Happy Holidays

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I spent some great quality time with my family and friends over Christmas. I had radiation treatment on Christmas Eve, but was able to have Christmas Day off. It was really nice to have a break from the daily radiation treatments. I also received a great gift this holiday season- my hair is starting to GROW BACK! My last chemo treatment was on November 5th and now I have some peach fuzz on the top of my head. I wasn't sure when my hair was going to grow back, so I'm sure you can imagine my excitement, plus it is soo soft!

Also on Christmas Eve I did an interview with a marathon runner in training for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training. Sean Cook is training to run a marathon in Paris next year. Sean is traveling all across the country and is talking to people impacted by blood cancers. Sean and I talked about my fight with Lymphoma. I'll be putting our interview up on my blog in the coming days. Then after talking to people across the country Sean will be compiling all of his interviews for a documentary. You can check out Sean's progress at www.trainingacrossamerica.com

As far as my radiation treatments, it took a few days, but now I'm beginning to notice some of the side effects. For instance, I can feel my saliva become thicker and heavier. I thought there was a back-up of mucus in the back of my throat, making it hard to swallow, but the doctor told me today that my saliva is becoming thicker to compensate for my salivary gland. My throat is also very scratchy and I can tell I have dry mouth, so my doctor is really stressing to me that I need to make sure I keep hydrated. So I'm trying to listen to my doctor's advice and already today I've been drinking a lot more water and tea. I can already tell the water really helps with the dry mouth and makes it easier to swallow. Hopefully I can keep up the water intake.
Time to get some rest.
Danielle

2nd Day of Radiation

Today was my second day of radiation and I was very happy my sister came with me. We made the trip to Westwood more of a fun outing, rather than strictly a medical visit. The day seemed a little brighter when we got a little shopping and food in, along with the radiation treatment. Having a little fun made the rush hour traffic in the morning a little bit more bearable.

After the radiation I did notice the right side of my jaw start to hurt. My jaw on the right side feels sore, almost like a bruise from being hit. I have also noticed I do feel more tired. After both yesterday's and today's radiation I noticed an increase in fatigue. However, my throat hasn't started to hurt yet and my skin still feels normal. I'm hoping I can push the sore throat back as long as possible. Now I have two days of rest until my next radiation appointment on Monday.
Danielle

First Day of Radiation

Today was my first day of radiation. On the whole I would say everything went very well. I was so happy because my mom, dad and sister all went with me to UCLA to meet with my doctor and be with me during my first radiation treatment. It was really nice to have my family by my side. In a medical environment like UCLA, many things seem strange and unfamiliar, so to have my family there was a nice source of reassurance.

So at first I met with my oncology doctor for a check-up. She didn't notice any new bumps in any of my other lymph nodes, which is great. Actually the longest part about the appointment was the wait time. We waited for an hour just to see the doctor-wow! Good thing we didn't have any other place we needed to be. So the next time I will see her for another check-up will be in the beginning of February.

Then it was time for my radiation. Everything went how we had practiced yesterday. I think the whole thing took about 25 minutes. It was pretty loud, but not uncomfortable. The radiation beams themselves didn't hurt. Really the most uncomfortable part about the radiation was the mask I had to wear over my face and upper body. Sometimes I would get a little nervous being soo confined, so I would count to 10 to try and distract myself. It was strange being in that large room by myself with all that radiation equipment, but I tired my best to stay relaxed. I think as the days go by I will get more comfortable with the whole process.

Now once again tomorrow I will be heading back to UCLA for my next radiation treatment. I must say though I feel a huge sense of relief knowing that now I am finally starting the next phase of my fight. YAY the process is underway-One down, a few more to go! I so glad the ball is moving once again.
Danielle

The Dry Run

Today I went to the doctor's office for my dry run of my radiation treatment. I arrived at the doctor's office a little early because I wasn't sure about the morning rush hour traffic. I ended up waiting for an hour to see the radiation technicians, but hey, at least I wasn't late. Once I was called, the radiation technicians showed me where I would be going each time for my treatment. I got to finally see the room where I will be receiving the radiation. The room looks like your standard hospital room, but with a bed and a large machine right in the middle. I was surprised to see just how big the radiation machine really is! I guess it makes sense since pieces of the machine rotate around my body, and the radiation beams come at my tonsil from 9 different angles.

The radiation technicians then wanted to make sure all the beams were situated in the correct positions, so I laid down on the bed and they did a trial run, with no real radiation beams of course. I had to wear that mask I made the other week, and boy was that uncomfortable. The mask fits so tightly around my face and shoulders that I got claustrophobic a few times. The mask is so tight that I can't even open and close my eyes or even move my lips. So as you can imagine being that confined for any period of time is a little discomforting. During the test I noticed each piece of the machine rotated around my body and made different loud noises at various positions. The good news though is the test went correctly and it didn't take too long. The actually radiation (starting tomorrow) will be longer, but at least I know a little of what I can expect for the real thing.

After the dry run I then met with one of the clinic's nurses. The nurse took my blood and explained some of the side effects I will be experiencing from the radiation. Two side effects that we talked about were fatigue and skin damage to my face and neck. Often times radiation patients will experience emotional, mental and physical fatigue from the treatment. The nurse says the best way for me to handle the fatigue is to take naps and rest when I feel tired- seems pretty basic to me. She also says the radiation beams can cause itching, redness, and irritation to my skin, almost like a really bad sunburn. She gave me some products to try during my treatment and told me I should apply them to my face and neck about 3 times a day.

So tomorrow is the big day when I'll actually be starting my radiation treatment. I'll be meeting with my oncologist first and then in the afternoon I'll be receiving my first radiation treatment. I'm little nervous, but I do feel better after today's dry run. At least now I know where to go and what the room and the machine look like. I'm curious to see when I'll start to feel some of the side effects from the radiation. I think I won't notice them until a little later, but I'm not sure. I'll make sure to keep track.
Danielle

Waiting to Begin Radiation

Over the past few days I have been waiting to begin my radiation treatment. Last week I went in to see the doctors and was fitted for my radiation mask. Now over the past few days the doctors and nurses have been coming up with my radiation treatment plan. It has been a little frustrating during this waiting period because I am so anxious to beat this cancer. My original plan was to be completely done with my cancer fight around the first of 2010, but now it doesn't seem like my plan is going to happen.

However, I'm remaining positive and I'm trying to keep an upbeat attitude about the radiation. A part of me is eager to learn about this type of treatment for Cancer, but another part of me is scared of the unknown. At least at this point with the chemotherapy I kind of knew what to expect, since I have already completely four sessions. But now I have never had radiation before and I don't know what to expect. I don't know how my body is going to react to the radiation and I don't know if it is going to work. I'm scared that the Cancer won't be gone and I'll have to do this whole process over. But of course with anything new the first experience can be a bit frightening, and I'm keeping an open mind.

Tomorrow I will be going to UCLA for a dry run of the radiation, and on Thursday I will be actually starting the process. I hope everything goes smoothly!
Danielle

Radiation Mask

Yesterday I had my CT stimulation appointment with my radiation team at UCLA. The CT scan is the first step in planning my radiation therapy treatment. When I first arrived for my appointment the radiation team created a mask for me to wear during my treatments. The mask will help me to maintain my position while laying down for my daily treatments, since even the slightest movement could result in big consequences. In order to make the mask the radiation team used a plastic mold. They put the plastic under hot water and then laid it over my face and chest. While the plastic was drying, it molded to my body's form.

As the plastic was drying the radiation team also performed a CT Scan (computed tomography). The scan will help the doctors plan my radiation therapy treatment by providing them with computer generated images of my mouth and head. Now all I have to do is wait for the doctor and nurses to plan my radiation therapy treatment. I guess the doctor told me this phase could take up to 1-2 weeks.

Once the treatment plan is complete, a verification simulation is performed on the treatment machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC). Using x-ray imaging, the radiation therapists will make sure the plan will be delivered accurately. My verification simulation is scheduled for Wednesday the 16th, bright and early at 8:30am!! Then my first treatment is scheduled for Thursday the 17th at 2:30pm, and for the next 20 business days my life will include daily trips to UCLA for my radiation therapy. At this point all I can do is keep a positive outlook, and I know I'm half way done in my fight against cancer.
Danielle

Hopefully Making a Difference

The purpose of my blog is to help others. I hope by telling my story I can help anyone out there who may be fighting cancer or any other major illness. My goal is to also help family members or friends who may have someone in their life that is fighting a major illness. Hopefully by telling my story of my fight against cancer I can provide some sort of comfort. And just tonight I received some sort of sign that I'm fulfilling my purpose.

