Short entry tonight guys.
First thing first, I found out today that my tumor is HER2 positive and Estrogen Receptor positive. What does that mean? My tumor will be attacked with a “sniper-like” chemo! Guys, this is so exciting. Dr. Bennett and Wendy [my two co-workers who are more like my older siblings] were instantly BLEW UP with text messages from me! LOL. I was so excited. Chason and I celebrated together with a few [yogurts] snacks. (My diet has also changed since my diagnosis–KETO everything) The diet change has been the hardest, but shout out to Dr. B for throwing out all of our “good” snacks and filling up our drawer with legit “good” snacks–LARABARs and fresh fruit. Also, shout out to my mom for cooking a healthier cuisine each night and of course, Chason, my person, my encourager. Guys, listen how awesome he is…after my PET scan, I was so inclined to eat at BurgerIM–of course, Chason took me and he also ate a “lettuce-wrapped” burger. [what an awesome man?!] ❤
The excitement of the HER2 results overshadowed my anxiety about my PET scan (which I had today). Surprisingly today, has been a wonderful day. My first day with minimal tears shed. My first day with a full peace. I know that the Lord has his hand in all of this.
First of all, my diagnostic tests and diagnosis all occurred within two weeks. That’s incredible. The PET scan was down for the past two weeks and was up and running yesterday. Thank God for Dr. Wright. I have never met this man face to face but I believe he is an angel in disguise. He has “squeezed” me in and had tests performed faster than I ever imagined.
Dr. Miller encouraged for me to have a second opinion for treatment options. Guys!! Can you believe my wonderful and God-fearing uncle arranged for me to be evaluated at the Mayo Clinic. They called today and are arranging an appointment around my fertility clinic consultation. [so road tripping to JAX next week] 🙂 So prayers please that Chason and I receive positive news with the fertility physician this upcoming week.
God is constantly showing me that he is making the way for me. Just as Lysa Terkeurst mentioned in “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way“, Your life may be dark today. But make no mistake, there is a powerful work happening. Jesus is saying to us, “Nothing you desire compares to this wisdom. I will turn your pain to peace. I will turn your heartbreak into honor. And it will be worth it” (p. 50).
Tomorrow, I will be traveling to visit family in Destin. So excited to see everyone this weekend. Also excited that Chason gets to meet my Greek family.
Keep me in your prayers, guys! I can honestly feel them each and every day. I am at peace. I am excited to see how God’s plan pans out. I know that God will use my story for the betterment of His Kingdom.
With love,
Anna Vaggalis
ANNA.COURTNEY 