11.28.01
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks to everyone who came out to the benefit in Evanston and to everyone who contributed goods. Danielle had a great time, and the karaoke was not to be missed. The event was not only a great time, it was a huge success. We raised $5,000 for her medical fund. Danielle would especially like to thank Hecky Powell for donating the space and the delicious food; Kara Drumke for organizing the auction; Elizabeth Tisdahl for donating the beverages; Kathy Tisdahl for coordinating the food and drink; Mike and Jody for getting the karaoke machine; and Mila and Trina Hamlin for performing. Right: Trina Hamlin and Mila get some help from the one-woman rhythm section that is Danielle at Danielle's benefit. For more pictures, see the photo album.

11.13.01
New tumor growth
Danielle received the results of her latest MRI on Friday. According to Dr. Chang, the center is dying off, but there is new growth on top. To combat the new growth, Danielle will switch her chemo. She'll be on a 28 day cycle of VP-16 (21 days on, 7 days off). Dr. Chang has also upped her dosage of dilantin (antiseizure medication) and decadron (to reduce swelling). Danielle has been expereiencing motor weakiness on her right side, loss of memory, pain in her kidneys and liver and lots of infections. She will have another MRI in five weeks. In spite of all this, she is feeling positive and says she'll do whatever her doctors say she needs to do. She's looking forward to her upcoming trip to New Zealand and would like to thank her Aunt Phyllis for the airline ticket. Danielle is also looking forward to the upcoming benefit for her in Chicago. So if you are in the Chicago area, please come join us on Friday, November 23rd at Hecky's City Hall in Evanston. See entry below for details. Above left: Danielle goes for chemo after the Dyke March in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Pippa Schulman. For more pictures from the March, see 00.00.00. For pictures from the recent Brown Sugar soccer team dinner, see the 11.04.01.

11.07.01
You're invited
Please join us for a benefit party for Danielle on Friday, November 23 at 7 pm at Hecky's City Hall,1623 Simpson Street, Evanston, IL; 847.492.1182. Admission is $20 and includes dinner and live performances by Mila Drumke and Trina Hamlin. To raise money, there will be a raffle ($5 a ticket) and silent auction; also, the live performances will be followed by karaoke ($3 per song). So bring some cash or a checkbook if you'd like to participate in any of these extra events. If you have anything you'd like to donate to the auction, or if you know of any businesses that would be willing to donate products, services, anything, please email David and Kara Drumke at ddrumke@home.com.

10.01.01
Happy Anniversary to Danielle
Danielle was diagnosed with cancer a year ago today. Thanks to everyone for all of your gracious support. Danielle says, "I can't believe it's been a whole $#@*$%* year!"

09.23.01
Danielle's latest MRI/MRS results
Danielle reports: "My last MRI/MRS was on Monday, September 17th. The news is nothing but good. It seems that the spectroscopy showed an incredible improvement and that the MRI films showed an improvement as well! Therefore, I am doing much better and intend on kicking some more tumor butt!" Danielle has written two new letters. To read them, see In Her Own Words. There are also new photos from Didem and Bruce Nisanci's June wedding in Northampton, courtesy of Didem, and from Danielle's June trip to New York. Of her wedding, Didem reports: "It was so amazing to have Danielle at our wedding and as always she was the life of the party. To this day, she is still the best dancing partner for me!"

08.20.01
Chicagoans, we need your help!
Danielle's medical bills are mounting, her disability policy has run out, and her hours at work have been cut back. So we're planning a fundraiser in Chicago that will take on Friday, November 23rd, the day after Thanksgiving. Along with food and entertainment, there will be a silent auction. If you have anything you'd like to donate, or if you know of any businesses that would be willing to donate products, services, anything, please email Mila at miladrumke@littlepro.com. In the meantime, if you'd like to donate funds, please see Danielle Drumke Medical Fund for details.

08.19.01
I want to bang on the drums all day
Danielle played her first gig with Amazon Mollies last night. The band played at the Voodoo Lounge in San Francisco as part of Nadine's Wild Weekend. Although the top of the kick-drum pedal kept flying off, and the cymbal stand was missing a screw to hold the cymbal in place, the gig went well. They even got paid. Danielle's bandmates Dori, Stephanie and Antoin gave Danielle all the money, too! Danielle is experiencing some headaches and other physical problems as well that are most likely a result of the chemo, which compromises her immune system. She'd love some help with things like laundry and getting organized.

