VIDEO: Celebrating 1000th Cancer Wig Giveaway

When fighting cancer, patients often loose their hair due to chemotherapy. It's a side effect that can have a big emotional impact.

Tonight we find out how free wigs are giving patients the motivation to keep going.

"This year I turned 50, so I had my bucket list of things to do and fortunately I went in and had my colonoscopy," said Pam Mathison, Cancer Patient.

2010 marked a big year for Pam Mathison. But it was this colonoscopy that changed this mother of two's life. Pam and her family found out she had colon cancer.

"It felt surreal. It felt like it wasn't me actually that they were talking about," said Mathison.

It was only a matter of time until Pam started chemotherapy.

"I started loosing my hair quickly," said Mathison.

So she turned to one place where she knew she could receive a free wig-Bloom the Boutique at Sanford Cancer Center.

"It's fun and it just makes you feel good, it really does," said Mathison.

But Pam is just one of many who have received a free wig. Over the past four years 1,000 women sat in this same chair-getting fit for their new wig. Hopefully giving them the confidence to keep fighting.

"Before you know it they're laughing. It's their time to forget that they were battling cancer a few minutes ago," said Donna Harrison, Bloom the Boutique.

Donna Harrison helps cancer patients find their perfect look and says a wig can go a long way in the fight against cancer.

"If you get depressed things are so much worse than if your having fun," said Harrison.

And Pam agrees. She says when life changes in a heartbeat, knowing who you are makes a huge difference.

"It is nice to have that reflection of yourself in the mirror and you're like, oh yeah, that's who I am, that's how I feel," said Mathison.

Wigs are provided at no cost to cancer patients by a grant made possible by the Sanford Health Foundation.

VIDEO: Stand Up to Cancer 2010

VIDEO: A New Haircut

It's time for my first haircut!! My hair started to grow back in December after my last chemotherapy treatment in November. I of course was so excited to have my hair growing back, but it has been difficult to get use to!!! I've never had this short of hair before, so I really don't know the cute ways to style it. This month though, I have noticed it getting pretty long in the back, so I decided to get it STYLED. Here is a look at my first time getting my hair styled after cancer treatment. Hopefully I can keep this style up?!
Danielle

VIDEO: The Birth Control Pill

I know there is still a lot of controversy surrounding the birth control pill, but this year marks its 50th year anniversary. This story I am posting is a "look back" at the pill over the last 50 years and how it has helped define a new role for women in the household, as well as in the workplace.

I also wanted to post this interesting article about "The Pill" and cancer. In a population-based study of women in the U.K., researchers found death from any cause was 12 percent lower among birth control pill users than among those who never took the drugs. Here is a link to the article I was reading at abc.com: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/birth-control-pills-reduce-cancer-death/story?id=10084482&page=2

Danielle

VIDEO: "Choose You"

Here is a startling statistic: One in three women will in one point develop cancer in her lifetime. It happened to me unexpectedly and it took me by surprise. However, I think it is important to get the word out that there are things we can do to reduce that risk. Of course you may still get cancer, like I did in my case, but if you keep healthy lifestyle, it will help in the recovery process. Here is an interview I did with the American Cancer Society about their "Choose You" campaign. Make sure to spread the word to other women out there.
Danielle

VIDEO: Walking Across the Country for Locks of Love

I wanted to share this story we did at KDLT about this man walking from Washington all the way to Florida, the headquarters for Locks of Love. I'm very inspired by his determination to not only make a difference for cancer patients, but set and example.

Danielle

Cute Picture

I just had to share this cute picture of my puppy Riley. He is taking a nap on my sister's bed. WOW, what a life!!

Danielle

Great Results

I'm happy to say that my preliminary CT scans did NOT find any cancer in my neck, chest or abdomen. Plus, my blood work came back normal. I feel so relieved to hear this great news. I was trying to keep a very positive attitude going into my tests this past week, but I can't tell you how good it feels to hear the official results. I feel as if a huge burden has been lifted off of my shoulders and I can now lead my life confidently. Before hearing these results, I was never really holding my breath, but I did always have the threat of cancer in the back of my mind. That threat is still there, but I have now bought myself some time until my next scan in three months. I guess I'm going to have to get use to this up and down roller coaster of ecpectations, since I'll be continuing to check-in with my doctors by different scans for the next five years.

