POWERPORT AND CHEMO ROUND 1

Hello everyone! I know you all are so excited to hear how the first round of chemo was so awesome, right? Or have you been waiting for yet again another LONG rant from an aspiring blogger? LOL

Well, guys. Let me tell you. The only part of the day that I was absolutely dreading, was most definitely the nurse accessing my PowerPort for the first time. The interventional radiologist placed the port on Tuesday, so to say it was sore is most definitely an understatement.

First, I will give you guys a little insight on the placement of my PowerPort. So, being that I have a naturally “low” blood pressure (90s/60s with occasional 110s/70s)—I was shorted on the Versed. LOL. I was awake the entire time. I vividly recall the interventional radiologist instructing the nurse to, “Hit her with another 25 of Fentanyl.” When I commented on their “Netflix Must Watch List.” LOL.

After the insertion was completed, I was free to go. Chason, Mom, and Theo all met me in the recovery room and we quickly left to find something for dinner. We decided on Longhorn Steakhouse, being that it was close to our hotel. We enjoyed dinner and shared many laughs. But deep down, I was unsure of what tomorrow would hold. Anxious? Not anxious in the worried/scared anxious. But anxious as in excited. Excited to start the first round of my chemo (aka Journey to Healing) the next morning.

We left Longhorn and arrived at the hotel and relaxed. I enjoyed laughing and spending time with Mom, Chason, and Theo. Of course, Sarah & Dad FaceTimed us to check in and ensure that we were all in good spirits.

CHEMO ROUND 1:

Before the first round of chemo, I met with the nurse practitioner, Gina. My favorite part of the entire visit was when she gave me the “OKAY/APPROVAL” to have my eyebrows microbladed for the second time. WOOHOO!

All jokes aside, our visit went great. She told me that I already had 60-70% of this battle won. She said, “your attitude and go-getter-mindset is incredible.” All praise to God. My hope is in him. I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. My peace, I receive from him. My comfort, I receive from him. I know that my afflictions will create endurance, and my endurance will produce proven character, that will produce hope [for others]. This hope will never disappoint us because God’s love has been poured upon us through the Holy Spirit, who was given to us at salvation.

“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

After my office visit at the Breast Center, we made our journey next door to the Mangurian Building, AKA the Ritz-Carlton of chemo.

I couldn’t have asked for a better nurse. Katie was exceptional. She ensured that every need was met and even allowed all THREE of my cheerleaders, encouragers, and companions sit with me for the entire SIX hours.

When I first arrived, Katie accessed my PowerPort and WOW! That was definitely uncomfortable being that it was still fresh from the day before. LOL.

However, immediately after she accessed the port I received my pre-meds—Benadryl 25mg IV, Pepcid 20mg IVPB, Tylenol 650mg PO, Aloxi 0.25mg IV, and Decadron 20mg IVPB. After the pre-meds, the real fun began. Taxotere 120mg x 1 hour—with my feet and hands wrapped in ice to prevent neuropathy. I must say the first hour was a complete blur all thanks to the Benadryl IV. Benadryl naps are AMAZING to say the least! Followed by Carboplatin 830mg x 1 hour, Herceptin 450mg x 90 minutes, and Perjeta 840mg x 90 minutes.

All praise to God, I had not ONE adverse reaction to the Taxotere. Many patients apparently have allergic reactions to this medication BUT I handled it like a champ, according to my nurse. (I quickly told her I prefer handling things like a GOAT, LOL!). GO PATRIOTS!

The private chemo suites at Mayo are incredible. Most of our day was spent watching many movies on the flatscreen television—(The Shack, Venom, and Oceans 8). I believe Theo and Chason favored the complimentary snack bar for patients and their families. LOL! My favorite was most definitely the heated, reclining seats. Mom, of course, just loved being able to sit comfortably (or maybe not so comfortably) on the couch beside me.

The volunteers, techs, and nurses constantly offered me warm blankets and I may have taken one or two. But, my many prayer blankets and quilts that many of you gifted me KEPT ME SO VERY WARM! I am so very thankful for such thoughtful gifts. I felt comforted by the blankets/quilts and of course comforted by all of the prayers that went into creating those beautiful blankets/quilts.

After chemo was complete, we went to Miller’s Ale Steakhouse and enjoyed a nice dinner. I was so tempted to order the lobster or the steak burgers, but I was afraid to eat anything with too many spices. I am still feeling great. I never imagined that I would be feeling so great after receiving chemo, but God is good. Praying that I continue to feel my best as the next rounds of chemo come and go.

I won’t lie though. I have taken Zofran, Anti-Diarrheals, and Tylenol prophylactically to ensure that some of those unwanted side effects do not “sneak-up” on me. Night time pre-med has been Ativan. Man, I was so nervous to “take a ride on the ATI-van” (LOL, my fellow nurses will get a good laugh at that one.) But, I honestly believe it has prevented me from feeling nauseated. The Decadron 8mg BID has me wanting to eat everything, even the refrigerator. YIKES! Praying that my appetite stays BUT I prefer not to gain 109384lbs during the process. LOL.

NEULASTA AND LUPRON:

Today, I received two injections. The Neulasta (to keep my immune system up aka WBC/neutrophil counts at necessary levels) and Lupron (a sex hormone suppression agent to suppress my ovaries and hopefully prevent them from being impacted by the chemo).

The nurses and staff at Mayo were amazed at my positive attitude and excitement to begin chemo. I, honestly, owe all thanks to the Lord. He has comforted me from the beginning of my diagnosis. It breaks my heart to know that many others who are struggling with a similar diagnosis, are filled with much heartbreak and anxiety. I am so thankful that the Lord has comforted me from the beginning and I pray they also find the same comfort. [For anyone walking through disappointments and hardships, I highly recommend reading “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way” by Lysa Terkeurst]. This book allowed me to gain a positive outlook on my new journey and I hope it will do the same for you.

DO NOT FEAR:

2 Timothy 1:7 and Isaiah 43:1-2 are two bible verses that are perfect for anyone walking through disappointments and hardships. I find these two to be very encouraging. We quickly become discouraged and swayed from the truth during hardships, just as the Devil aspires for us to do. However, I refuse to allow him to receive any joy during my hardship BECAUSE Jesus has given me a spirit of power, love, and sound judgement. He has also advised me to NOT fear, for he has redeemed me. He has called me by my name, and I AM HIS! He will not forsake me.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“Now this is what the Lord says—the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Please, do not be misconstrued, I am aware that I will have bad days and the bad days may be quickly approaching. BUT, I know that these will be temporary and that the Lord and my awesome/amazing/incredible support system will be near. However, I am thankful that the Lord chose me to walk through this valley and allow my faith to grow stronger in Him. I am excited to see how this trial/hardship will be used in the future to reach others. I hope to be a light to others. I know that I will continue to sin and fall short of the glory of God, but I pray that the Lord will continue to work in my life and draw me closer to Him.

Please continue to pray for me (and my family/Chason) as I face rounds 2-6, surgery, radiation, continued monoclonal antibodies infusions, and then reconstruction. I am FOREVER grateful for all of the encouragement, fundraisers, cards, care packages, and most definitely ALL OF THE PRAYERS. The prayers are powerful. I feel them each and every day. They comfort me and fill me with much grace and dignity. I love you all! THANKS AGAIN.

With Love,

Anna Vaggalis