08.01.01
Danielle's latest MRI
Danielle, Claire, and Mila went to UCSF for Danielle's MRI the day after Danielle and Claire returned from Chicago. They met a woman in the waiting room who had had surgery to remove three brain tumors, looked well, and still had a fighting attitude. After many hours at the hospital, they went to Greens for dinner, and watched the sun set over the harbor. A few days later, the results came, showing no new growth, so the tumor seems to be stable.

07.30.01
Everybody was kung-fu fighting
Mila reports: "My DSL has been down again for many weeks, so sorry for the lack of updates. Thanks to everyone who has sent pictures. I have them all, and have just put most of them up on the site. See 06.23.01 for pictures from San Francisco's Pride Parade, courtesy of Jodi Sperber and Pippa Shulman. Left: In case you missed this one, the picture at left is from March. Danielle and I took at trip to Mendocino, California, and stopped at Osmosis Spa in Freestone, where Danielle had an enzyme bath. Here she is preparing for it...in fact it was a little bit frightning. See 03.05.01 for more pictures from that weekend. Below: Danielle breaks up Karuna Jagger's driveway in Berkeley. See 04.15.01 for more demolition snaps. It's very cool.

07.29.01
Danielle's trip to Chicago...and the ER
Danielle spent two weeks in Chicago this July, where she went to an American Brain Tumor Association conference with her parents, visited friends and family, and introduced her girlfriend, Claire, to just about everyone in the state of Illinois. During a visit to Kelly Cassidy's house, Danielle had her first grand mal seizure. Thanks to Kelly, who quickly realized what was happening, called an ambulance, and went to the hospital with Danielle, bringing along her son and her partner Alex. Danielle spent the night at the hospital, and because the doctors thought the seizure had resulted from edema (fluid in the brain), she was put back on steroids, which reduce swelling. About the incident, Danielle has this to say: "The last thing I remembered doing was losing my train of thought, then all of a sudden I was in the back of an ambulance. When I got to the hospital, they were asking me if I knew what day it was and if I knew where I was. I was still coming out of my seizure, so I didn't know anything. They pumped me full of Manitol and decided to keep me overnight. There was a woman moaning and crying out in the ER, and then she followed me to the floor. About every hour I was listening to her screaming from across the hall. So I didn't get any sleep that night. My brother, Mike, stayed at the hospital with me, and I don't think he slept either. Also, I had a lot of trouble walking in a straight line, so going to the bathroom was pretty difficult. A few days later, I went to the Heartland Cafe for dinner with a bunch of rugby folks, which was good. The next day, I went for lunch with my friend and then did some shopping. Mike and I went for smoothies at Potbelly's. Have you ever been to Potbelly's? They make good sandwiches." At the end of the trip, Danielle and Claire had a chance to spend a few days in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with the Tisdahls and several friends. Danielle rode a wave runner (very carefully) and swam in the lake. Above, right: Danielle goes tubing on Lake Geneva. See 07.28.01 for more pictures.

06.21.01
Happy Birthday to Danielle
Danielle is back in San Francisco after an impressive tour of the East Coast that ended in New York City. She saw two Broadway shows, Cabaret and Kiss Me Kate, and had lunch with just about everyone on the island of Manhattan. She reports: "Hey everyone. I had an MRI/MRS on Monday that went really well. The new MRI lab is great! I talked to Dr. Chang on Wednesday and found out that MRI looks really good. The tumor is starting to die. Happy birthday to me!" Right: Danielle at Mila and Joey's, getting ready to leave for the airport.

