We painted the room purple – A Devotional on Compromise

February 18, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 2

Several years ago, before our loft was littered with Barbie houses and LOL dolls, Mike and I decided to paint its dark, aqua-green walls. But, shortly after agreeing to paint the room, we ran into a snag: I envisioned deep, bold red walls and he wanted light blue. Standing on nearly opposite sides of the […]

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Taking surgery advice (and embracing the bowel diary)

February 16, 2019 | Danielle | Colon Cancer | 2

It’s been a few months since I wrote a health update. Partly because I launched Unexpected: 25 advent devotionals and fully embraced it. (Which, if you supported this project, thank you! It sold over 800 books and is helping fund my friend Doc’s missionary travels!) A few other reasons I’ve not written an update include […]

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I’d like to thank…

February 13, 2019 | Danielle | News and Announcements | 2

Launching this new website today is like winning an Academy Award – except it’s less heavy, it doesn’t involve celebrities, and it is a LOT more colorful! For those of you who’ve followed me for quite some time, you’ve watched this journey evolve. I started blogging in 2009 after my second colon cancer diagnosis. That […]

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To the End – 18 year cancerversary

January 23, 2019 | Danielle | Cancer Survivorship | 1

I never know how I’m going to feel today, and how to celebrate my cancer anniversary. I’ve learned over 18 years that there’s no “right way” to celebrate a day like today. Some years I barely mention it, other years (like last year when I wrote “17 Reasons God Meant Colon Cancer for my Good” […]

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10 Favorite Stories from 2018

December 31, 2018 | Danielle | Family | 1

What a year, everyone! Wow! I don’t know about you, but I love reading year-in-review posts. There’s power in stopping to look back before zeroing in on what’s ahead. My “one word” for 2018: Trust I’ve chosen a “word” for each year since 2006. Usually around November or December, I’ll hear a phrase or single […]

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Christmas is for everyone

December 24, 2018 | Danielle | Family | 1

The lights went dim as small feet tapped up the stage stairs so girls dressed in white dresses and homemade gold halos, and boys holding plastic swords, could take their places. The thump of a bass drum moving out of the way set the tone. Each kid crammed in one by one and found his […]

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Colonoscopy Prep Night (and trying Plenvu)

December 17, 2018 | Danielle | Colon Cancer | 12

This is a sponsored post. Salix Pharmaceuticals compensated me for this post. All opinions are my own. Certain product information has been included to meet regulations. Here’s my experience with the product and some colonoscopy prep tips. October 2019 Update: Here’s why I chose to use PLENVU again for my follow-up scan. 

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This is 35

December 14, 2018 | Danielle | Cancer Survivorship | 0

“How does it feel to turn 35 years old!?” friends asked me across a conference room table earlier this week. They’re new friends, people I’ve met over the past year through work. People who’ve not lived the past 18 years by my side as I’ve survived colon cancer (although people who would have undoubtedly rushed […]

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Second opinion for surgery – Glad I got it

December 6, 2018 | Danielle | Colon Cancer | 11

I don’t want to write this post. Not because I don’t like talking to you, or because I don’t want you to read my blog, but because I feel silly. Here’s why: I got a second opinion for surgery from a colorectal surgeon. And not only did my doctor’s second opinion make me stop and […]

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Surviving Christmas with no money

November 30, 2018 | Danielle | Family | 2

Figuring out how to survive Christmas with no money? You’re not alone. A few years ago, I looked down at the five, crisp bills that just came out of the ATM. “This is it,” I thought to myself. This is all we have to spend for Christmas. My husband had entered the arena of unemployment […]

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