Holiday update

So its been a while since Ive updated Dana's status and i wanted to let everyone know how things are going. They had to move Dana's chemo to December because of a low blood count so she will have her last round in January if all goes well. She recently caught a cold but shes getting over it. Shes been continuing to work, though now from home and putting in as many hours as she can. She will probably have to wait til sometime in February for her MRI, so until then we dont know much about the progress of the tumor (if any). Im constantly impressed with her strength and drive. Dana's birthday is this month (Dec 24th) and while this is exciting, i hope that with Christmas shopping and planning, her birthday, the onset of winter and her job that things dont get too overwhelming. If anyone would like to make a donation there is a paypal link on previous blog posts, just click and it will allow you to donate with a credit or debit card. I encourage you to read the previous posts in this blog to see how far Dana has come with this and to see the helpful links (like that to her facebook page) and how well her trivia night benefit went over last year. I hope this Holiday season that Dana gets plenty of rest, time with her family and friends and everything she deserves.

Dana's progress Oct 2011

It has been much too long since the last update of Dana's progress. She has been very busy with her job and family, there was also little new news as she was doing a double dose of chemo and had an MRI on Oct 25th. She has been having headaches and some nausea. The results of the MRI shows that the treatments have been successful, as expected by the doctors, there is no new growth.

She will continue with a double dose of chemo for three more months ending in January 2012. At that time a new MRI will be done and Dana's brain will get a rest. Dana has two types of very aggressive cancer that will be closely watched with a MRI every three months in 2012.

Dana started a new job just 2 days before she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Her goal, when accepting this job was to work from home in August. With all she has gone through, she was still able to reach this goal and is now working from home...since September just one month past her goal. She's been working really hard and fitting in time for the treatments despite the side effects. I know what a relief it is for her to be home with her kids as much as possible and working from home will be a great change in the winter time from driving 30 mins each way.

I remember how frightened we all were when we initially heard the news of her cancer. I never expected her to be doing so well nor being so driven in her regular life. Shes handling everything better than I'm sure most of us would have. She has a really emotionally supportive group of family and friends. Thank you to everyone that has helped her emotionally, financially, and physically. Though i have to say she is extremely self sufficient. She's always taken care of herself in a way that was well beyond her years and now is no exception. Strength runs through her and it wont surprise me one bit if her MRI is positive in 2012. It never hurts to stack the deck so if anyone wants to send prayers or positive thoughts and actions her way its very much appreciated.

Update from Dana's Mom

For those of you who haven't received an email from Dana's Mom directly, I will post it below. Dana is still fighting and says she mostly feels ok. I know she is working still and with the double dose of Chemo is feeling tired.


"July 21, 2011

Its been a while since I have updated Dana’s progress.
She has completed her 6 week radiation and chemotherapy.
Currently the brain cancer is still there, however not grown!
She is on a program of: 6 months she will take double dose of chemotherapy for 5 consecutive days a month, each month.
In January 2012 there will be a new MRI - This will determine if the cancer is grown, stable or gone.

Currently we are very actively looking into trials that would take place next year. Dana is in touch with Duke University and has forwarded all her records to them. They were received on July 5th, 2011. There is other specific items that they need and we will get them and forward to Duke University.



We have been doing much research. I feel my most important role in this journey is Dana’s Mind-Body-Soul.

Dana will beat this terrible monster, she is the strongest woman I have ever known. Each and every prayer is so much appreciated, so please continue, God is listening!!

I am especially Thankful to my loving family and friends for all the support and prayers. Ella"

Thanks to Dana's Mom for keeping us up to date!

Dana's MRI results

Great news! None of the removed tumor has grown back! There was some of the original tumor that couldnt be removed when they did the biopsy because it was intertwined with her brain in places that control her memory and function. As Dana pointed out, you cant see everything that is or is not there so as a precaution she will continue with Chemo 5 days a month for 6 months to try and kill what they cant see and hopefully prevent anything new from growing. She will have more MRI's along the way to make sure there arent any negative changes. Its a big relief to know that the tumor didnt grow back. Five days of chemo a month is better than 5 days a week! Thank you for all that sent kind thoughts into the universe!

Think shrinking thoughts!

If you've been following this blog, Dana's Facebook page or just communicating regularly with Dana you probably know that Dana has finished her chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the moment. Its hard to keep track of people sometimes which is the reason for this blog; to keep everyone in the loop. It definitely scary for someone close to you to be in this situation and you worry about how shes doing but cant call her every second so I feel when i have any new information it doesnt hurt to pass it on to all the people that love her and wish her the best. I saw Dana today she looks strong and is still toughing out her job. She told me that she goes for her MRI on June 14th. This MRI is very important because since the therapies are over we need to know if the tumor has finally given up or if its growing back. Lets all hope that Dana's tumor has not grown at all and that her need for more chemo and or radiation is over. There is always the possibility for the worst but in that case she already has a plan of action which just means more therapy for a longer amount of time. Dana deserves a break, so please send out kind loving thoughts or prayers that no more treatment is needed.

Update

What do we know?