06.16.01
Danielle visits the East Coast
Danielle reports: "I've been on vacation these past two weeks. I flew into JFK airport in New York on Saturday, June 2nd. The rain stopped long enough for us to land without turbulance and then started again as soon as I walked out of the airport. I then met this great limosine driver who gave me a supercheap ride to Manhattan. He was looking to make some money on his way back to the city. He charged me less than a cab, and wouldn't accept a tip. Very cool. So I was able to make my train to Boston, where I was picked up by Sarah Elliot and Jill Rubenstien in the Back Bay. I had a great time there hanging out with old friends and meeting a few new ones. Delia then picked me up in Boston and took me to Northampton for Didem's wedding. Which was so much fun. I did some great karaoke at the WWII club on Friday night with my old buddies from Cloud 9 Productions, Dana, Kirsten and Dave. Dana then drove me down to New York City on Monday, June 11th. I have been staying with my sister Mila and her husband Joey. I am continuing to see old friends and have a great time roaming the city. Mila and Joey also put on a great concert at the Fez, which was attended by some great Smith friends. My brother David and his wife, Kara, are also in New York City visiting, so I have spent some time with them. Today I am off to see the New York Liberty WNBA team take on Washington, D.C. with Jennie Pyers and her girlfriend. Tonight I'm going to see a play with David and Kara. Tomorrow I go back to San Francisco (which I do miss a ton) and my very wonderful girlfriend Claire. (Hi Claire!) Above left: Danielle playing at David and Kara's wedding, December 30, 2000. For more wedding pictures, see 12.30.00.

05.23.01
Brown Sugar
Elizabeth and Kathy Tisdahl visited from Evanston and attended a Brown Sugar soccer game. Elizabeth reports: "She played a great game--six shots on the goal. I am in awe of her. Read Danielle's new letter. Left: Brown Sugar. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Tisdahl.

05.27.01
Mila's DSL is back
My DSL was down for a month and a half, so no updates until now. Danielle has been seeing a nutritionist and is learning how to cook. She's also planning at trip east this June to visit friends in Northampton, Boston and New York.

05.20.01
Mom's visit to San Francisco
Sandy reports on her April visit: "Friday night we went to Morton's Steak House. It was Danielle's first trip there, and also mine even though Morton was originaly a Chicago restaurant. Danielle ate her whole steak and a large shrimp cocktail. Saturday I watched her play soccer. Her team, Brown Sugar, won against the best team in the league. Okay, the other team did have enough players so Brown Sugar won by default, but it was still a win. After the game we did a major shopping trip to Target. On Sunday Danielle took me to Glide Church for services. It was very inspirational. I recommend it to all." See the pictures.

05.08.01
Yes, that's Joan Jett
Caitlin Williams reports: "Danielle and I arrived nearly two hours early for the Joan Jett show at the Bottom of the Hill. The venue only holds about 300 people, so it was a great place to see such a big act. We scored excellent seats along the wall, about 15 feet from the stage, where we could sit on a little ledge and be above everyone's heads to see all the action. Soon the place filled up and Joan came running out on stage with the Blackhearts and started out the night with Bad Reputation. Danielle was, of course, rocking hard, singing all of the words with gusto, air drumming and hollering with all of her might. We swore that Joan kept looking at her and even winked in Danielle's direction a few times. After the show, we went to the backstage area and watched a combination of groupies, rockers and major mullets trying to work their magic and get upstairs to hang with the band. Our patience paid off, and Elliott, Joan's tour manager called us up to meet her. Kenny Laguna brought Joan over, and she and Danielle had a great talk. Danielle showed her the big scar to which Joan replied, "Wow, that's intense." Joan signed the photo that Danielle had bought earlier and gave her a big hug. It was a pretty quick meeting but was so excellent. The whole way home, we were jumping and screaming and wanted to jump out of our skins." Above: Danielle with Joan Jett. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Williams.

04.19.01
I love rock and roll
Miss Drumke is feeling especially good today. She has been put on the guest list for Joan Jett's sold-out San Francisco performance on May 5th. Thanks to Jennie Abbott, Bryan Bowman, Claire Kelley, Kara Staggs and Caitlin Williams, who all wrote letters to Joan Jett for the cause. Danielle says thanks to her new friends Kenny Laguna and David Snowden, who arranged the pass on the other end.