I was so excited to hear from one follower from Canada who ran across my blog just recently. Hearing her story is an inspiration to me and gives me courage to continue what I have done with this blog. I would like to share her email with you now:

12-08-09, 10:38pm
"Hi Danielle,
Random late-night-I-have-cancer freakout lead me to some Internet searching and I stumbled onto your blog. I can't help but see some similarities between us. You are a news anchor- I am a communication studies student. You are a brunette- I am a brunette. You have cell-b lymphoma- I have cell-b lymphoma, but most importantly: you are a strong positive fighter- and that is exactly what I hope to be.
One big difference is that you've had it for a few months and I was just diagnosed this past week.
When I first started reading I smiled and then I started to cry, not because it made me sad or scared but because it made me incredibly happy to see someone with the same attitude that I have. Seeing your journey makes me feel better. I feel like it is preparing me for what I am up against and I appreciate that.
It is rare for me to contact someone like this. But I like that you are putting yourself out there and it made me want to do the same.
I am not sure if you will respond, but I just wanted you to know that what you are doing IS making a difference.
Emily Branton
21 years old
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada"

Dentist Approval

Before I can start radiation, my doctor wanted me to meet with a Dentist. So yesterday I met with a dentist at UCLA to review my teeth. The appointment took THREE HOURS, but I'm happy to say everything looks good with my teeth. I guess since I will be receiving radiation through my mouth and jaw, it is important to first make sure no dental work is needed before the radiation begins. The dentist says my teeth look strong and healthy, but once I begin the radiation it will be imperative that I keep up my good dental hygiene.

The dentist says there are some side effects from the radiation that I will have to keep in mind for the rest of my life. The first side effect is the increase risk of osteo radio necrosis (ORN). ORN is a problem with bone healing that can occur in people who receive high doses of radiation, especially to the jaw. If the jaw bone is exposed, it can have a hard time healing itself and can become infected. This complication can occur after dental surgery or teeth extraction. The dentist says often times when someone has ORN their jaw bone is removed and a different bone is used to replace the jaw bone. This sounds like a terribly painful condition and I hope I never have to deal with it! The dentist says my best defense is to make sure all of my future dentists know ahead of time that I am a patient with an increase risk of ORN.

Another side effect from the radiation will be damage to my salivary gland. My teeth will be at an increase risk of developing cavities because I will not have enough saliva to protect them. I never knew this, but saliva is actually one of the best defenders when it comes to protecting our teeth from cavities. So of course I will have to make sure I brush and floss well; I guess no slacking off for me!! In addition, since I won't have as much saliva, I will also have a dry mouth. The dentist says the best thing I can do to help with the dry mouth is to always carry water around with me. The water will relieve some of the dry mouth and will help to keep away cavities.

Finally the other major consequence for my teeth from the radiation is it will take longer for my body to heal sores and cuts in my mouth. I'm sure you have noticed that each time you get a cut in your mouth it generally heals faster than that same cut if you had it somewhere else on your body. The dentist says our mouths can heal these types of cuts faster, but after the radiation my ability to heal mouth sores quickly will be gone. So I guess I will just have to find a way to be patient with those pesky, but very painful mouth sores once I begin my radiation treatment.

Also during the dentist appointment the dentist took xrays of my teeth, did teeth impressions, and gave me fluoride trays. The fluoride trays will help protect my teeth from cavities by providing an extra layer of protection. Every night now for the rest of my life I will have to wear these trays for five minutes right before going to bed. By keeping the fluoride on my teeth overnight, I'll be providing an extra layer of defense for my teeth. I guess just another step to add in my nightly bedtime routine!

Who would have ever thought cancer could have such a big impact on your teeth. I never would have thought the two would even be related. Just another learning experience in my fight against cancer.
Danielle

A Long Day

Wow, what a long and crazy day. My mom and I were at the doctor's office for four hours, and that doesn't include the time driving to and from Westwood. I understand UCLA is a busy place, but boy did it take forever to meet with the doctor. Plus on top of that scheduling my next appointments were so difficult because there were no immediate openings. So the earliest I could schedule any appointment was for next Wednesday, a whole week away. Very frustrating! Especially since I want to begin radiation as soon as possible! I hate just waiting around.

So today I met with the radiologist specialist and his team to talk about my radiation treatment schedule. The doctor says the schedule would include 20 business days of radiation therapy, everyday Monday through Friday. The radiation would be targeted at my right tonsil and lower jaw gland. The doctor says the radiation would kill any cancer cells that might still be located around my tonsils and would prevent any lymphoma from growing back in that area. Some of the side effects from the radiation would be a sore throat, a sore jaw, dry mouth, damage to my saliva gland, an increase risk of cavities, and exhaustion. Plus in my case it will be very annoying to have to drive down to Westwood everyday, especially since I live 40 minutes away in no traffic. However at this point, the radiation treatment might be the only option to avoid anymore damage to my heart. And don't worry I won't be radioactive!!

However, there are some concerns I have with the radiation therapy. For one thing I'm afraid it will not do as good of a job preventing new cancer cells from developing throughout my body. Since the radiation is targeted at my tonsils, the rest of my body doesn't receive that same protection. While with the chemo, my entire body receives the medication and therefore that protection. But I guess in my case my oncology doctor is pretty sure I should be alright, especially since we caught the cancer early, and since the doctors removed most of the lymphoma during my tonsillectomy. I do really trust this doctor and think, hopefully, it might actually be a good thing for my body to switch treatments.

Now I just have to get through the waiting part. I am so ready to just be done with this cancer that I really need to stay focused. After today's appointment I got the feeling that I was starting all over again in my fight against cancer, and that is really annoying. But I just have to remember that yes I'm starting a new type of treatment, but it doesn't mean I'm not close to winning the battle!
Danielle

A Change in Plans

Thank-you everyone for the good thoughts and wishes; they mean so much to me! Today has been a crazy day. My "well-documented plan" on how to fight this cancer has turned on its head. I will no longer be finishing my cancer treatment with my two scheduled chemotherapy appointments, but I will instead be starting radiation.

Today I went to my cardiologist in Santa Monica and she conducted a stress test. I had never done a stress test before, so I was a little nervous about what to expect. Plus on top of that, I was really anxious because I didn't want to hear bad news. So what the nurses and doctor did for the stress test is measure my ejection fraction, or in medical terms, known as my "EF." Your ejection fraction is the amount of blood pumped out of your heart to the rest of your body. A good ejection fraction consists of a good heart squeeze, which is really what the doctor was concerned about in regards to me. During my last heart echo scan the doctors noticed my heart squeeze was not as strong as it should be, and that is a direct result of the Adriamycin in the R-CHOP of chemotherapy. So before the doctors could give me another dose of the chemo, they first wanted to make sure my heart could handle it.

First the nurse hooked me up to an echocardiograph and put heart monitors all over my chest. She then did an ultra sound of my heart and took pictures of my heart squeezing blood to the rest of my body. I then got on a treadmill with all the monitors and walked at increasing speeds and elevation. After every three minutes the treadmill would get faster and harder. Once my heart rate hit between 167 and 190, about after 8 minutes, I then got off of the treadmill and the nurses began monitoring and taking pictures of my heart once again.

After the test the doctor looked at the before and after pictures and determined that indeed my ejection fraction is lower than normal for a woman my age. So we have direct evidence that the chemo is hurting my heart. However, at this point the doctor says I shouldn't be too worried, and that hopefully I'll be fine. She is just worried that more Adriamycin could result in congestive heart failure in the future. So she plans to re-check me in three months to monitor my heart's progress. Hopefully with no Adriamycin in my body my heart will get better.

