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Dana Sandene

@alwaysspreadingjoy

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Something I’ve been pondering this Breast Cancer Awareness Month… 💗

We just returned a week ago from a wonderful family trip to Italy—Rome, Florence and Venice! We spent our days sightseeing, shopping, eating and exploring. We saw thousands of people, but I didn’t see one other bald woman. Not one.

We even arrived in Florence during the annual breast cancer walk. Pink everywhere. And there I was, walking around with the most visible reminder of my own journey.

I lost count of how many men stopped and stared at my bald head. The first couple of times, I wanted to stick out my tongue. 😂 It felt rude, and I felt very aware of being different. Then I decided to smile instead.

But I’m still wondering… what were they thinking? Did they go home and mention the woman with the bald head? Were they as curious about me as I was about their reaction?

I tried a scarf and a turban a few times, but let’s be honest… it was too hot!

It left me pondering cultural differences and how comfortable we feel showing up exactly as we are. I don’t know what anyone’s stare meant, or what another woman might choose for herself. But I know how it felt to be me in those moments.

For me, being comfortable meant going bald. Enjoying my family. Being in the pictures. Letting myself show up exactly as I am.

I never imagined this would be part of my story. But here I am—with a little more hair, a lot of gratitude and a few things to ponder. 💗 by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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7 days ago

USD YOTES! ❤️🏈

Family, football, a quick run through the Beta House…

Found my Beta Little Sister picture—less hair these days, but the same smile! 😂 And apparently, walking tacos never go out of style!

South Dakota sunshine and time with family… my kind of Saturday! Go Yotes! ❤️ taken in University of South Dakota by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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9 days ago

Explore the world, don’t waste your time… 🌍🇮🇹❤️

Italy was a family affair—from booking rooms and planning activities to finding the BEST meals! Everyone had a hand in making this trip one to remember, and it was so fun seeing what each person brought to the adventure.

From the history of Rome to the beauty of Florence, the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, and the charm of Venice—there was always something new to discover. Pasta making, wine tasting, grape stomping, shopping, wandering beautiful streets… and somehow finding room for another fabulous meal! 🍝🍷

Some of our favorite moments were gathered around a table, laughing, sharing bites, and talking about what we’d seen that day. And yes, we’re still talking about that freshly picked mushroom pasta Nonna made!

Home with so many stories and wonderful memories. Sharing it all together made it even sweeter. ❤️ taken in Italy by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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14 days ago

End of July → End of August → End of September. Look at this hair growth!

October 1st—the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I never imagined I would be marking this month as a breast cancer survivor.

Only one of my many aunts had breast cancer, so it wasn’t something I expected. But I’m a rule follower—I always keep my yearly appointments and mammograms. On March 18th, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Cancer in both breasts.

Since then, I’ve had a double mastectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy. Now I’m on hormone therapy for the next 5–10 years, with one more reconstructive surgery planned for November.

This week, I’m celebrating how far I’ve come while making memories with my family in Italy. A dear friend told me Florence means “flourishing” or “blooming.” What a beautiful thought to carry with me here—as my hair grows and I find myself blooming again, too. 🌸

As you know, I’m a glass-half-full girl. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been hard days, tears, or fears. It means I keep looking for the joy—and I’ve found so much of it in the people who have loved, prayed for, and supported me through this journey.

Please let this be your reminder to make that appointment and keep your mammogram on the calendar. Taking care of yourself deserves a place on your to-do list. 💗

Today, I’m grateful to be here, grateful to be healing, and still spreading joy. taken in Florence, Italy by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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18 days ago

Italy, Days 3 & 4: Florence! 🇮🇹

We took the train from Rome and started exploring as soon as we arrived. First up: perfume shopping at Santa Maria Novella, followed by some window shopping along Florence’s beautiful streets. And yes, window shopping—let’s be real! 😂

A golf cart tour gave us gorgeous views of the Duomo, the Arno, and Ponte Vecchio. The next day, we traded sightseeing for aprons and learned to make fresh pasta together. There was plenty of flour, laughter, and a little debate over whose pasta looked best!