So last week I flew into California for blood work and a CT Scan. The CT Scan was the first kind of scan I've had since the doctors diagnosed me with lymphoma back in August of 2009. For the scan I had to drink two bottles of a liquid contrast medium that would help the technicians see into my abdomen, chest and neck. I had an hour to finish both of the bottles, and boy, was it hard. They had three different flavors: banana, coffee and berry. I got the coffee drink and after the first few sips, the taste really got to me. Although it smelt alright, it left a horrible aftertaste. The liquid wasn't as bad as the liquid I had to drink for my lower GI (this was the WORST), but it still gave me that nauseous feeling at times. Thankfully my dad was there to encourage me along the way and keep me motivated.

I then had an IV hooked-up for the technicians to administer the iodine into my veins. The nurse couldn't get the IV started in my left arm, so I had to get pricked twice until the nurse found a vein in my right arm that would work. I was joking with my dad that I preferred getting poked, then drinking the liquid, but he said he would rather drink 10 bottles of the liquid than get poked!!!

During the CT scan the technicians gave me the iodine through the IV. It was weird because during and slightly after the injection, I felt a metallic taste in my mouth and a warm sensation go through my entire body. I also got the urge to pee, even though I had just gone to the bathroom minutes before hand. However, all of these side effects only lasted a short time, and afterwards I felt back to normal. I was happy I could eat again, and that all I had to do differently during the day was drink LOTS of water.

I found this picture of the CT Scan off of radiologyinfo.org and thought it was a great picture of what the machine looks like. I preferred this machine over the MRI or PET/CT machines because this one was open. The other two machines were closed around your body and head, so I felt claustrophobic at times. Really this test wasn't half as bad as some of the other tests I had to do before my cancer treatments.

After my CT Scan, my mom and sister, Brittany, went with me to my appointments with my radiology doctor and oncologist. We first met with Dr. Selch and he said my throat and tonsil area look good. He could tell my saliva gland was improving and my irritation from the radiation was going down. I won't have to see him now until 6 months-YAY!!!

We then met with Dr. Pinter-Brown, and boy was it a long wait. I think we waited for an hour and a half even before we got to see her!!! However, the wait was well worth it. She told us that on her preliminary scans she didn't see any new forms of cancer coming back!!! As you can imagine I was overjoyed to hear this fantastic news. Now I won't have to come back for another 3 months. However, in the meantime she really wants me to listen and take care of my body. She made a big point of stressing how important it is to stay healthy, since I'm now regaining my strength and health. I was surprised to hear that in most reoccurring lymphoma cases, the patient them self will notice a change in their health that indicates the cancer has redeveloped, so it is essential that I listen and take care of my body.

All in all it was a good medical trip and I'm so grateful for my family's support. Thanks guys!!! Hopefully each and every trip to the doctor will go just as smoothly.

Danielle

Traveling to California

As I write this message I'm on board my flight to Denver and then to Los Angeles. I'm going back to California for my first CT Scan since before my cancer treatments back in August. I'm planning on having blood work done to check all my levels, then I have the CT Scan, meet with Dr. Selch, my radiation doctor, and then finally I meet with Dr. Pinter-Brown, my cancer doctor. I can't believe this time is already here. I can still remember going through chemo and radiation like it was yesterday. I'm so glad that the treatments are over and I'm so happy that I made it through everything. And now comes the test of truth, whether or not I still have cancer. It is scary to think there may still be cancer in my body.