But then what do we do about the cancer? This question is of course a problem, since I still have two more chemo treatments left. So I then drove over to my oncology doctor in Westwood to get her opinion. After hearing about my heart she didn't feel comfortable giving me another dose of chemotherapy, and thought administering radiation would be a better idea, especially since I have already received four chemo treatments. My doctor says through the radiation I will still be fighting the cancer, but not injuring my heart anymore. So tomorrow afternoon I am meeting with a radiologist to plan out my radiation treatment schedule and discuss some of the side effects from the radiation.

I must admit I am a little nervous and scared about this new development. I liked having a plan, and I'm noticing that medical changes are kind of scary. At least with the chemo I knew what to "kind-of" expect and was just beginning to understand how my body reacts to the medicine. Now with the radiation it will be everyday and I don't know what to expect. It is almost like starting over, were the uncertainty of the situation is a little daunting at times. However, there are good things about the radiation- for one thing I won't have to get poked all the time! My hands will finally get a break from all of those IVs. Plus now my hair will start to slowly grow back. So as I start this new journey I'm staying positive and I know now than ever that I will beat this cancer!
Danielle

Chemo Delayed

Lately I have been feeling a lot better. I've been feeling more like myself and I'm not having as many headaches as I did before. I think the reason why I'm feeling better is because my chemotherapy treatment has been pushed back. I was suppose to have my last chemotherapy treatment on Thanksgiving, but because of the holiday, we moved it to the following week. So this is the longest I've ever been in between chemo treatments, which of course is not ideal, since I want to fight this cancer and be cured as soon as possible.

However, just today I heard back from my doctor at UCLA, and she says before we can schedule my next chemo treatment, she wants me to meet with a cardiologist. Last week I had another heart echo scan, and I guess the doctor found out the chemo drugs, in particular the Adriamycin, is having a greater negative effect on my heart than what we had thought. At this time she feels my heart is too weak to take another round of chemotherapy. So tomorrow morning I have an appointment to meet with a cardiologist in Santa Monica. I've never been to a cardiologist before, so I'm a little nervous. I guess the doctor wants me to wear workout clothes so they can test my heart while I'm on a treadmill. After I meet with the cardiologist, I'll talk with my oncology doctor to see if we can still continue the chemo treatments or if we need to come up with a new game plan.

I really hope everything goes well tomorrow because the thought of having a weak heart really scares me. Your heart is so important to your overall health that I'm afraid of having any damage from the chemotherapy drugs. Plus, on top of that I really was hoping not to have to delay any of my chemo treatments. The quicker I can fight this cancer, I thought the better. However, at the same time I'm really grateful that we did the heart echo to discover my heart was weaker because that would have been horrible to do the chemo and then later, hurt my heart even greater. It is just so hard when you are fighting cancer to find that fine line of what is hurting or helping your body. These powerful chemo drugs of course are killing the cancer, but at the same time they are destroying my body in so many different ways. I guess it goes back to the point that sometimes to get better you have to fight through those negative side effects. So in my case I just have to be careful to not hurt myself too much in the process.
Wish me good luck tomorrow!
Danielle

I'm Thankful for my Family

As I have mentioned throughout my blog, my family has been a great support system for me. They have traveled back and fourth from Los Angeles to Sioux Falls numerous times, and have been with me for each and every chemo treatment. My dad has been my source of strength and support through so many tough and difficult decisions. My mom has been amazing, caring and loving me every step of the way. My grandma has helped me to appreciate some of the finer things in life, even as I'm fighting cancer. My brother Taylor and sister Deanna have been great siblings, entertaining me and standing by me through each scary twist and turn. And finally there is my sister Brittany, who visited me THREE times when I was in Sioux Falls. She has helped me stay positive, encouraged my creativity, and has been my source of advice on those difficult problems that always seem to come up. I'm so proud of her and what she has done to help promote my blog. Thank You!! Brittany has actually created her own website and I encourage everyone to check it out; it is great!!
www.csupomona.edu/~bddupuy/cis120/index.html
Thank You Family and Friends!
Danielle

VIDEO: Yoga for Cancer Patients

When I first found out I had Cancer, I was filled with so many different emotions. Everything from being scared of the unknown to upset that I had to fight this life threatening disease. So a big task for me was learning how to deal with all of these new emotions and feelings in a positive manner. And I think other Cancer patients would agree with me that finding a positive outlet to express your emotions and get centered is really important. So I heard about this new class in Sioux Falls that helps Cancer patients become centered and take hold of their new and often times scary emotions. The class is offered at the Dharma Room in downtown Sioux Falls and is called the Integrated Healing and Recovery Class. Here is some video from my first experience with the class. I thought it was very helpful for me and allowed me to slow down a little and breathe.
Danielle

VIDEO: Nov. 11 Evening Show Interview

Here is a video clip from my last interview with KDLT's night anchors Tom Hanson and Jessica Hopkins. We talked about my last chemo treatment and how I am dealing with some of the stress and anxiety associated with fighting Cancer. I really enjoy these types of interviews with Tom and Jessica. I always feel a little better after I can talk about out loud what I'm going through.
Danielle

VIDEO: Healing Through Art

As I have been fighting Cancer, I've noticed the chemo drugs can only do so much in the journey to recovery. I have found having a strong family and friend support system is essential, but also having an outlet to express yourself is also important in recovery. Here is a story I did about Cancer patients who have used art to help in their recovery. I think it is wonderful that there is a traveling exhibit that focuses on the power of art as a healing tool. I know for me, putting together collages has been a great relief. So I was really excited that I got to do a story about other Cancer patients using art as a healing tool.
Danielle

Doctor's Appointment

Yesterday's doctor's appointment at UCLA went very well. I was a little worried about the drive to Westwood and the traffic, but it really wasn't bad. We met with my doctor at UCLA, Dr. Pinter-Brown, and talked about my past chemo treatments. She wants me to have another heart echo to check on my heart and a PET/CT Scan. The PET/CT Scan will hopefully tell us if the Cancer is completely gone-hopefully it is!! Either way I still have two more chemo treatments for sure. We are trying to decide if we want to do the next session right before or right after Thanksgiving. According to my schedule my next chemo session is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, bummer! However, one thing I do know this Thanksgiving holiday is one thing I'll be thankful for is good health.
Danielle

So Busy

Today is a good day! I'm feeling a lot better and I'm so happy to be at home with my family. It has been a little over a week since my last chemo session and my body is feeling a lot better. After the last chemo session I still felt just as nauseous, but I also noticed I felt a lot more exhausted. I made a big effort to stay at home and get plenty of rest because I really did not want to get sick. Now I'm still a little tired and I tend to still get headaches, but overall I'm feeling significantly better. I'm so happy to be done fighting the H1N1 Virus.

In the meantime I have just been very busy with my brand new puppy. I have decided on a name, and after some great name suggestions, I have come up with "Riley!" I hope everyone likes the name. I have always thought the name was really cute and fun, and my new puppy is very playful, so I think the name fits. But boy is he a lot of work. He is just a little baby (9 weeks), so he needs constant attention. I have come to discover that feeding him, cleaning up after him, sleeping with him, and playing with him is a full time job. Today I took him to the beach and he got to see the sand and the ocean for the first time. It was funny to watch him try to play in the sand.

On Tuesday I'm meeting with my doctor from UCLA. My next chemo treatment is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, so I'll be meeting with the doctor to come up with a chemo treatment schedule plan. I think it will also be good to meet with her and go over everything so far. It has been such a journey so far that I'm really looking forward to kicking this Cancer's Butt!

Danielle

Goodbye Mom and Grandma!

Last night my mom and Grandma took the Allegiant flight back to Los Angeles. I'm sad to see them go, but I really appreciate everything they have done for me during their stay.

My mom stayed with me for 3 months and was a great source of support for me as I comforted many freighting experiences through this battle with Cancer. She has always been my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and has always been there with open arms for me. I know she will continue to stand by my side as I continue to fight this Lymphoma. It has been a long fight so far, but I must keep determined because I know it is far from over!

Before my mom and Grandma left to go back to California I took them to Falls Park in Sioux Falls. Here are some fun pictures! After all the rain in October, the Falls sure are getting bigger!
Danielle

Recovering After 4th Chemo

I'm happy to say that so far I am recovering after my fourth chemo treatment. My head has been hurting and my body is sore, but the medicine is really helping with my nausea. However, I have noticed that this time around I am significantly more tired than before. I have been going to bed a lot earlier and taking naps throughout the day. I still have a little cough from when I had the Swine Flu earlier, but the cough is not as violent as before. I would say all is all I just feel a little cloudy and lethargic.