Later, we had a wine experience at our hotel, a great dinner, and a walk to see the Duomo lit up at night. That was a pretty wonderful way to end the day. Florence, you are beautiful! ❤️ by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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20 days ago

Day 2: Rome 🇮🇹

We started the morning with a guided tour of the Vatican. After seeing St. Peter’s Square from the outside on our first day, walking into St. Peter’s Basilica was something else entirely. The scale, the details, that incredible dome—and Michelangelo’s Pietà. I’m so glad we took the time to see it together. ❤️

Later, we made our way to the Colosseum. We saw it from the golf cart on Day 1, but getting a family photo there today made it feel real: we’re actually in Rome!

We ended the day with a sunset over the rooftops. My feet are tired, my camera roll is full, and my heart is pretty full too. Grateful for this time with my family. taken in Rome, Italy by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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22 days ago

Day 1: Rome! 🇮🇹

After a red-eye flight, a golf cart tour was exactly our speed. We caught glimpses of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, with a beautiful view over the city.

Our first stop after checking in was the Vatican—a special way to begin this family trip. Tired, happy, and taking in every moment together! ❤️ taken in Rome, Italy by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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24 days ago

What a whirlwind trip to South Dakota and Minnesota! ✈️🚗

I packed so much into just a few days—time with family, a little cabi, an evening with my sorority sisters, Nick and Lauren’s beautiful wedding, and my 40th high school class reunion!

It was quick, but oh, how it filled my cup. The hugs, smiles, laughter, and time with people I love were truly just what I needed.

If this year has taught me anything, it’s this: take the trip, make the time, and hug your people. You’ll never regret making memories with those you love. ❤️ by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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a month ago

There’s a change in the air…and I’m so ready for fall! 🍁New Arrivals season is basically my favorite time of year!

Our September New Arrivals drop tomorrow and ship next week! Which pieces are already on your wish list? Tell me your favorites below!

@cabiclothing by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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a month ago

A glimpse of a few wonderful days at The Greenbrier—one of West Virginia’s true gems—for the 90th West Virginia Business Summit!

Connection, community and networking filled our days. I’m so proud of Jeff and the entire Vandalia Health team for the incredible impact they’re making across our region.

For me there was a little shopping, spa time, mahjong and, of course, cabi! This was really my first big outing since my diagnosis—and I proudly rocked my bald head through it all.

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. So grateful I was able to be there and incredibly proud of Jeff! 🩷 taken in The Greenbrier Resort by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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a month ago

The Summer of Logan ❤️

What a gift it was to have our nephew Logan in West Virginia this summer while he completed his hospital internship!

We tried to soak up every minute—and show him a little bit of everything we love about WV. Golf at Berry Hills and The Greenbrier, the Sternwheel Regatta, Vandalia activities, a mission to find the best restaurants, and of course, some great shoe deals at Tony the Tailor. 😂

We even managed to squeeze in some Lake Norman sunshine and wrap up the summer together in DC.

Having Logan around was just plain FUN. We loved every dinner, adventure, laugh and ordinary day in between. And I think it’s safe to say Birdie may miss him most of all. 🐾❤️

Enjoy your last year of college, Logan! We’re so proud of you—and we’re still holding out hope that someday life brings you a little closer to us.

Summer of Logan… one for the books! by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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2 months ago

Confession: I really never understood chemo fatigue. I do now. 😂

Today’s agenda: cute shoes, IV fluids, and giving myself a little grace.

My new normal, life after chemo, has been my struggle—learning to give myself grace while still wanting to feel great again.

Some say after cancer life gets better than ever. Some say it’s just a new normal. I don’t know which one is true yet, but I do know I’m a half-full kind of girl.

I’m choosing to bet on myself in the most positive ways I can—with time, patience, and grace. Some days that looks like strength, and some days it simply looks like showing up and giving my body what it needs.

But I’m holding onto hope that I will feel like me again—maybe even a stronger version of me—one step at a time. ❤️

#LifeAfterChemo #healingtakestime #giveyourselfgrace #alwaysspreadingjoy taken in CAMC Breast Center by @alwaysspreadingjoy

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2 months ago