04.18.01
Gamma Knife radiation
Danielle underwent Gamma Knife radiation yesterday. The surgery went well. She was at the hospital from 6:30 am until about 4:30 pm with Claire Kelley and her brother Mike, who flew out from Chicago for the procedure. Danielle was also visted by her friend Karen, who was scheduled for the same surgery the next day. In Gamma Knife radiation a laser is aimed directly at the potentially cancerous cells. Danielle had an MRI early in the morning, then was fitted with a helmet that was screwed into her skull. Next, she waited while the doctors read the MRI and made a plan. She spent a short time in recovery, then went out for a much-deserved steak dinner with Claire and Mike. Danielle says,"The procedure was not the worst thing, but that it wasn't easy either. The doctors were all great, and I feel like they got all the bad stuff." She'll be home resting for a few days. She's not up for talking on the phone, but would love to hear from you via email or the guestbook. Left: Danielle at the hospital for her Gamma Knife radiation.

04.07.01
New treatment plan
Danielle says, "Here's the info I got today when I met with my oncologist, Dr. Chang. She told me that it could be tumor regrowth or dying tumor tissues. So they're all really nervous and want to attack it with another form of treatment. I am going to do Gamma Knife radiation with my surgeon Dr. Berger, and then change to an IV form of chemotherapy, which I will take once every six weeks. I'm feeling much more hopeful and confident about the whole thing. Happy Passover everyone."

04.06.01
Spectroscopy results
The tumor board met yesterday to review the spectroscopy. They concluded that the newly contrasted area may very well be tumor regrowth. Danielle is meeting with her doctors this afternoon to discuss possible treatment options.

04.02.01
MRI results
Danielle had her monthly MRI/MRS on Thursday. The results are inconclusive at this point. The MRI showed a newly contrasted area, which could be either tumor regrowth or dead tumor cells. Danielle's oncologist says that from the MRI alone, it looks like new growth, but because Danielle is doing so well physically, she thinks it could also be dead cells. More conclusive results may or may not be available from the spectroscopy (a different method of looking at the MRI). The tumor board will review the spectroscopy on Friday. Any news will be posted here as soon as it's available. Please do not call Danielle and ask her about this. While she'd love your positive thoughts, she is trying hard not to focus on waiting for these results. Right: Danielle and friends from high school; Danielle is on the left. Photo courtesy of Kathy Wren.

03.21.01
Danielle's hair is growing back
Mila reports: Danielle and I spent a few days in San Francisco watching episodes of ER. I don't even have a TV, so this was truly amazing stuff. We started each morning with a yoga class, then promptly counteracted all the benefits with a breakfast of donuts and strong coffee. Danielle had a dip at Osmosis Enzyme Bath in Freestone, while I had a massage. Then we went to Mendicino, which was stunning and so windy that "You never know, you could fall off a cliff tomorrow" actually seemed like a real possibility. While there, we spent some time in a music shop, playing wierd little Irish instruments, then ate red meat for dinner. The most interesting development was Danielle's hair, which is starting to grow back all light and fuzzy. Left: No, it hasn't grown THAT much. That's Danielle circa 1988. Photo courtesy of Kathy Wren.

02.27.01
Danielle does Portland
Danielle and Mike took a trip to Portland, where Danielle took to the stage, and Napa, where Mike took to the wine. See the pictures and read Danielle's letter about the trip and her last MRI. Right: Danielle sings "Bust a Move" in Portland, Oregon in January.

01.27.01
Danielle goes back to work
Danielle went back to work at Squaretrade.com last week. She and her brother Mike took a trip to Portland, OR, a few weeks ago as well. Lot's of stories about that to come. In the meantime, here's a picture that came in the mail from Merka Martin. Left: Danielle and Bria saying goodbye in San Diego, CA, at the end of their Americorps stint in 1997.

01.20.01
Karuna Venter on her December 16th visit with Danielle
It had been eight years since either Sarah Lightfoot or I had seen Danielle, and what a joy it was to spend time with her. She's as feisty and smart as ever...and if there's a silver lining to this cloud of hers, at least part of it is that we had a chance that weekend to tell each other how cool we thought the other one was back in our Smith days. See the pictures.

01.07.00
Mila reports on Danielle's trip to Chicago
David and Kara were married at long last on December 30. Danielle stayed up until 4 am. Her moves behind the kit were so energetic that she almost put the band's drummer out of work. Not to mention her moves on the dance floor. Wow, can she lead! She had me whirling and spinning for a good 20 minutes. After watching her dance, Joey offered to take dance lessons with me. Danielle had lots of visitors on New Year's Eve day. Then we had a quiet dinner with our mom. Danielle, Joey and I bundled up on the pull-out couch and rang in the New Year watching Paper Moon. Right: Mila and Danielle at David and Kara's wedding, December 30, 2000.