Now I am doing everything I can to stay healthy. When I went in for my last chemo session my neutrophil count, white blood cell count, was extremely low for me. The neutrophil count was at the lowest it has ever been, so especially now it is so important that I avoid big crowds and people who are sick, since my body can't protect itself. I think the Swine Flu really put my body to work and now my body is having a hard time recovering. However, I am staying positive, normally I would be depressed about not being able to go out in public, but now I understand this is really about my health and safety. So I'm finding comfort in reading a good book and admiring the sunshine outside through my window.

This past chemo session was my last one at Avera McKennan and I must say I am going to miss everyone! All of the nurses administering the chemo were great! Plus, Dr. Tolentino and his staff, Michelle and Jill, have been fantastic. They have made such a positive impact on my life as I go through this journey that I will never forget their kindness and support. Thanks Guys! See you when I get back.
Danielle

VIDEO: "Live 4th Chemo Update"

Right now I am in the hospital receiving my 4th chemotherapy treatment, and everything is going smoothly. My white blood cell count was a little low, but the doctor decided to go ahead with the chemo because he did not want to delay the session. Here is some video from inside the hospital at around 12:35pm today:



We'll have more from the chemotherapy session later on. Stay tuned!

Danielle

A Great Story

Last week I met a great journalist with thepostsd.com. Her name is Heather Morgan, and she wrote a fantastic story about my blog. Here is the link to her story, I encourage you to check it out. Heather does a great job explaining the purpose of the blog and talking about some of its features.

http://www.thepostsd.com/index.php/faces/item/123-blogoftheweek110509

Danielle

I GOT A DOG

I can't not express in words how happy I am to finally be getting a dog. I have been wanting a mini-daschund for the past 2 and half years! I love the dogs and think they are so adorable, so I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled I am to finally be having a mini-daschund of my own. Isn't he the cutest! As you can see he is black and tan and about 8 weeks old. His birthday is on August 25th. I know he will be great company for me as I continue to fight my cancer. People say dogs are a great source of healing medicine and I know he will be just what I need. I'M SO EXCITED! However, I need to come up with a name, any suggestions?

Danielle

YAY, my Grandma is here!

I am so excited because my Grandma has arrived in Sioux Falls. I have been wanting my Grandma to visit me forever, so I'm so happy she is here. She got in on Saturday night and she will be staying with me for a week. My grandma will be coming with me to my next chemo treatment on this Thursday. I know she will be a great support for me during the session. I am so grateful she has received the time off of work to come to South Dakota and visit me. It is great to see her and play catch-up.

Here are some pictures when my mom, grandma and I went on a walk on the bike trail. All the leaves are gone off of the trees, but it was still such a beautiful day. The sun was out shinning and it wasn't too cold. Really we couldn't of asked for a more perfect day. Plus, even with the leaves gone, it is beautiful to just look at these gorgeous trees. They are so big and powerful that I love to look and admire their strength. I think it is so great that Sioux Falls has this wonderful bike path.

Plus, another reason why yesterday was a great day-THE VIKINGS WON!! I was so excited to see the Vikings beat the Packers in Green Bay. It was funny to see my mom and grandma even watch some of the game. They're not big fans of football, but they watched one of the quarters just for me. They're great sports.
Danielle

For My Sisters Deanna and Brittany

These next pictures are very embarrassing for me, but I decided I don't mind being the butt of a few jokes if it makes someone else feel a little better, at least I hope so! My sister Deanna gave me these onesie P-Js for adults as a way to make me laugh and brighten up my day, and trust me, it worked. I think they are soo hilarious! I didn't even know they made a onesie for adults. Believe it or not they are really comfortable, but boy are they hot. I couldn't stay in there longer than 5 minutes before I started to sweat. I thought this was such a funny gift that I had to share it with everyone. One thing that I have learned going through this whole process fighting cancer is that it is important to laugh. I have heard before that laughing releases endorphins, and now I know that is really true. After a good laugh my mind and body feel great. Over the last few days it has been hard for me to laugh at times because I was so sick and my next chemo is coming up so quickly, this Thursday by the way, however, this small gift gave me a nice chuckle. Also in this picture I am wearing the new hat my sister Brittany gave to me. Brittany has been amazing making me look fashionable and presentable during my chemo treatments. Brittany has bought me some truly beautiful hats and scarfs that I always get complemented on. She is also a great person to talk on the phone, always brightening up my day. Brit you're my angel!
Thanks Sisters, Love You Guys!
Danielle

Feeling Better

Today I'm feeling a little better. I finished my Tamiflu medicine this morning and decided to go into work. It was nice to get out of the apartment for a little while and be a part of society again! I'm feeling a little tired, but I would say overall not too bad. After the past few days I'm just happy to slowly be getting better. I'm still coughing and my nose is still running, but it is not constant like before.

Work was also fun because I was interviewed by a reporter at thepostsd.com They're an online news magazine in South Dakota. My blog is going to be featured in their "Blog of the Week" section a week from today. The reporter was very nice and easy to talk to. However, I'm still getting use to being the one who is being interviewed, versus being the interviewer! I also video taped our interview and will be putting it on the blog as soon as possible. Stay Tuned!
Danielle

Slowly Getting Better

It has been three days since I went to the emergency room and I can tell I'm slowly getting better. I think the Tamiflu the doctor prescribed for me is fighting off the flu. I still had a high fever throughout the day on Sunday and Monday, but today I'm feeling a little better. I still have this awful cough and runny nose, but I don't have the chills anymore-YAY. The worst part about having a fever are the chills and then the hot flashes. I would be so cold that I would need every jacket and blanket in the house, and then as my fever began to break, I would start sweating and burning up. This was the constant cycle for me over the past few days.

As I was resting yesterday I saw the movie "The Shinning" was on TV. I had never seen that movie and thought it would be kind of fun to watch it with Halloween coming up this weekend. I really enjoyed the "Here's Johnny" movie. I appreciate that this horror film did not have the ridiculous amount of violence and torture that you typically see in today's horror films. I love a movie that really makes you think and the ending of this movie had my brain buzzing. But I must say this is the last time I ever watch a movie on TV! Oh man, with all the commercials the movie lasted for 4 and half hours! Plus, I think every time they cut away for a commercial break, they cut out a piece of the movie. So there you have it, my rant about watching movies on TV-hahaha. I guess this is what happens when you can't do anything but rest!
Danielle

Emergency Room

Today my body is working to recover after a very scary, stressful, and painful day yesterday. Last night's evening topped off with me going to the emergency room; not the way I had originally planned to spend my Saturday night.

I guess the whole thing started on Friday. I went into work, but around the middle of the day I wasn't really feeling very well, so I went home. Then Friday night I had a horrible night's sleep. For some reason my cough and runny nose just would not stop. Saturday morning I was hoping to feel better because later that night I was suppose to go to a play with my friends. However, around 2 in the afternoon my symptoms really began to intensify and I began to develop a fever. No matter what I did I could not keep the chills at bay. At one point I was wearing a sweatshirt and winter jacket in bed with two blankets. So I took my temperature and noticed it was high: 99.5. We continued to monitor it and watched as it slowly went up and up. Finally we took three different readings and they were all up to 101.9, and my doctor said if my temperature ever goes over 101, I would have to go to the emergency room because I am immune deficient.

So at around 6pm we rushed over to the emergency room and I still had a high fever and felt very sick. The nurses got to us right away and they started to prick me all over, started an IV, and hooked me up to all these different types of machines. It was very overwhelming at first because there were 4 or 5 nurses all attending to me and asking me every question you could ever think of. I must admit the nurses did a great job and I really felt safe in their care. We even did a urine test and took x-rays of my chest and lungs. The nurses then stuck a tube in my nose and took a sample of some of the mucus in my nose.