Lets go back and review what has happened and what may happen with Dana McDonald

1) Dana started getting headaches on a regular basis, when she told her doctor he sent her to have an MRI

2) Dana had an MRI and they found a brain tumor, they couldn't determine whether it was cancerous with just the MRI so they had her schedule a biopsy

3) Dana had the biopsy which basically is where they crack open your skull and remove as much of the brain tumor as possible and test the brain tissue for cancer. They then shave the head and staple it closed.

4) The testing took about a week and they determined that she had stage 3 mixed oligodendrogliomas. there are 4 stages for brain cancer. The mildest cancer being 1 and the most aggressive being 4.

5) Before all of this Dana had gotten a new job, something that she was excited about and very ready for. Unfortunately when she started, insurance didnt start immediately and for a time she had to pay COBRA insurance. COBRA is an temporary coverage insurance that lets you continue your insurance from a previous job to a new job without a lapse. The problem with COBRA is that its expensive, when you are working your employer pays a large percentage of your insurance. But when you're not that all falls on you.

6) When the biopsy was done and they removed the tumor, the doctor, despite being the best in town, could not remove the whole thing. Why? because some was intertwined with her brain and removing it would affect brain function. Dana remarkably bounced back from the surgery because she had such a great doctor who knew what he could safely remove. She remembered everything and didnt have loss of body control.

7)When they determined the tumor was cancerous the doctor suggested a chemotherapy pill and radiation to keep the tumor from growing back to its original size. She would need both for 6 weeks Monday through Friday.

8)When Dana's Friends and family heard about her cancer we all immediately started worrying, calling her, thinking about what to do, what we could do and her close friend Mandy came up with the idea to do a benefit, a trivia night to raise money for Dana and her kids. Friends and family joined up and threw an impressive benefit and raised a substantial amount for them. It was amazing how well everything turned out and the community really came together to show their love.

9) Dana completed the chemo/radiation therapies last Monday. In June she will go back to have another MRI, if its determined that the tumor has grown she will need to have a double dose of chemotherapy for 1 week out of each month for a range of 6 mos to 1 year depending on what her doctors suggest.

Lets keep our fingers crossed that the MRI shows no growth and that all is good. Dana has a Facebook page where friends and family notate updates and leave Dana our best wishes, you can add her at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002091743341
We have also set up a paypal account for donations, just click the link below.

Trivia Night was amazing!

Trivia night took place on May 7th at the Kirkwood Community center and it was an amazing success! I want to thank everyone that showed up to support Dana and her family. Thanks to all who donated time, prizes, auction items and their strength to make this happen!

There were many local companies that helped make this possible, they deserve our gratitude and patronage. Luckily Dana was feeling well enough to attend and I think even she was surprised to see all the people who came to show their love. We had tried to advertise the trivia night quite a bit so not everyone that was there even knew Dana prior to the event... but everyone who came got something out of the night whether it be winning a basket, auction item, door prize, or just enjoying the food and drink provided with friends and family. What a lively bunch they were too!

Dana is almost done with her chemotherapy and radiation, just a few more weeks and then more checkups. This tumor doesn't stand a chance!

Trivia night information

I know that Ive blogged extensively about the trivia night benefit on May 7th, but yesterday Dana's friends and family came together to make the final plans. There are many more companies donating, the previous blog post listed companies donating so please look to all these companies for your every day needs. They have all been so generous. So let me extend a thanks out:

Gooey Louie
DiGregorio's
Urzi's
JoFazzi Sausage
Volpi
Bertarelli Cutlery
Dippin Dots
Gettemeier's Bar and Grill
Stan Musial
Famous Footwear/Brown Shoes
Charcoal House
Llywelyn's Pub
CJ Muggs

So you can start to imagine what a grand event this is becoming and how all those who attend have a great chance at leaving with some amazing prizes! I looked over some of the raffle baskets and silent auction items and the name brands are impressive, some of the names i saw were:

Chi (both a hair straightener and blow dryer)
"Your baby can read" set
Brazilian Cachaca (rum exclusively made in Brazil)
Mexican Tequila (a brand not available in the US)
Wustof knife
Italian food items from the Hill
Hotwheels
Talavera handpainted plate imported from Mexico
Netflix
a signed Stan Musial baseball
Gift cards from many of the restaurants listed above (and in the previous post)

there are also baby gift baskets, original paintings, a generator, a deer feeder and camping and fishing sets.

*Please bring cash to bid on items, checks will also be accepted but we cannot accept credit cards.

Are you as excited as I am? The best part is that we have filled most of the tables and this means money for Dana. Cancer fighting drugs are extremely expensive as are the countless tests required to monitor their progress, living expenses and transportation. The last thing we all want is to add the stress of finances to the health worries.

So much love from the Community

Great news to all the people going to the trivia night on May 7th; so much has been donated by our local communities that its sure to be a amazing night!