12.31.00
Danielle's New Year's Eve plans
If you are in Chicago, don't miss Danielle's open house at her mom's house from 2 to 6 pm. The address is 1456 Foster Avenue. The phone number is 773.275.6138. Please come by. Danielle will be in town briefly for her brother David's wedding. This open house is the only opportunity she'll have to visit with friends.

12.25.00
Some pics from Danielle's mom
Sandy's sent along some prime pics from Danielle's youth as a cyber stocking stuffer for everyone. Left: If you like this one of Danielle and Santa, check out a few more.

12.23.00
A holiday present
On December 21, Danielle had an MRI to evaluate the effectiveness of her 6-week radiation treatment. Dr. Chang found no visible new growth of the tumor. And while she's not out of the woods, this was the best present we could have hoped for. Read the news from Danielle herself. At right: Danielle and Pippa Schulman at Cliff House, November 10, 2000.

12.06.00
Can you feel the love?
Jessica Andorfer reports: The fundraiser was a huge success. We hit the fire code limit (thankfully Jerry, the bouncer, squeezed everyone in). There were well over 150 people there (we handed out tickets for door prizes, and we used about 170 of them). Molly McGrath, Lauretta Tagli, and Jocelyn Glicklich performed. Mona and Chris provided comic relief with a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Come Marching In." Everyone had a wonderful time. We were hoping to raise about $900 for The Danielle Drumke Medical Fund, but as of Saturday the total was $2,100, and I'm still receiving checks in the mail. The event generated a lot of goodwill. Kerrigan's probably sold more drinks that night than they have in the past month. Can we feel the love, yes, but where are the pictures?

12.01.00
Chicago Women's Rugby fundraiser for Danielle
The Chicago Women's Rugby Association is organizing a benefit for Danielle this Friday, December 1 at Kerrigan's (5355 N. Clark Street in Andersonville). The festivities will begin at 9 pm and will include music (featuring former Chicago rugby player Molly McGrath with Lauretta Tagli and Jocelyn Glicklich), door prizes and general merriment. The cover charge is a $10 donation. All proceeds will go to The Danielle Drumke Medical Fund. Jess Andorfer adds: "We have space available at our homes if any out-of-towners need to crash."

11.26.00
Thanksgiving Parade
Jennie Abbott reports: Our Thanksgiving was great. There were 10 of us at Karuna's, including Danielle and three of her friends from Americorps, Rassamee, Darci and Ellen; Karuna's boyfriend, brother and sister; and Cindy. We stuffed ourselves on delicious vegetarian dishes, then they all went for a walk over to where the turkey was.

11.15.00
Big discounts: Naomi Graychase shares a recent story
On November 2, I was out at Club Q, the big, all-girl club that happens once a month here in the city. I should have been, but I wasn't at all surprised to see Danielle there. I wimp out on Q if I have so much as a blister, and there she was, fresh from brain surgery, standing at the bar. She greeted me as enthusiastically as ever. She looked great, although a little puffy. Later, she removed her baseball cap to show me her fuzzy head and tremendous scar. It looks like a shark bit her.

She'd already been waiting for a long time for the bartender to notice her. I have no idea what his problem was, but he waited on people to her left and to her right and wouldn't even acknowledge her. Someone else may have gotten upset. I'm sure she was tired, and all she wanted was a freakin' Gatorade. But she never lost her cool. She started cracking jokes about how if we told him she had brain cancer, maybe he'd give her some service. I suggested that she carry a small sign around with her from now on for just that purpose--she'd never have to wait in line for the bathroom or be ignored by a bartender again. She told me a story about going to Ben and Jerry's the night before her surgery. "I told them I was having brain surgery the next day," she said, "and they gave me a discount." "A discount?" I shouted over the music. "Yeah." I thought about this for a minute. "How much is the discount for brain cancer at Ben and Jerry's?" "Fifty percent," she said with a grin.