After sampling the mucus in my nose, the doctor found out I have influenza. Of course, just what I need right now. I was surprised to find out I have influenza because I even got a flu shot a few weeks ago, but the doctor said I could still get the flu even with the shot. So of course right after my sinus infection I get the flu, just my luck! Since I am a cancer patient I fall into the category of a "high-risk" person, so the doctor prescribed me Tamiflu. I have to take the Tamiflu twice a day for the next five days, and most importantly of all, I have to rest and do nothing for the next five days. My doctor could not stress that point enough!! So there goes all my plans for next week :(

Today I have been monitoring my fever, and I had a few different scares when my fever was up to 100.7. I still feel really sick and I can't wait until I'm better. So if anyone has any ideas to keep me entertained while I'm stuck at home, I would love to hear them!!
Danielle

VIDEO: 3rd Round of Chemo

Here is video from my third chemotherapy session. I'm sure you'll notice
this session was a little harder for me to keep positive about. Everyone
kept telling me it was the half way point, but I had a hard time staying
optimistic. I'm really glad everything went well throughout the session and
I'm so happy to be half way down. I look forward to completing the next
three chemo sessions and officially being CANCER FREE!

I am keeping a fighter attitude, but I do think it is important for people
to understand that every cancer patient can have their down moments and its
perfectly normal. I'm realizing that sometimes feeling depressed is
perfectly fine and there is no need to be assumed of it. Bad things happen
and its okay to feel sad, we all do. The important thing for me is to just
pick myself up and keep moving forward.
Danielle

Can't Shake This Cold

This morning has been another frustrating day because last night I only got about three hours of sleep. My body just can't get rid of this pesky cold. My throat isn't hurting anymore, but now I have an annoying cough and my nose won't stop running. So last night I was just too congested to get any shut eye. Plus, last night I was hit with a lot of personal problems in my life and I don't think that really helped my restless situation. It is amazing to me how stress and problems can not only eat away at your mental health, but also your immune system.

However, today is Saturday and that means I can maybe get some rest. I'm excited because tonight I am planning to see a play in Sioux Falls with some friends, and for all of my family and friends who know me, I love the theatre!
Danielle

Therapeutic Healing

Yesterday I was FINALLY beginning to feel a little better, so I went into work for a few hours. It was really nice to get out of the apartment and believe it or not, be in a work environment. I enjoyed thinking about something else rather than just being sick. It is funny how a distraction can be a beautiful thing.

Also, yesterday I tired something new: therapeutic healing. After talking to my doctor he recommeded I try therapeutic healing as a way to cope with stress. Over the past few chemo treatments I have been having a hard time slowing down and keeping my stress level to a mininum. So I had never heard of therapeutic healing before, but I thought I would give it a try, and I'm really glad I did.

When I first met with Tom Luke he had me fill out some paperwork to gauge my levels of stress, pain, mental comfort, physical comfort, and fatigue. He asked me how my treatments were going and how I was dealing with the whole experience. It felt good to tell a stranger about my journey so far, all of the ups and downs I have already experienced along the way. Sometimes a person you don't know can provide just the comfort you're looking for. After that we soaked my feet and put my hands and feet into warming gloves. I was surprised at how comforting it felt to have my hands and feet in a warm and small environment.

Tom then put on a CD that played a form of guided visual imagery therapy. The CD consisted of a woman talking to me about finding a comfortable place and acknolwedging all the different parts of my body. She walked me through the imagery of my secured location, and helped me take big and powerful breaths. So each breath I took was pushing out all the negative thoughts or feelings I had within my mind and body. The woman had a very soothing voice and I enjoyed the moments of relaxation. However, I must admit during the process I had to really work on keeping my mind focused. It was hard not to wander off mentally and think about what I wanted to have for dinner or how I'm going to write tonight's story!!

But my favorite part was when I was listening to the woman on the CD, Tom gave me a face, arms, and legs massage. This was my first professional massage and it was GREAT! Over the last few weeks I have built up so much tension and stress in my face and arms that it felt wonderful to have it all pushed out of my body. Chemo and Cancer has made my muscles so physically weak that it felt nice to have them massaged.

However, something I didn't think would have as big of an impact as it did, was the power of SMELL. Tom used such wonderful smelling oils and lotions for the massage. I was so surprised at how the smell of the lotions really made me feel better. I guess I never took the time to realize how smell could have such a powerful impact on your physical and mental health. I think I might need to light some more candles!! Cancer has made me more aware of some of the smallest things in life.

When the CD was over I must say I felt so much more refreshed. Even with all the powerful chemo drugs following through me veins, I felt healthier and ready to face the day's challenges. So overall I'm really glad I tired out therapeutic healing and I would recommend it to any other cancer patient out there.
Danielle

Sleepless Nights

Last night was another sleepless night for me. My nose would not stop running and my throat just kept hurting throughout the night! I tired everything from gargling with salt water to drinking hot tea and lots of fluids. I think I might have received, in total, like three hours of sleep.

However, last night I did start my antibiotics and I'm hoping today I'll start to see some improvement. It is scary to me to think that my body is having such a hard time fighting this sinus infection. I knew before I started my chemo that my body would have a hard time fighting off infections, but I guess I didn't realize it would be this tough. It is amazing to see how the chemo drugs can just destroy your immune system so quickly. Without your white blood cells you are totally hopeless. I think for now on I will make a point of trying to avoid all situations with tons of people, so I don't get this sick again. Especially with this being the cold and flu time of the year, now might be the best time to lay low.

So today I plan on trying to get some rest and help my body recover from this infection. It will be another one of those "stay in you PJs days." Hopefully I won't get too restless, maybe I'll start another collage.
Danielle

Fighting A Cold

The last few days have been a little tough on me. Especially the two days after my last chemo treatment, I have been very forgetful, something my family and I have been calling "chemo brain." It is a really unpleasant experience where I become forgetful and can't remember simple daily tasks. For instance, on Friday I was trying to drive around Sioux Falls and I got lost for an hour! I have been on these roads and streets many times before, but when I tired to remember where I was, I completely got lost. So this has been frustrating because not only an I dealing with the physical side effects of chemo, but now I feel as if I'm losing my mind. Have any other cancer survivors experienced this before?

However, a good piece of news from my last chemo treatment is I tired a new medicine to help with the nausea called Edmond, and it really did help. I received my first pose through the IV on Thursday and then the second and third pills by mouth on Friday and Saturday. I still felt very tired, had the body aches, and the headaches, but I wasn't throwing up. I think it also helped to have my sister and mom in town to keep my mind off of some of the chemo side effects. They are always a good distraction for me. We even went to the Expo For Her in Sioux Falls and had a fun time looking at all the interesting products for sale.

As for today, I'm not feeling very well, I think I am fighting a cold and my body is having a hard time staying strong. I noticed on Saturday night my nose was beginning to get stuffed-up and my throat was starting to hurt. I had a really hard time sleeping on Saturday night and that restlessness continued to Sunday and Sunday night. Finally last night I just got out of bed at 3:00am and went downstairs and just read until the morning time. I'm reading a really good book, so I guess it was nice to have a book to curl up to if I couldn't get any sleep eye! I called my doctor today and he is suppose to call me back sometime today to tell me if I need to come in or if I can take some over the counter medicine. I hope I hear back from him soon because if possible I would like to come into work tomorrow. Of course we'll see how it goes, I know I can't push my body right now, especially if I'm fighting a cold. So today I am just staying a home and getting some rest, hopefully helping my immune system! I can't wait for this headache to leave!!
Danielle

VIDEO: "It's Only Hair"

Here is the story I wrote about earlier in my blog, about the Beresford woman, Christine Wevik, who has Alopecia. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition, where hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. To help others also going through any form of hair loss, Chris has wrote the book "It's Only Hair." I found her strength, courage, and humor to be very inspirational. I hope you enjoy this story just as much as I enjoyed putting it together. You can find her book at www.inkwaterbooks.com.
Danielle

Today: Third Chemo

Today was my third session of Chemotherapy and it was a very difficult day. Nothing went wrong with the medicine or the nurses, but it was very hard to keep a positive attitude while receiving the R-CHOP. I wonder if other Cancer patients feel like this around the half way point of their chemotherapy sessions. It is so frustrating to go into the hospital right when you FINALLY begin to feel better and get sick all over again. I know I have to look at the big picture and that the powerful drugs are in turn killing the Cancer, but it is hard to remember that, especially when you feel so sick and down. Everyone keeps telling me I should stay optimistic because I'm at the halfway point, but for me it doesn't make it easier. If anything I feel depressed that I still have to go through 3 more whole sessions!! Sorry for venting! I am still positive about my fight and I know I will beat this, it is just hard when you feel sick. I'm sure once the side effects of the chemo go away I'll be better. I know just putting these thoughts down to paper has already made me feel a little better. I'm sure other Cancer patients would agree that sometimes you need to just get these feelings out. When you're faced with so much in such a short period of time, it is hard not to feel a little down. I'm so glad I have this blog.