When I finished my treatments I was so happy to be done with having to think or deal with cancer issues, so I really hope everything comes back okay. As far as how I'm feeling, I do feel a lot better. I have regained a lot of my strength that I lost during my cancer treatments. I'm still not as strong as I use to be, but it has been nice working out again and doing physical activities I didn't get to do while I was going through chemo. I'm still tired often but I'm hoping that is because of the morning show schedule and not because of cancer. I don't even know what I would do if the caner came back. I guess I would fight it again just as hard, but I must admit it would be hard.

I hope my flight gets in in time for my blood work this afternoon. Wish me good luck!

VIDEO:American Cancer Society

Here is a video I put together for the American Cancer Society talking about their "Look Good Feel Better" class and one of the volunteers.
April 13, 2010

VIDEO:Head Shaving

Today I got to do a story with an amazing girl named LilyAna Hunt-Watts. She is 10 years old and is in 5th grade. She is a true inspiration because the last three years she has shaved her head all in the fight to conquer cancer. Each year she raises money for Saint Baldrick's Foundation and shaves her head. I think she is an amazing young lady who has so much wisdom beyond her years.
Danielle

VIDEO: Harlem Globetrotters

Ever since I did this interview last week, the news has been spreading that the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters came on the KDLT News Today Show. So I have been receiving a lot of requests to see the interview, and I thought I should post it on my blog for all of you not in Sioux Falls. As you can tell I had a great time having them on the show. I'm so lucky to have a job where everyday I get to learn or do something new and exciting. I hope you like the interview!
Danielle

VIDEO: Back to Work

I think a good word to describe the last few weeks is "Busy." I've returned back to work and I'm now working a 40 hours a week schedule. It has been a little challenging on my body to get use to this type of work load once again. I've noticed that after work I'm really tired and all I want to do is hit the hay. I've also noticed that my throat and the back of my head are sore, which I'm not sure why, but I think it might be because of all of the talking I now have to do. However, I have to admit it has been nice to return back to work. I really missed being on the news. I like the feeling that I'm now a productive citizen again, and it is nice to feel "some-what" normal. I just have to focus on continuing to take care of my body. My family and I don't want me to fall back into my old habits of over-working my body. I would say that is one of my biggest flaws. I have a hard time knowing when to stop and take a break. I'm such a hard worker that sometimes I work myself to the point of exhaustion. However, I think it is a good thing that I recognize this, so I can work on it and remain healthy. I miss everyone from home and I hope everyone knows that I love them very much!
Danielle

Welcome Back Party

Take a look at my amazing "welcome back" party at KDLT (February 22, 2010). I'm so grateful that my work threw me this incredible party. It really made me feel so special and important. I was really nervous and anxious to move back and be alone, but these amazing people made me feel so welcomed and loved. I'm so happy that I have this wonderful and supportive family in Sioux Falls. These people are the BEST! Thank you everyone!!!

Danielle

VIDEO: A Look Back Story

In this story I take a look back at my 6 month journey fighting cancer. It has been an incredible fight filled with my high and low points. I have learned so much about myself over the past few months and I'm so grateful for where I am today. Unexpectant events happen in life and you have to do your best when dealing with them. This story ran on KDLT News at 6 on February 25, 2010

Danielle

Back At Work

Hard at work again! February 23, 2010

Danielle

VIDEO: "A Look Back" Promo

Dont miss as I look back at my fight with cancer tonight on KDLT.

Danielle

VIDEO: I'm Back! Promo

February 22, 2010

VIDEO: I'm Back Evening Interview

Here is my first interview back on KDLT with Jessica Hopkins and Tom Hanson on February 22, 2010. I'm really excited to be back and to be returning to a normal lifestyle again. Of course I'm going to miss my family and friends back in California, but I'm glad I am well enough to return back to work. I feel going back to work is a first sign that I'm getting better.

Danielle

VIDEO: New Cancer Therapy

On my second day back (February 23, 2010) I got to do a great story at Avera McKennan Hospital, where I received my chemotherapy sessions. The hospital just received nearly $2.5 million for new technology. The new radiation machine will allow doctors to use radiation inside the operating room for breast cancer patients. This will be a great help for patients who have to travel far for their treatments! Danielle