In the end, Danielle got some other girls to buy her Gatorade from a different bartender, but she got it, and made friends in the process. For me, it was an amazing experience, a slice of Danielle's life. She came out to a dance club, even though she was recovering from major surgery and facing the prospect of radiation in the next few days. She cracked jokes and made me feel completely at ease, demonstrating so clearly that on a day to day basis, having a sense of humor, a generous heart and a love of life and music will draw caring, supportive people and little miracles to you. I feel blessed to know her and to witness, even at a distance and in glimpses, her strength, honesty and most importantly, good humor. Right: Danielle during her college semester abroad with Jennie Abbott and Jessye Cohen at Wagamama in London (courtesy of Jessye Cohen).

11.10.00
The All-New Danielle Drumke Show: A Letter from Mila
Thanks to your overwhelming support, Danielle has exceeded her limit with both Hotmail and irwincourterly! Thus, we bring you danielledrumke.com. Tour the site for new photos, letters from Danielle and the guest book. Also, if you'd like to help out in any way, see contribute. Danielle's new email address is, appropriately,superstar@danielledrumke.com . On behalf of my entire family, I'd also like to thank the following people: Jennie Abbott for the many hours she spent building Danielle's original website and for getting me everything I needed to build this one; Susan Baker and Kate Manning for their incredible hospitality toward our entire family and for their contribution to this site; and Tova Steiner for establishing the Danielle Drumke Medical Fund. Joey and I will be maintaining danielledrumke.com from Brooklyn. Send us updates and pictures (recent or past). Your suggestions are very welcome. Enjoy! Left: Danielle sits in at Mila and Joey's wedding, June 26, 1999.

11.10.00
Put Another Dime in the Jukebox, Baby
Claire Kelley reports: "Last night, the one and only Miss Danielle Superstar Drumke was spotted doing karaoke at The Mint in San Francisco. With her sassy attitude, she seranaded us with 'Faith' by George Michael and then, per my request, 'I Love Rock and Roll' by the one and only Joan Jett. If you ask me, Joan Jett ain't got nothin' on Danielle. Susan Baker, Kate Manning, Pippa Shulman and I paid tribute to Madonna by requesting a 'Holiday.' (I think the whole bar needed a holiday when we were done.) It was one hell of a good time!"

11.08.00
Santana
Danielle started radiation on Tuesday. Cindy Pugh reports, "The technicians and everyone in the radiation department have been wonderful and spend a great deal of time making her feel comfortable and safe. Danielle is very brave." One technician (apparently a Santana fan) offered her a selection of over 300 CDs to listen to during treatments. Danielle herself says, "I think it's going to go well except for the Santana factor."

11.07.00
Treatment Begins
It's Election Day, and Danielle is going to vote and start her chemo/radiation treatments today. Treatments will be Monday through Friday at 9:30 am for the next 6 weeks. Each treatment lasts 15 minutes. According to Danielle's doctors, everyone reacts differently, but most people become weaker as the treatment progresses. If you can take an hour off from work to accompany Danielle to one or several of her treatments, please see Danielle's Calendar. All the dates she still needs a chaperone for are listed there. Sign up for one. And don't forget to vote!

11.05.00
The Best Movie Ever
Danielle moved back to her own apartment today. Beth Ambrose came to visit from D.C. to help Danielle make the adjustment. Beth loves that shower cap, although she's bitter about missing the Charlie's Angels outing. Danielle's review: "That was the best movie I've ever seen!" Sorry, Beth.

11.02.00
Hello, Angels!
Amy G. is organizing an outing to see Charlie's Angels at the Metreon this weekend.

10.30.00
It's Close to Midnight...
Danielle is working on another letter, so stay tuned for her update. Tomorrow she might have a massage and/or see the chiropractor. Then she'll dress up for Halloween (costume not yet selected) and take part in the Castro festivities (not staying out too late, of course). Right: Danielle on Halloween 1981.

10.23.00
In Stitches
Stitches are being removed today! Treatments start November 6. Keep sending the jokes, good thoughts and emails.