Otherwise, it was nice to have my mom, Aaron, and sister Brittany there to support me during the chemo session. They are such a great support system for me. Having my sister here takes so much stress off my back. She is so much fun and she really helps out in every avenue.

The only pain I experienced during the session was some burning around the site of the IV. We did the IV on the right hand this time and all day and tonight it has been very sore. Plus, right when I was receiving one of the Chemo drugs from my nurse Marcia, I found out some very frustrating news. Last night my mom got into a car accident using my car, and it was her fault!! All she did was bump a parked car, but it is going to cost $600 to fix the scrap. And in South Dakota the person who owns the car is responsible, no matter if that person was not there during the accident or if the driver at fault has her own insurance. So that means I now have her accident on my record and my car insurance gets to go up. Just what I need right now!! I can't believe this...

However, on a positive note, new blood lab work looks great. My white blood cells are doing great, and my doctor says I look great for my third chemo treatment. So now I'm trying to keep positive and strong. It is just a horrible irony that as you are fighting a horrible disease, you also have to deal with all the regular hiccups in life. I want to ask, why can't things be easier, but one thing I have learned is to never compare my life with anyone else. I am grateful for my situation and I know it could be a lot worst.
So I'm trying to remember that I'm a Strong,
A Powerful,
And A Beautiful Person, inside and out!
Danielle

Please Listen to Radio Story

http://sdpb.org/tv/shows.aspx?MediaID=57334&Parmtype=RADIO&ParmAccessLevel=sdpb-all
Please listen to this great radio story by Gary Ellenbolt. Just click on the link and press the play button in the black box to the right of the story.
Thanks!!!

Dakota Digest Sioux Falls TV Anchor Battles CancerAir Date: 10/13/2009
by Gary Ellenbolt

Years ago, a diagnosis of cancer almost always meant it was time to get one's affairs in order-about the only option for doctors was to try to make a patient comfortable in their final months. But treatments have improved, and many cancers are treatable and survivable. Viewers of one Sioux Falls television station are watching a young news anchor go through the disease-a very public battle she insists she will win, and statistics are with her. On today's Dakota Digest, South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Gary Ellenbolt brings you the fight of Danielle Dupuy.

It's 6 A.M., and K-D-L-T in Sioux Falls is starting its local morning news. The regular morning news anchor is missing - and won't be back for several months.

Danielle Dupuy is 24-years old - a native of California - and has cancer.

"I'm pretty open about it," Dupuy says, "and I feel like-especially if I'm not wearing a wig or something like that, if someone has a question to ask me, I'd rather you would ask instead of just look. And I actually feel better talking about it, because if I'm with someone who knows the situation, then I can be completely honest. And a lot of times I just try to be honest with the situation to begin with."

Danielle Dupuy has decided to take her fight public.Last month, Dupuy appeared on KDLT's evening newscast and discussed her cancer with anchors Tom Hanson and Jessica Hopkins. She's doing regular feature stories on what she's going through and how cancer is affecting her life. She has also started her own blog to write about what's happening.

Dupuy said, "So many people were asking me about it, and I thought this might be an easy way to answer those questions. Also, another part of me wanted to help other people, because when I found out, the first thing I did was go to the internet, and read about other people's experiences. And you can read about it in a textbook, but hearing people's personal experiences mean a lot more."

Danielle's goal in documenting her experience is to share her struggle-and get some things out in the open that may concern her, such as side effects of chemotherapy.

For Danielle Dupuy her journey with cancer began a few months ago. She went to her doctor for what she thought was a routine physical exam. So routine, in fact, she allowed a medical intern to look her over.

Dupuy recalls: "And we're doing the regular exam, and you know how the doctor always goes ‘Open up your mouth and say ‘ah,' and so I did that, and next thing I know her eyes just got huge and she said, ‘Oh my' and I'm thinking to myself ‘what, what's wrong? What is it?' and she says ‘Wait a minute, I've gotta see this better,' and so she's looking into my mouth and she says, ‘That is the biggest tonsil I have ever seen."

The discovery led to a biopsy, which led to a phone call Dupuy never expected. She said the nurse on the other end of the phone was very quiet-and that tipped her off that something was wrong.

"And she told me it was cancer," Dupuy said, "and it was more of a shock more than anything else. The first feeling I thought I had was ‘oh no I'm sick-or ‘what does this mean for my life. The first thought was ‘what needs to be done to fix it."

Danielle's cancer is Diffuse Large-B Cell Lymphoma. Doctor Kamran Dasabi is an oncologist in Sioux Falls.

Dasabi explained, "That's a sub-type of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma has about 40 sub-types. It has an incidence of 60 thousand a year in the US. Now of those 40 sub-types, the most common type is Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, which occurs in about 40 percent of those 60 thousand people."

Darabi says this is an aggressive cancer, but it's highly curable. He says nearly 85 percent of those who are diagnosed with this type of cancer beat it. Dupuy says talking about her cancer is just as important a medicine as the chemotherapy she'll have infused into her body.

Jill Ireland is with the American Cancer Society in Sioux Falls. She says journaling and blogging about experiences is becomming more common as a means for survival.

Ireland said, "We're seeing for younger survivors who are used to accessing the internet, its instinctive for them to turn to social networking, or an online journal to cope-such as blogging, which can be helpful because it can allow others to be a part of their journey. And it's practical, because people can inform lots of individuals instantly, without having to repeat themselves with the same information."

One of the first people at KDLT to find out about Dupuy's illness was general manager Mari Ossenfort. Her large office features three televisions showing what's on competing stations in Sioux Falls. As the manager, she's sometimes called on to make difficult decisions, without a lot of emotion. But on the subject of Danielle Dupuy, Ossenfort lets her heart into the conversation.

"My heart broke for her," said Ossenfort, "and I thought ‘no 24-year-old should have to go through what she's going to go through."

Ossenfort was fine with allowing Dupuy to chronicle her condition and treatment-and she's making sure those who work with her take precautions for Danielle's sake. She admits, "I'm definitely worried about her catching a cold, catching the flu, anything like that. We're preaching ‘Wash your hands, wash your hands' all the time-and if you're sick, we don't want you coming to work."

Dupuy has decided to make her battle with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma a proactive one. When chemotherapy started, and her long hair began to fall out, she took the rest of it before the medicine did it for her.

As for that decision, Dupuy said "I felt like it was such a slow process; I almost just wanted it to all fall out at once, rather than seeing it on my pillow or clogging the drain in the shower, that was the hardest thing. So finally, I just went in, and once I started to see spots, and my part was enlarged, I just thought I'm done with seeing this all over the place-it would just be easier than to deal with that from day to day."

She wears a dark wig to work now-and most of the time, she wears a smile on the job. Danielle Dupuy is confident-really, certain-she will defeat the enemy.

Through her smile, Dupuy said "Come talk to me in a year, and I'll be cured. I won't have cancer anymore. And to be able to say that is a really great thing. So I feel like I'm blessed, almost, to be honest, to have this type, because it is so curable, and it's just a little part of my life and I can move on."

Dupuy will have six chemotherapy treatments and radiation as part of the treatment plan. The station will use other anchors in the morning until she's ready to come back to the early news show.

VIDEO: 2nd Round of Chemo

Here is a video from my second chemo treatment. The treatment went very well, but the side effects were a little tough. I'm just hoping the process goes just as well for my third treatment on Thursday. Wish me good luck!!
Danielle

Relaxing

After this past chemo session I have been really making an effort to set aside some time to relax. In my spare time I like to make collages and I just finished one. Here is a picture of my latest collage. This is from a picture I took in Jeffery City, Wyoming. Jeffery City is a ghost town, but this lone, solitary church really stood out to me. I really love the stark contrasts between all the different colors, from the blue sky to the white church to the green-brown grass. I think it makes the church standout in an open and vast field of mother nature.

