How We Take a Stand

Vori Health
4 min readOct 29, 2021

Q&A with Nisha Kikunga, RN

For breast cancer awareness month, we’ve been talking with members of the Vori Health team who have battled this disease about the personal choices that power their fight. Below, we share our final Q&A in this series with Nisha Kikunga, RN, a registered nurse and certified health coach. Her strength inspires us to live boldly — please pass it on.

How did you find out about your diagnosis?

Well, I’ve been diagnosed twice now. The first time was in 2011, two years after I birthed my youngest child. I was officially done breastfeeding and in a work-up to get a breast reduction. During the exam with my cosmetic surgeon, he mandated that I get a mammogram before proceeding. I was 32 years old at the time and did not think much of it. I had no family history of breast cancer. It was that fateful mammogram that found my early-stage breast cancer.

What was your treatment like?

My original treatment consisted of a double mastectomy and reconstruction. For four months, I had expanders in place that felt like bricks inside my chest. Reconstruction was a breeze, and I was thankful to be done with expanders. I was cancer free for 10 years.

When did your recurrence happen?

While cycling at home earlier this year, I began to have chest pain that did not improve with rest or other comfort measures. Thinking it was the implants causing the pain, I sought out assistance from my cosmetic surgeon, who again insisted I get cleared by my oncologist before proceeding with anything cosmetic. My oncologist did an ultrasound and a biopsy, just to be sure. I received the call on a Friday in March 2021 — my breast cancer had returned and spread to my sternum.

What is your treatment like now?

The treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer is aimed at slowing the spread and extending your life as much as possible, since there is currently no cure. I have estrogen-receptor positive cancer, so I currently take several medications by mouth every day to decrease the amount of estrogen in my body. I work with a team of providers: a primary oncologist, a functional medicine provider, and an integrative oncologist. I also take several off-label medications and a ton of supplements meant to block the different pathways that tumors use to grow. My care plan also includes various methods for detoxification and pain control, daily exercise and meditation, massage, reiki, and energy healing work. Every little thing helps in Stage 4!

How has this journey changed your perspective on health? On life?

I think after my first diagnosis at age 32, I was just grateful to not have to do anything other than surgery. My kids were young, I was a busy mom and wife, and I just did not know how to manage everything. This time around, the diagnosis forced me to slow down in all areas of my life. I live with more intention on a day-to-day basis. I cherish all the moments, both good and bad. I know I must choose healing every single day because that is all I have. I want to live so badly and I am desperate for more time. I will take all the borrowed time I can get! I do not spend too much time dwelling on what is to come; I live in the moment more — and, that is a good thing! Health is my number one priority, and that includes my mental health. I feed my mind, body, and soul daily with things that help me live healthier.

What keeps you inspired on this journey?

Oh man, so many things! I have so much to do, things to see, and dreams to accomplish! My desire to live keeps me inspired. I want to see my teenagers become adults. I want to live boldly with and for them. My boyfriend, friends, family, and faith all keep me going every single day.

Words of advice?

I want to say, specifically, to anyone diagnosed with stage 4: It is not a death sentence! You win or lose the battle in your mind first. Get a good idea of what you are up against and then develop a plan. You are the CEO of your life; any providers (doctors, nutritionists, nurse practitioners, etc.) you add are a part of your board of directors. Take their advice and sit with it; meditate on it before deciding your plan. Be prepared to adjust your sailboat in the storm. Seek out anything that helps you live on your own terms.

Ways to fight back?

These books and podcasts that have been pivotal in my healing journey. My favorite ways to boost my immune system are getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine, aerobic activity, eating berries, and meditating every day for at least 20 minutes. That is the recipe for a fantastic day!

Inspire someone you know: Share this post or your own story.

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Vori Health

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