Life has been pretty full over the last couple of months. While Danelle’s situation has changed, we still celebrate the times with family and friends in this big beautiful world.
As mentioned in the last post, Danelle and her good friend Stacy were traveling to Spain to pick up Leah Kate after completing her Study Abroad. Leah Kate has a great time during her month long trip to Spain, and then the three ladies explored other areas of Spain, France, and Andorra. It was a fun trip and everyone had a blast.
Danelle, Donna (her mom), and Leah Kate also took an excursion to Chicago. They got their shopping on, visited many of the big attractions across the town, and enjoyed all their favorite foods in Chicago. It was a great adventure for these ladies, one they will remember for a long time.
Danelle’s treatments were different this time. She tolerated the chemotherapy reasonably well, though the medication she took along with it was a challenge. Within the last couple of weeks, the doctors at Duke performed a follow up scan and found the treatment was not working and they stopped the medication / chemotherapy. The spots that were already there had grown, and in truth, the medical staff are concerned. Her fight has entered a new stage and we are working to find the best option(s) for her.
Because of this, we are traveling to Houston, TX to meet with the doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. This is one of, if not THE, best cancer hospitals in the country. They have access to the latest trials and phase 1 treatments that could really help many different patients. Our prayer is that they look at Danelle’s current treatment plan, determine if she is eligible for one of their trials or specialized treatments, and make recommendations for treatments either in Houston or somewhere else. We spoke with the doctor at Duke about this idea and they encouraged seeking a second opinion.
Duke has been great. As a backup plan, they have offered a treatment that her body has seen before, though it has been a while. It also was one of the more effective treatments that she has had. If MD Anderson has the same recommendation as her Duke doctors, then we will return to Raleigh and get started on that treatment immediately.
Getting this news has been challenging. Our family is coping with this latest development, but it is difficult. However, we rely on HIM in all things. We ALL are grateful for each day; thankful for the continued news of new treatments, research, and medicines. He provides the strength for us every day, and helps us strive towards hope over worry. He helps us silence the voices of fear, doubt, and confusion. We are blessed to be near such great medical facilities, and blessed to be able to travel to other locations for assistance.
Where we need your help: Prayer.
Your prayers have been so effective thus far. There have been so many positives along the way, there are too many to count. We need you, and we need Him, in a real and powerful way. Please pray…
- …for safe travel to Texas.
- …for great medical staff that can provide some answers and options.
- …for healing and the elimination of this terrible disease.
- …for our family to be strong and courageous.
We love you all and thank you for all you’ve done.
Danelle Fights Cancer 
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