10.16.00
Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?
Danielle is doing okay. She's back at Katie and Susan's and had visitors, a few at a time, throughout the weekend. She was really glad to get out yesterday for a picnic, fresh air and change of scenery. Then she went really far away for Muppets in Space on DVD. Keep sending your good wishes her way. Right: Danielle, Cindy Pugh and Karuna go for some ice cream.

10.16.00
Oncology Report
Yesterday the oncology report came back. Danielle has brain cancer. The cancer is called astrocytoma, which originates in the brain. Danielle will begin aggressive radiation treatment as part of a clinical study soon; it will last for several weeks and be very exhausting.

10.14.00
Reach Out and Touch Danielle
Danielle is in good spirits and has a positive outlook, but keep sending those emails and cards and signing the guest book. She needs our support and for us to be upbeat; she needs our cheer and laughter. She'll be going "home" to Katie and Susan's today so her head can heal before starting further treatment.

10.11.00
Rocky
Danielle's eye is swollen shut, so she looks like a prize-fighter. But she's going to take a shower now, and maybe go for a walk later. She's very tired.

10.10.00
Damn Yankees
"You rock," Danielle told her surgeon, Dr. Mitchell Berger, head of neurosurgery at UCSF, last night. She's talking coherently, though she groaned "oh, I can't laugh, it hurts." The tumor was large, but funnel-shaped so it got smaller as it got deeper. Because of the mapping they did in advance, they were able to get at it without touching the motor-skills area of her brain. We hope they got all of it out, but we await the MRI result today and then the pathology report on Thursday. At that time the experts will make a decision about radiation/chemotherapy. Above: Danielle post-op with her brother David and sister Mila. See more pictures.

10.09.00
Surgery
Danielle is at the hospital for surgery today. Her whole family is there; friends will be stopping by later this morning to be with them. It's going to be a long day of waiting. 3:30 pm update: Surgery is still going well. They're closing her up. She should be through in about an hour, then they'll keep her in intensive care. 12:30 pm update: Surgery is going well. Danielle went in telling jokes. Her anesthesiologist is from Wellesley. 9:30 am update: Danielle has been moved to a regular room after spending last night in the ICU. She ate breakfast this morning and a chocolate chip cookie Jana's friend Noah made. She's now off IVs and is resting. She's very swollen, but has lots of ice packs. She'll have an MRI today sometime which will determine whether the whole tumor is gone. Katie and Susan had this report last night: "Hey everybody, she's okay! We saw Danielle tonight, and she kicked that tumor's butt. She's pretty tired, but no problems at all with her language or mobility. The tumor was pretty big; the doctor estimated she'd had it for 10 years. We won't know the extent of malignancy or what kind of follow-up treatment she'll need until Thursday. As soon as she saw her dad she told him to "take that fucking Yankees cap off." So we figure she's doing all right." Above: Danielle pre-op with her brother Mike.

10.08.00
Crew Cutting
Today Danielle had a ritual "shaving" (buzz by Karuna) of her head (in a valiant display of support, her childhood friend Doug T. jumped on the bandwagon too, although he looks better with it all shaved anyway) before she went to the hospital for her stealth MRI during which they mapped her brain. Over the weekend Smith friends arrived from Portland, OR, and NYC to spend time with Danielle. Right: Doug gets vacuumed and Danielle gets a buzz. See more pictures.

10.06.00
Preparations
Today Danielle met with the anesthesiologist to go over preparations and procedures for Monday. Most likely she'll be entertaining again this evening, so call or email if you'd like to stop over and visit. See some pictures.

10.04.00
Homeward Bound
The doctors sent Danielle home for a few days. The surgery will be on Monday. Assuming nothing changes substantially, she won't go back to the hospital, except for tests, until then. Please send your love and good thoughts. She has been enjoying the attention of having her loved ones around her--her whole family is in town, and friends have been visiting from all around the area (she recently moved to San Francisco). See the pictures.

10.02.00
A Trip to the ER
Danielle was having headaches and checked into the ER at UCSF on Sunday, October 1. A CAT scan showed a tumor; they treated the swelling with steroids (luckily the Olympics are over), which reduced the pain. She had an MRI on Monday, which her doctor, Mitchell Berger, looked at that night. He estimated that the tumor had been there for possibly a couple of years. Berger let Danielle get out of bed and socialize with her family and friends in the waiting room down the hall.