Danelle Fights Cancer

Friday’s schedule was a late start. Arrived for bloodwork around 10:30am and meeting with Nurse/PA/Doctor. Not sure Danelle wants to have that kind of schedule again.

Our meeting with the staff went well. They were very pleased that she was feeling so much better. Her bloodwork looked good for proceeding on to Chemotherapy. And they chatted alot about what meds to take before and after.

One downside was that there wasn’t proper documentation around the reaction she had during her last Chemotherapy session. At the LAST treatment we were told that THIS time she would get everything via IV. That is all well and good. But what should have ALSO happened was Danelle needed to take some additional steroids the night before. That didn’t happen.

The end result of this was essentially a double dose of steroids at the Cancer center. As she started all these premeds, it was a little tough to take all at one time. But as we would find out later, this prevented the reaction that she had last time.

The day went by without any major concerns or issues. The only thing that was sort of annoying was one of the IV pumps would alarm every so often. So they would have to stop, check out all the IV plumbing, and then resume the pump.

As the day came to a close we were the last ones left of what was once a full room of patients. The pharmacy was closed and most of the staff was gone. The pump was acting up more and more, but finally finished up. All of us (remaining nurses and ourselves) were ready to get out of there. We were very grateful for their dedication and for helping Danelle finish up. Duke really has some great folks.

Next steps:

Danelle has an appointment to go back to the Duke Cancer Center on Feb 2. There she will have a CT scan and they will see how things are looking. If they think the cancer areas are responding well to the treatment, then they may decide to do another round of Chemo. If they think another round won’t help as much, then she will have surgery on the 8th to remove the cancer.

We are so grateful for all the acts of generosity and especially for your prayers for healing. We truly believe that HE helps and sustains Danelle through this fight. The Battle Is HIS! For our prayer warriors, please pray:

• For Danelle to gain her strength back quickly after this round
• That the Chemotherapy will shrink all the bad parts to make surgery go better
• For peace as surgery becomes closer to a reality