Designs by Deborah Jean

      Melissa Luken-Trenkamp, my dear friend, and her sisters have began beading bracelets for Breast Cancer Research.  It was founded to honor their mother, Deborah Jean Luken who was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer on June 23, 2010.  She is a survivor and someone who I admire everyday!! These unique bracelets were originally designed and made by her, and she made each of her daughters one.  Beading is Debbie's one true passion and something she enjoys doing with her daughters.  The bracelets are sterling silver and Swarovski crystal.  They are $30 dollars each.  To personalize the bracelets with the block letter dangle initials, there is an additional charge of $7.  Children's bracelets are available for $18.  ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BREAST CANCER RESEARCH!!

      Melissa made Zoe and me one as a gift!!  They are absolutely beautiful.  I get compliments all the time.  Many of my friends and family have purchased them.  If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in purchasing one, you can place an order by emailing a request to designsbydeborahjean@yahoo.com. 

Back to my cancer world

I had an extra week off of chemo because we went to Destin, Florida with my parents and my sister's family.  Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, but it was nice to disconnect from my cancer world for a bit and enjoy my time off.  The only reminder was my bald head...but I seem to think the peach fuzz is growing back!!  Man...that place is so beautiful!!  The beach and water is gorgeous!!  Well at least I don't look like a vampire anymore...Zoe is happy about that!!

I'm writing this from my chemo chair...ugh...so not looking forward to the next several days.  BUT...gotta do what I gotta do!!  I did have a private laugh when I first sat down today and took a look around.  Remember me saying after my first round how "out of place" I felt in here because everyone is sooo old???  Well...I still do.  There is all these bald old women...one man...wearing scarves or wigs that look fake as HELL...I've got one burping out loud...one's talking to herself or singing or something...one's hacking up her left lung...OH! and one has a bandana scarf that is sticking 8 inches off her head!! HELP! Get me the hell outta here...I don't belong here!! On the flip side...I guess I am lucky to look and feel the way I do!! 

Have a good week...looking forward to seeing my meal train ladies... Mindy tonight...Amy S. tomorrow...and Nicki R. Thursday!!

WIDE Awake

Yes...past 2:00 a.m....can't sleep...husband is snoring...SOOOO I redesigned my blog!!

What do you think??  I think I better get to bed...

Bouncing Back

It is Wednesday and I feel FANTASTIC!!  I had a rough weekend...lots of nausea and fatigue.  I started to feel better Sunday afternoon, but Monday I was right back feeling crappy.   Yesterday was the beginning of feeling myself again....thank god...how much I have missed myself!! The next week or so should be smooth sailing!  I only have one more round of this chemo and then I start Taxol!!!  WHOO-HOO!!  Taxol is not suppose to cause as much nausea, but neuropathy is a side effect.  I think I'm read for a switch!

Thanks for all your continued thoughts and prayers...

Day 4...come on Day 6

I am at Day 4...Round 3.  Can't wait til Day 6...so I can feel normal!!  You would think I would have this down to a science...but I HATE the way I feel!!  It sucks big time.  Yesterday was really rough and only left my bed/couch to use the bathroom.  I feel nauseous when I move around and I am SOOOO tired it's debilitating.   Today is a tiny bit better.  We are leaving shortly for Jr's family reunion.  I am a little nervous about that.  Hopefully being out and about will help me and not make me feel worse.  On a good note...looking forward to seeing the fam!!  Hopefully it will not be too hot...boy am I looking forward to the upcoming spring-like weather headed our way!!

Have a nice Saturday...enjoy!!

Round 3

It has been 2 days since Round 3 of chemo...the effects are settling in.  Tuesday and Wednesday were good days.  I pretty much carried on as normal.  Unfortunately...I over did it once again.  Worked in the yard and relocated all the rock in the front and backyard.  I totally forgot how the Neulasta shot would intensify the aches and pains...so I am a bit sore today and kinda feel like I have the flu.  I stayed in bed until about 12:45 until my mom came over.  I have all 5 of my kiddos (my 2 plus my sister's 3) here today keeping me company.  Mom ordered some Pizza Hut and they have been swimming and playing XBOX.  They are being really good and it actually makes it easier on me because it keeps my kids entertained...all such good children!! 

Thanks to my dear friend Melissa...my house is CLEAN!!  Ahhh...how that lowers my stress level and allows me to relax.  She also brought us a 5 Guys gift certificate for dinner last night!!  My kiddos and Nathan really enjoyed that....that place is sinfully delicious.

The Commins are bringing dinner this evening for us.  Looking forward to the company... I'm sure Jr is too...someone to drink a beer with!! Can't wait to see my Kam!

Have a good day!!

Blog master BOSS

Just got off the phone with my mom...apparently the steroids from my treatment today have juiced me up a bit...she says

my "mouth is going like a duck's a**!"  Thought now would be a good time to get off the phone, sign-in, and write it all down.   PLUS...as you will soon read...this makes my MAMA PROUD!!

My mom is awesome and has officially been given a new "title".  She can go ahead and retire from her 3-day-a-week job...I have been big plans for her!  I am promoting her to my personal "blog master boss."  Now, I know that there are stretches of time that I do not sign in and write to you all, but I have a very busy life.  Between treatments, the housework, and the kids and their schedule...it just doesn't all fit in.  I know that me and my blog are very important to so many of you...as my mother reminds me DAILY...and you want to know what is going on.  "Dani, you need to put your story out there...tell your story...people want to know what's going on...Dani, there are people that look forward to your blog every day...Hey Dan you never know, maybe you can write a book someday...etc...etc...etc"  Now...do NOT get me wrong...her persistence (some may call it nagging) does not get on my nerves...it actually cracks me up.  She doesn't quite know this...BUT...I play a little game everyday...I try to guess the time I will hear from her reminding me to "post EVERY day...don't forget."  SO...I think she should quit her job and be in-charge of my blog...you know...scheduling sessions...etc...What do you think??  I am sure Christy Hoskins will have a comment or two and will agree with my mom.