Before I found out I have Cancer, I was a very physically active person, so it was hard for me when I found out I couldn't work out anymore. So this week I bought a Yoga DVD and have been doing a few exercises. I must say Yoga is a lot harder than I had originally thought. During each of the yoga exercises I am really feeling a workout. So it has been fun and relaxing for me to do some physical activity.

In addition to trying to relax, I'm really excited because my sister Brittany is coming back to Sioux Falls on Wednesday. I'm so happy she is able to get some time off to come out and visit. I'm a little sad that the reason she is coming out is because of my third session of chemo on Thursday, but I guess her coming gives me something to look forward to.
Danielle

VIDEO: PART 3 Radio Interview

At the end of my interview with Gary Ellenbolt with South Dakota Public Radio, my assignment editor, Jackie Fink, asked Gary some questions about his story. Jackie asked him how he heard about my fight with cancer, why he is doing the story, and if there is anything else he would like to say. Here are his answers:
Danielle

NEW!! VIDEO: PART 2 Radio Interview

Here is A NEW part 2 of my interview with South Dakota Public Radio. Better Quality.
Danielle

VIDEO: PART 1 Radio Interview

This past week I traded positions with a fellow journalist and was the one behind the microphone. South Dakota Public Radio asked me if they could do a story about my fight with cancer. I agreed to do the story with them, in hopes my battle could help someone else also fighting cancer. However, I must say it was strange to be the one being interviewed. I'm so use to asking the questions that it felt weird to be in the hot seat!! But I must say the interview was very fun and I enjoyed talking with Gary Ellenbolt. Gary is a great guy and is very easy to talk with.

Gary Ellenbolt with South Dakota Public Radio is the journalist doing the story and I encourage everyone to check out his story. The story will run Tuesday at 7:30am and 5:30pm as a part of their Dakota Digest piece. I will of course put a link to it on my blog.

During my interview with Gary on October 7, I was able to video record portions of our conversation. Feel free to watch the videos. The interview is long, so I will be splitting the interview up into a few different parts. Here is the first one:
Danielle

Great Interview

Yesterday I interviewed a very inspirational woman from right here in South Dakota. Her name is Chris Mager Wevik and she wrote the book "It's Only Hair: hair loss help and humor." The book follows Chris as she learns how to live with alopecia. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes baldness, where the body mistakenly fights off hair like an allergy. So Chris is completely bald, and in her book she offers support, humor, and understanding for women who are also dealing with hair loss.

I found my interview with Chris to be very helpful. It was nice to talk to a woman who is also dealing with hair loss herself. I think at times our society put so much stress on physical appearance, hair included, that without your hair framing your face you feel out of place. Even if people are not looking, you feel as if someone is staring at your head. The key though is to develop self-confidence, where you choose to look and act the way you want.

I know growing up I always had long hair all throughout high school and college. I was known for my hair and it was always the first thing everyone noticed about me. I can remember when I interned at KABC in Los Angeles, I was known as the intern with the really, really long hair. Sure I wanted to be recognized as the intern who is a good journalist, but at that time, in the number two market in the country, I was just happy to be recognized at all!!!! So I think this type of recognition made it hard for me to lose my hair.

However, its kind of funny, now that I'm bald I have accepted the fact and I don't tend to dwell on it too much. I know this is just a slight bump in the road for me, and in the end I will be a stronger person. I'm grateful that this is only temporary, and my heart goes out to Chris and other alopecia patients who will have to deal with hair loss for the rest of their lives. Learning to march to your own drum can be tough in today's society.

So stay tuned to my story with Chris. I'll be putting together a piece that will run on KDLT and I'll make sure to post it here on my blog.
Danielle

Feeling Better!

It has been 11 days since my last chemo session and today I am beginning to feel a little bit more like myself-YAY!! As I said before the recovery after this last session was harder than my first session, so today I am very happy to feel better. I'm realizing that each session will become progressively harder, but I'll make a fully recovery and be back in no time.

I think I also feel refreshed today because over the weekend I went to Wisconsin for a wedding. It was really nice to do some traveling and see another part of the country I'm unfamiliar with. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, so its nice to know I can still travel and see new things even as I battle Cancer.

So the weekend I even got to do some DANCING!! I love to dance so I tired out some moves on the dance floor at the Wedding and had a blast. I got sick later that night from too much physical activity, but it was worth it to have some fun- I hope so that is!
Danielle

Adjusting to Changes

This round of chemo has been really rough. I think my body is having a harder time adjusting to these powerful drugs. I have felt more nauseous and tired following this go around. I’ve also noticed I have been experiencing frequent headaches and body aches. So far it is Wednesday, about 6 days after the chemo session, and I'm still feeling a little run down. It’s been harder to get myself going in the mornings and each night I'm exhausted. I have been going to sleep each night at 9-9:30pm and I'm still very tired. So I have noticed some changes, but I'm keeping positive and I know I'll be better soon! Just looking forward to the weekend!
Danielle

Lime Green

I wanted to give a special thank you to Dr. Tolentino and his staff at Avera. Michelle and Jill gave me this lime green balloon after my second chemo. I really appreciate all of their support. Lymphoma's awareness color is Lime Green, so I thought the shirt and the ballon were perfect!

Pictures After the Hair Cut

Here are some pictures of my parents and I after I shaved my hair. I am so grateful that both my mom and dad were there for that big day. Here is also a picture of Lisa cutting my hair, she did a great job and made me feel very comfortable!

VIDEO: The Hair Cut!

Over the weekend I decided to cut my hair because the hair loss was unbearable! Her is a video clip of my transformation. Thank you to Lisa for the hair cut.
September 25, 2009
Danielle

Second Round of Chemo

September 24, 2009 was my second round of chemo. The Chemo session went a lot smoother than I expected, so YAY. The nurse got the IV started in just one prick! I was a little worried about my veins, but so far they are doing great. Plus, my body didn't react to the drugs like it did last time. and we were out of the doctors office in 6 and half hours, a few hours earlier than last time. Plus it was really nice to have my mom, Aaron, and especially my dad there during this round of chemo. I know it must be hard for him to be all the way in California, while I'm going through all this in South Dakota, so I was really happy he could be there yesterday. Plus, I was so proud of my dad, he didn't even faint once!

However, one thing I have noticed is my "after chemo symptoms" are coming on a lot sooner than what they did after the first session. After the first session I didn't start to really feel sick until Saturday morning, but now I already felt sick soon after the Chemo on Thursday night. I have been a lot more nauseous this time around!! So I think the "chemo symptoms" must be cumulative and now my body is having a harder time fighting them off. I also had a harder time sleeping last night and woke up at 5:30am, much too early!

So today we are going back to the doctor for a shot to increase the production of my white blood cells. Plus today is the big day that I have decided that I am going to shave my hair off. It has been so stressful slowly watching my hair fall out day after day. I still have some hair left, but it is very thin and my hair part is now a half of an inch larger. So hopefully I'll feel a little better when I don't have to consistently see my hair falling out all over the place. Stay tuned for pictures, here comes bald Danielle!!
Danielle

VIDEO: Second Evening Show Interview

My station and I did another "Danielle Update" yesterday for the 5pm news. I talked with Paul and Jessica about my first chemo session and about some of my feelings for the second. It was really nice for me to tell my viewers how I have been doing and let them know I appreciate all of their support.
Danielle

VIDEO: Currently at Chemo

So right now I am the hospital receiving my second round of chemo. I feel tired, but for the most part I am keeping a positive attitude. I feel so happy that my dad, Aaron and my mom are all here with me during this time. I can't imagine going through all this by myself. So here is the first video from the Chemo treatment that we just taped.
Danielle

Doctor's Appointment

Today I went to the doctor for a check-up and lab work for my second chemo session scheduled for this Thursday. It was a long day for us because our appointment lasted 2 and half hours (the doctor was pretty busy). However, I did get some great news- my white blood cell count and chemical levels in my blood were all GREAT!! I also did a urine test and everything looked perfect, so as you can imagine that was a HUGE relief. I'm so proud of my body for doing so well, even after all these powerful and dangerous chemicals have invaded my body. TAKE THAT CANCER, you can't keep me down.

