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