I had treatment #3 today...getting closer and closer to the finish line!  My sis in law, Lauren, picked me up and kept me company during my session.  We talked a lot and time blew by very quickly....THANKS SIS!!  Everything is going well this afternoon and evening...the only side-effect right now is lack of appetite and I am very thirsty...I sometimes feel I am morphing into a camel.  My oncologist felt my lymph node in my armpit and noted some positive changes in it's size, shape, and mobility.  I think those little creatures have had enough of me!!  I told you they would be screaming to get outta there...shut up Christy...Amy C...Cary...I can already hear you laughing!!

Tara brought us some delicious BBQ pulled pork, chips, and Jr's FAVORITE mac-n-chz!!  Yummy....and thank you VERY much!!  Melissa is bringing dinner tomorrow...BUT the best part is...she is CLEANING my house...YES, YES, YES!!! Talk about making my day...hell... my week!  Then the Commins will be here Thursday. 

I worked on rearranging my rocks in the front/side yard.  I think it's therapeutic...my mom thinks it's crazy!!  I want to do the ones in the back tomorrow.  Junior trimmed bushes.  We are a little behind in the yard work...but I made sure to get a doctor's excuse.  I have been very good about controlling my OCD when it comes to the house and yard...trying not to get under Jr.'s skin...it is hard to believe...but I have often earned the title "slave driver" a time or two...BUT...and this is a big BUT...I DO a very good job of getting my hands dirty and am a big help.  I often joke that I am his gopher ... he says," No babe you are my Al" (you know...and he's like Tim the Tool Man Taylor or something...seriously??)...that's ok because I remind him that Al is always the brains and fixes all of Tim's screw-ups...haha...back at ya.  Seriously though...Jr always works his butt off and now he's picking up my slack!!  Lucky girl...

Hopefully a good recovery week...I am thinking it will be the easiest one yet.  No work or kids' school work to worry about...and soccer season just ended...keep your fingers...hell why not your toes too...crossed (that reminds me...I need a serious feet overhaul...bring out the sandblaster here I come)!!
Good night...hugs!!

Good read...

Last week I finished an awesome book that Melissa let me borrow...The Gown Opens in the Front.  Rachael Logsdon, the author, tells about her journey to survival after being diagnosed with Stage III inflammatory breast cancer at the very young age of 30.  She talks about chemotherapy (same as mine), radiation, double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery in which doctors used stomach muscles to rebuild her chest. She is from this area (Northern  Kentucky I believe).  While reading about her personal experience, I realized just how lucky I am to be doing considerably well with my treatments.  Although it is NOT a walk in the park, it could certainly be MUCH worse.  Her book proved that.  I love reading about empowering people who win such a difficult battle...it definitely boosts my confidence and proves to me that I CAN and WILL beat this ugly disease.  I emailed her and even received a message back.  She too is following my blog.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a caregiver of someone with cancer or someone who is actually battling cancer.  She is a 6 YEAR SURVIVOR this upcoming September...whoo-hoo!!  I can't wait to say those words myself!!


This was my off week from treatment...and I feel FANTASTIC!!  We had a very busy soccer weekend at the Creek Classic in Dayton.  Boy was it HOT!!  Zoe claims it was because she was there...haha.  Best part is we went undefeated and won the tournament in our division.  We only allowed 2 goals to be scored against us the entire weekend...way to go THUNDER!!!


Tuesday is treatment #3.  Man how time is already flying.  Really not looking forward to the latter part of the week...but got to keep pushing!


Oh...by the way...I have worn my new wig(s) a couple of times and I actually do like them.  After awhile they start to irritate my scalp.  My scalp is still sensitive...guess it is not used to being so bare.  When I wear them it is nice because I feel like my old self.  No one stares and wonders why someone so young has cancer (I can't help but wonder how many people know it is not my real hair).    Everyone tells me they can't even tell.   I have grown to ignore the puzzling, long stares.  Some people have enough courage to ask me about it, which does not bother me in the least.  It is amazing how perfect strangers can be so concerned about someone they do not even know.  Some young girl (late twenties...early thirties) asked me about my b.c. bracelet.  I explained that I too had cancer.  She must have asked me ten questions and wished me luck in my journey...she was almost brought to tears...extremely sincere.


Tomorrow...going to enjoy my last "off" day with the kiddos...pool here we come.  I am still "a little vampirish" according to Miss Zoe.  I will think of you all getting up and heading to work tomorrow...have fun...OOOHHH the joys of being a teacher lol!!

Although negative...still perfect

GUESS WHAT???....hahha...I AM perfect.  My genetics counselor called me yesterday to inform me that I am NEGATIVE for the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. So those of you who were hoping to hear that I was not perfect...well sorry... AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!! On a more serious note, this is fantastic news.  For women, the risk of getting breast cancer in your lifetime if you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 abnormality is between about 40% and 85% ...about 3 to 7 times greater than that of a woman who does not have the mutation. If you are positive, your lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is significantly elevated as well...16% to 60%, versus just under 2% for the general population. That is now 2 great news updates I have posted since my diagnosis...keep em coming!!

Today is my last day before summer break!!  I will think of all of you tomorrow as I lay poolside with my sister in law.  Trust me..I need some rays...I look veeery pastie.  Ummm Zoe...who is as brown as a raisin...told me yesterday morning as I was pulling her back... that I looked like one of the vampires from Twilight standing next to her and that I needed a tan!!  Sad...but true!!  Kids are just too honest.