The only thing the doctor said is I have to work on finding a better way to handle stress. It seems as if I get stressed out too easily, and I need to find a better outlet that will help me relax. So he is going to help me find some activities that will help my body stay strong. Maybe I'll start to do yoga or sewing! He also wants me to take it easier, I'm pushing my body a little too hard at times. Sometimes I need to just listen to my body, and if my body says I'm tired, I have to rest and not work. It's just hard for me because I'm not use to being sick, I'm use to always pushing myself to the edge, but I guess I have to learn.

As far as the hair situation, its still falling out, but my doctor wants me to wait a little while before I shave it off. He recommends I shave it when I can see bald patches. Its just hard because right now there is hair ALL over! So right now I'm ready for Thursday. I'm not really scared, I just feel determine and anxious to fight this cancer in the butt.
Danielle

VIDEO: Evening Show Announcement

September 2, 2009
Danielle

Afraid to Touch My Hair!

We'll, I think the hair loss process has officially started. On Sunday morning I woke up to find hair strands all across my pillow. It was really scary to see my hair just laying there. Now I have not washed or brushed my hair in two days because every time I touch my hair, more hair strands fall out. As much as I anticipate losing my hair, its still really hard to see it first hand. It's also a weird time because not enough of my hair is falling out to shave it just yet, but a lot of my hair is falling out that its all over the floor, my clothes, and bed. So a part of me just wants it to come out, so I can stop seeing it all over the place, but another part of me wants to hold onto it for as long as I can. Another change I have noticed is my skin is becoming dry. Dry skin isn't too much of an issue for me, since I lived in Wyoming for two years!

Also on Saturday night my sister Brittany went back home to California. I'm so sad to see her go. It was really great having her stay with us for two weeks. I really had a wonderful time spending some quality time with her. She is turning into a wonderful woman, I'm so proud of her.

Tomorrow I'm meeting with my doctor and doing some blood work. Then on Thursday is my second session of Chemo. I hope everything goes well with my blood work. I am interested in hearing about my white blood cell count. I have noticed I have been sneezing a lot. I'm also curious to see how long the second session of chemo will take.

Some good news: my dad gets into town on Wednesday, so I'm really excited to see him!!
Danielle

Hair Changes

Today has been an anxious day. For the first time I have noticed some changes to my hair. My scalp has been sore, in particular the back of my head feels as if there is a bruise there. Also the texture of my hair feels different, almost more brittle. However, what really scared me was I noticed a lot more of my hair begin to fall out when I took a shower. Sure every woman's hair falls out a little when they shower, but I noticed more hairs than normal. My mom keeps telling me it is a sign the Chemo is working to kill the cancer, so that is something to be happy about. I hope I'm not being a hypochondriac, but I am noticing some changes. I'm just wondering if now is too early to be noticing these changes in my hair.

Also today I received my flu shot and Lupron shot. Since I don't have a spleen and since I'm going through Chemo, I really hope I don't catch a bad flu or cold. I also decided today I am going to get the Lupron shot each month. Hopefully by receiving the shot each month, my ovaries will be protected from the chemo. On a positive note, I am feeling better, I went to the driving range and I even went on a 4 miles walk. It was really nice to be outside in the sunshine getting some exercise. Its funny how a little thing like a walk could brighten your day. But come tomorrow night I know I'm going to be sad because that's when my sister leaves to go back to California. It has been really nice having her here with me during this time.

So now the count down to the second chemo treatment begins. I'm a little scared and nervous for Thursday, but I'm keeping positive.

VIDEO: Tie One On

This past weekend I went to a special event for women undergoing Chemotherapy. At the "Tie One On" event I got to try on a few different scarves and I learned a few different ways I can style the scarves. It was nice to see some of the scarves are fashionable and actually look good with the shape of my face.

I'm so nervous for when my hair falls out. I am dreading the moment when I see the first pieces of hair begin to fall. However, I'm trying to keep a positive outlook. I am not going to let this Cancer consume my physical beauty, and I know even with no hair, I'll still try to have my inner beauty shine through.
Danielle

Fertility Questions

Recently I've had some questions about fertility and Cancer. When my doctor first told me I had Cancer, he told me there was a risk that I could become infertile after the Chemotherapy. The chemotherapy can sometimes have devastating effects on a woman's ovaries.

So at the age of 24 I'm sure you can imagine the despair I felt. I have always wanted to have children of my own, but at the age of 24 I just wasn't ready. So the idea of not being able to have children in the future was devastating. I know I can always adopt, and that's still a potential option, but I just hated the fact that my cancer could take something I have always thought to be so precious away from me.

Then the doctor told me there are things a woman can do to reduce her risk. What I am doing is a shot every month called Lupron, which temporarily shuts down the ovaries, hopefully protecting them from the chemo. Another thing I am doing is going on birth control. Birth control also helps to protect the ovaries. Finally, before I started my Chemo I froze some of my eggs. I was lucky enough to have a few days to freeze my eggs. That way if I can't produce my own eggs after the chemo, I can use one of my eggs that I had frozen in the future.

So as I said before, infertility does not always happen, just in my case I wanted to be safe than sorry.
Danielle

12 Day Update

We'll it's been 12 days since my first chemo treatment and I'm feeling so much better than I did before. I'm still pretty tired, but my headaches have gone down and the pressure in my eyes has significantly reduced. My stomach is back to normal and I can tell I'm slowly beginning to get some of my strength back. However, one thing I have noticed is some mouth sores begin to develop. I have one on the back of my tongue that hurts pretty bad. But I must say I'm so happy to be feeling better than how I felt before. Yay!
Danielle

VIDEO: Morning Show Announcement

When I found out I had Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma it was important to me to share my story with others. Since I'm a young, healthy woman at the start of my career, I thought my experience battling cancer could help someone else. So I decided to share my fight with cancer with my viewers in South Dakota, and others across the country with this blog. What I have learned so far is that Cancer is scary and there are so many feelings and emotions that not only the person fighting cancer feels, but their family and friends, so its illness that impacts so many people.

So after I had my tonsils removed and doctors found the Lymphoma, I wanted to go back on air and tell people where I have been and what I have been up to. This video clip is from the first morning I was back on air after I found out I had Lymphoma. The date is August 25, 2009.
Danielle

A New Haircut

Today my sister and I got new haircuts. My hair was fairly long, and I thought it would be better to have shorter hair, once my hair begins to fall out. I know it will be a very emotional time for me, so I would rather see shorter hair beginning to fall out versus longer ones.
Hope you like the styles.
Danielle

VIDEO: Look Good, Feel Better

This week my mom, sister and I went to a "Look Good, Feel Better" class at the Avera Cancer Institute. The class was informational and very fun. I couldn't believe all the wonderful make-up products that were donated for the class.

I can still remember the first time when my doctor told me I had cancer. There were two defining points in the conversation that brought me to uncontrollable tears. When he said I had cancer I didn't cry, I was more in shock and fear. It wasn't until he told me my ovaries could be damaged by the chemo and that I would lose my hair, did I break down into sobs.

I don't know what it is about having hair that is so important to me, but the thought of not having it really frightened me. My hair has always been such a huge part of who I am, and I guess I feel without it, I might lose a piece of me. So regardless to say, attending this class really helped me gain a positive outlook about when the time comes and I lose my hair. Del, the instructor of the class, did a great job explaining some of the wig, turbine, and scarf options available for women undergoing chemo.

I cannot express the amount of appreciation and respect I have toward this woman Del. I first met her the week I found out I had Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. We met up to discuss some wig options for me once I lost my hair. My mom and I were impressed by her help and knowledge of the hair lost process. She was so compassionate and kind, as I struggled to except the fact that my life was beginning to turn upside down. Then she shared with us her own battle with cancer, and I remember being blown away by her courage and strength. In the short time I have known Del she has been an inspiration to me and my family.

So in this clip I talk to Del about her favorite part of teaching the "Look Good, Feel Better" class.
Danielle