Nikki is loved by so many and the number of people who want to see her is quite high. Brian is overwhelmed with phone calls at this point and needs to spend time with Nikki. Please call Brian's sister, Lisa 253 312-2841 and she can give you the best time to visit. We are asking that you keep your visit to no longer than 15 minutes. Also, it is uncomfortable for Nikki if the bed shakes. This is caused by simply touching the bed. Thank you all for your love and prayers during this extremely difficult time. Barbara Patterson- Nikki's Mother-in-law.

Tuesday Morning

Nikki was more alert yesterday evening, it was nice to see her bright eyes. Nikki's pain is more under control at this point and she is more comfortable. The cancer is progressing quickly and is now in her brain. Nikki's doctor feels that Nikki does not have much more time. Nikki should be home from the hospital Wednesday or Thursday.

Nikki is still in the hospital and hopes to be back home soon. Nikki appreciates visitors but is unable to have too many at a time so please call before you come. Sometimes she needs to rest so there might be a better time to come see her.

Saturday 6:00 pm

Nikki is still in the hospital. They are working on pain management and nausea issues. The goal is to build her strength back up, get her eating and stablized so she can return home. She has had a rough day and we all appreciate your continued support.

Friday Afternoon

Nikki went to the hospital this afternoon. Nikki was feeling weak and tired and had been vomiting for a while so she decided it would best to go to the hospital. Nikki is dehydrated and will have an IV for fluids. The doctor wants to have a number of tests done today and she will see an oncologist. We should know more by tomorrow. Thank you for all the prayers.

Friday Morning

Yesterday was a quiet day for Nikki. Nikki had a couple friends visit as well as her parents. Doug and Joann come daily to spend time with Nikki. They often bring yummy treats for Nikki too.

On Wednesday Pastor Mike came to visit Nikki and Brian. They looked at photo albums together and shared stories. Pastor Mike wanted to know more about Storm and he could see why he was such a wonderful dog and friend to Brian and Nikki. Pastor Mike spent time praying with them, he also anointed Nikki with oil and they shared communion together. Nikki and Brian enjoyed their time with Pastor Mike.

Today will be another quiet day and hopefully Nikki can get some rest. Nikki's friend Grace from her doll club will be coming to visit this evening. Nikki has great friends from her doll club, they miss seeing her at the doll club events. She has become close to many special women that really love her.

Tomorrow Nikki's sister Becky is coming to visit and will be in California until Thursday. Becky is bringing her twin babies with her, Holly and Hugo. Everyone is excited to see the babies for the first time. Doug's sister will be coming with Becky to see Nikki and help Becky with the babies.

Wednesday 7/16/08

Today Nikki finished her last day of radiation. Nikki tends to be tired after radiation, she rests during the day. She was able to enjoy her craving for potato cheese soup and corn bread from Marie Calenders and chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

The cancer continues to spread and there are swollen lymph nodes that are causing problems for Nikki. One of the lymph nodes is pressing on a vein that effects the vocal cords which is effecting Nikki's voice.

Nikki continues to have hope and faith. Nikki is such a beautiful, loving and strong woman. Nikki will appreciate reading your comments.