How blessed are we to have Danyell Seay Oltean in our lives! She is a ray of sunshine every time she walks into a room. Now as she battles cancer, she is an inspiration and shows us all what real courage looks like.
In light of Danyell’s current condition, this site is being set up to keep everyone informed and up-to-date. In addition, many have asked what they can do or if they can bring food, this is the place to find out how to help. New information will be posted here in the journal as things continue to change. Please feel free to leave messages for Danyell here on this site and they will be printed and given to her. She will most definitely see every single message.
Many of you probably know her story. But for those who might be unaware, please read the first journal entry.
Now to explain what is currently happening with Danyell, life has been a challenge in the last few weeks. As Danyell’s pain got worse, her legs have grown weaker and weaker. In addition she has being shuffled from one friend’s house to another because she could not go to her own home and she needed help caring for herself. On Danyell’s third day of her current regimen of radiation, the doctor realized that not only does she have a cervical tumor (upper spine), but she also has a lumbar tumor (lower spine). Each tumor needs 15 zaps of radiation. Her last radiation treatment will be on Thursday June 22.
During the first week of June, Danyell became so unsteady on her feet that she needed a walker. A friend loaned her a walker. Then in the second week of June she was very grateful when one of her former girl scouts provided her with a spunky hot pink walker with all the bells and whistles. During this time, Danyell settled in Rowlett at the home of a friend and plans to stay there until she is able to care for herself. The radiation, however, has not been very successful because the pain continues to worsen. She has now lost all feeling and control of her left leg and her right leg is too weak to support her weight. Now Danyell is getting around in a fancy wheelchair. Trying to do the things she used to do could prove to be disastrous. Her bones are fragile and any fall could cause a break very easily. She is having to learn to do things a different way. Things as simple as getting in and out of the bath are impossible for her. She needs assistance getting around, going to appointments, preparing food, managing her meds…………..basically she needs assistance to handle every aspect of her life. Because Danyell feels that she has been a burden to those that are helping her (and she definitely IS NOT), her spirits have been pretty low.
Now for Danyell’s prognosis, it is not good. Metastatic breast cancer is not curable. The radiation she is now receiving is to try to reduce the inflammation in her spine to provide her with a better quality of life. If another tumor should appear in the brain there is no treatment because she has already received the maximum radiation allowed to the brain. Because of the damage that Danyell has already sustained in her legs, it is very unlikely that this will ever be reversed. In addition, Danyell is starting to feel some of the same symptoms in her arms and hands. Danyell is taking high dose steroids, large amounts of morphine and hydrocodone. The doctors are doing all they can to keep her comfortable. At her friend’s house she is very happy in the pool because the water gives her much comfort and she is able to stand. Changing everything about the way she lives is scary as well as difficult because her body is so weak.
Many have asked how they can help. First and foremost, PRAY! PRAY!! PRAY!!!
Danyell enjoys guests coming to see her. There have been some meals taken to her in Rowlett and she was very grateful because that food made her feel as if she was contributing to the household she is living in. Cards are great! They would definitely brighten her day if she could look forward to greetings each day when the mail comes. Please take 5 or 10 minutes out of your day for a friend and mail her a card or a note at 3402 Oak Trail Dr, Rowlett, TX 75088. Emails and text are good but cards can be hung on the walls in her bedroom to let her know she is truly loved. Finally, Danyell has not been able to work in almost six weeks. Even then she was barely getting by. She needs help! She has one more month on her apartment lease, a car payment, insurance, and her medical expenses have increased as she has to purchase new items and equipment to help her become self-sufficient from a wheel chair. With that said, Danyell’s GO FUND ME site is being reopened to give all of you the chance to help her out. Five dollars, ten dollars, one hundred dollars; it does not matter how much because every penny helps her. To make a contribution, go to www.gofundme.com/28rzkys (
http://www.gofundme.com/28rzkys) .
Danyell’s sweet soul and loving demeanor make being in her presence a joy to many. In her life she has walked the walk and held her faith close to her heart. Her courage and determination are rivaled by none. Her smile is one that warms your heart. Our friend Danyell needs our help, support, and prayers. Whether you make a donation, bring a meal, mail a card or send her a text, each of these will encourage her by knowing that all of us are in the battle with her.
This site will be updated regularly to keep everyone informed on how Danyell is doing. Now as Danyell would say, “Have a blessed day”!
