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