PLASTICS, RADIATION, AND COURAGE

Hey guys! Quick update.

First things first, the second round of chemo has been as tolerable as the first. All praise to God. I only had one “bad day” and all that consisted of was the awful fatigue and joint pain. However, I credit the consistent exercise…or walking 2 miles (almost) every day for the minimal side effects. My third chemo session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4. I am so excited for this next round…I will be half way done with chemo! HALLELUJAH!!! 🙂

“The tumor” is not palpable (able to be felt by touch). Dr. Vallow (radiation oncology), declared me “clinically cleared” of cancer on Tuesday. Clinically/physically cleared, meaning the tumor is no longer physically felt. HALLELUJAH! Praise Jesus.

Dr. Vallow was incredible. She informed me that I will require either 25 or 32 radiation treatments. This will all depend upon the pathology report of my bilateral mastectomies in February. Please pray that I am “pathologically” cleared of cancer/no evidence of disease in the breast tissue that is removed. She recommends intensity-modulated radiation therapy which allows stronger doses of radiation to reach the tumor bed while preserving/decreasing damage to surrounding tissues. She was very impressed with my “attitude” towards everything and she encouraged me to continue pushing forward with the same courageous mindset.

Dr. TerKonda, my plastic surgeon and the physician who pulled strings to have me accepted into the Mayo Clinic, is incredible. He reassured me that he would take great care of me and that I would be satisfied with my reconstruction. Dr. TerKonda will be working alongside Dr. McLaughlin, my surgical oncologist, during my mastectomies. He will be placing the tissue expanders beneath my pectoralis majors (chest muscles) immediately after Dr. McLaughlin removes my breasts. These expanders will be present during my radiation treatments and will not be replaced with the implants until 3-6 months after radiation.

Many have asked, “Can you have the expanders while undergoing radiation treatment?” Well, Dr. TerKonda explained it like this….”The expanders will be beneath the pectoralis major muscle and in turn will push the remaining breast tissue forward allowing the radiation to easily reach the targeted area.”

As I mentioned above, Dr. Vallow encouraged me to keep pushing forward with the same “courageous” mindset. Interestingly enough, the bible study that I am currently reading, “Legacy: How One Ordinary Life Can Make An Eternal Difference” by Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee, speaks about courage.

“When you know God has called you to a purpose, you can step into that role–no matter how frightening–because you are confident that God is in control. Fear may not disappear, but that’s when COURAGE becomes stronger than fear” (Green & McAfee, 2019, p. 14).

Courage requires effort to do what is right although we are not reassured that everything will turn out how we desire. And truthfully, things do not always turn out how we desire, but that is OK! Sometimes we may fail, suffer, and/or lose. Jesus Christ exemplifies courage like no one else. Jesus knowingly accepted the extreme physical and mental suffering that stood in front of him in order to pursue God’s plan for Him…to pay the ultimate price for our sins. Jesus walked the path of courage and met our needs, without dwelling on the suffering he would face.

“The God who calls us to courageous obedience does not leave us to succeed or fail on our own. He is the same God who promises, I am with you always” (Green & McAfee, 2019, p. 19).

Jesus can redirect the outcome of circumstances and can rearrange the timing of events. He can change people’s hearts. All things are possible with God. He is the ultimate problem solver, and can solve them in ways we can never imagine. When we cannot see the possible solution, he already knows the solution. He is the way-maker, miracle-worker, promise-keeper, and light in the darkness. Our God is a mountain-moving God. With Him, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Proclaim it!

I cling to this daily. He is the way-maker, miracle-worker, promise-keeper, light in the darkness, MY GOD! He will heal me. He will make a way for me. He keeps his promises and he is always the light in the darkness. We are so undeserving of His love and mercy but he consistently pours it out upon us. A love that is so pure and never-ending.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I absolutely loved spending time with all of my family and friends. Please continue to pray for me and for my healing. You guys are prayer warriors. He is healing me daily, both physically and spiritually. I am forever grateful for all of your prayers. They are truly working. Also, keep my family and Chason in your prayers. They are being so strong and such great supporters during this time. I know they struggle seeing me endure this hardship, but they have been incredible. I love you all and will update you again after chemo round 3! Stay tuned.

With love,

Anna Vaggalis