Here is a short list of some of the companies donating:

FRANK PAPA'S
WALTERS GOLF MANAGEMENT
GRAHAM'S GRILL
MASSA'S
LAKENAN INSURANCE
LAWN SYSTEMS
RUBY TUESDAY'S
SAM'S CLUB
FBCA DEAF MINISTRY
CREAMER'S GARDEN CENTER
PRO AM GOLF
WILSON GOLF
ST LOUIS BLUES
PEPSI
THE HAWTHORNE INN
PJ'S TAVERN
THE CHARCOAL HOUSE
MCARTHURS BAKERY
IMOS
Let's all show our love to these businesses by patronizing them.

Many of our donating companies and individuals wish to remain anonymous and that is respectable, but I hope they know how deeply grateful we are for their generosity too.
Thanks to everyone!

Buy Avon and help Dana!

Just to update... Dana is now taking a low dose of steroids and the shaking is more controllable than before. She is still doing radiation and taking the chemotherapy pill and shes still sporting most of her own hair (theres a scar from the biopsy but shes rockin it). Shes working and squeezing in as much time as she can with her boys. They are taking this all so well, I am very proud of them.

The benefit Trivia night is so soon (May 7th) and its going to be amazing! So many local businesses have donated items and food and people are pitching in their time and effort like crazy. Donations can still be made to the button at the bottom of this post via paypal.

Georganne Mudd an Avon representative and friend has generously offered to donate all profits from now until the end of June to Dana!! her website is http://gmudd.avonrepresentative.com/. Your order will be shipped to you directly and there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee. So get the Avon you already love and help out a wonderful woman in the process. Now thats what I call win win!

I know that all of you are closely following Dana's recovery; she began the radiation and chemotherapy on April 5th. When she originally started medication to prohibit the growth of the tumor (prior to the biopsy) she would get headaches and unfortunately they have returned. Today she spoke with the doctor and he wanted to put her back on steroids, which made her shake. She is looking for alternatives. When they originally had her on the steroids she would have trouble holding on to small things like her cell phone and i can only imagine that it would be more difficult now that she is back at work. Now after working 3-4 hours her eyes and head begin aching. We can only hope that as she continues the radiation and chemotherapy that killing the cancer and prohibiting the tumor's growth will ease some of her pain. I know it will be a long road and it may get worse before it gets better but shes our rock and her friends and family will support her as much as we can along the way. We love you Dana.

If you would like to show your financial support you can donate with the button below

Trivia Benefit

As some of you may know many of Dana's friends and family are having a trivia benefit May 7th. Tickets are still for sale but tables are filling fast so please contact us if you would like to purchase a ticket. There is a raffle, a silent auction, a scavenger hunt, door prizes and of course trivia! There has also been food and drinks donated by local businesses and friends. Dana is still taking the chemotherapy pill and undergoing radiation so we hope that she will feel well enough to attend. If you know someone local that would like to donate their time or money they can contact us at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002091743341 or simply click the donate button below to donate directly to paypal using a credit or debit card. Dana isnt included in the planning of the event so aim any questions to the facebook page above or comment here on her blog and i will get back to you. Dana is handling everything so well thus far, shes a really strong soul. Thank you to everyone for your kind wishes and prayers!

Updating Danas Status

Today Dana had her first chemo and radiation treatment. She says that she was freaked out going in but that it wasn't too bad. She saw a blue light that wasn't there and apparently that's her brain's interpretation of being fried. Thankfully she is not feeling sick just a little tired. She has promised to keep us posted on any changes. Lets send her our kind thoughts and make sure she has enough time to rest. For those of you that know her (and those of you that want to) feel free to post here or on her Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002091743341) as opposed to calling her so that shes not bombarded with our affection.

Dana's progress

Dana should be starting radiation and a chemo pill next month which will last for 6 weeks. Shes currently in training at work until then, despite having headaches and fatigue. I know that when you are a mother you just want to make sure that you have income, but returning to work seems a little early. As things progress in her recovery I will post more information. Feel free to link to this blog, any donations will make a really big difference to Dana, her sons and her doctors. If you are just seeing this blog for the first time and want to know more about Dana, you can see my previous post by clicking the link to the right titled "Who is Dana McDonald?".

Who is Dana McDonald?

Dana McDonald is a 30 yr old single mother of two, a great friend and loving person. She is raising twin 11 year old boys, going to college and working. She's not one to let things get her down, but you can imagine how everyone was shocked recently when we heard that she had gone to the doctor complaining of headaches and fatigue and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had previously had a tumor in her foot but luckily it was benign. Upon hearing that she had a brain tumor she found the best doctors in the city and had to undergo surgery to remove it. Through a wonderful stroke of luck she has come out of her brain surgery with little impact (if any) to her brain function and memory. Unfortunately some of the tumor was too intertwined with her brain and could not be removed so she will need radiation to try and keep it from growing. During the surgery she had her head shaved and stapled. They tested the tumor and determined that it is stage 3 mixed oligodendrogliomas.

She recently started a great new job but she does not yet qualify for medical insurance so she is having to pay Cobra until then. She is back to work now, and does not yet qualify for paid medical leave. She will have to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy for 6 weeks. If Cobra isnt paid she will lose coverage completely. No one wants this to happen and her family and friends have set up a few benefit ideas to help her raise money including a link to paypal below. I have known Dana since high school and no one has a stronger spirit. If anyone can beat this (then joke about it) its her.