Hello everyone! Today I received my second round of chemo. It was another successful treatment. ABSOLUTELY NO REACTIONS (can I get a hallelujah?). Caitie (I think I misspelled her name last blog, whoops) was my nurse again today. She is seriously the best. She, of course, provided me with all the warm blankets, awesome refreshments, and my healing (yes, I have proclaimed it) medications.
But, let’s start from the beginning of the day. Mom and I left for Jacksonville at 4:00am. Traffic was like…the Bemiss 500 x 50, LOL! But, we made it. 🙂
We arrived to my 7:00 lab appt—which includes evaluation of my hemoglobin, neutrophils, electrolytes, renal function, and liver enzymes. To God be the glory, my hemoglobin was 10.7 (down from 12.7, needless to say I am beginning an iron supplement tomorrow—not because my hemoglobin is low, but as a way to hopefully prevent it from dropping by 2 after each treatment. I really, really, really do NOT want to receive a blood transfusion, fingers crossed and prayers going up). My WBC count was 6.2 (which is down from my original 7.0, however the Neulasta injection had my WBC count at 20.3 last week—so the injection is definitely working. Platelets, renal function, electrolytes, and liver function/enzymes were all normal. All of that to say, I was able to receive my second round of chemo. HALLELUJAH!
8:15–I had an appointment with the oncology nurse practitioner and it went well! She was also unable to palpate (feel) my tumor. She was just as excited about it being essentially GONE after just one treatment. She praised my freshly, touched up eyebrows (Shout out to Baylee Sims at Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta).
10:15: The chemotherapy infusion was scheduled to begin at 1015. Thankfully, I finished with the nurse practitioner at 8:45am and was able to have my chemo started earlier! Pre-meds (the exact same as round 1–check out that blog if you are curious) began at 9:15 and the actual chemo (TCHP regimen) began at 10:15. The Taxotere infused over one hour, Carboplatin, Herceptin, and Perjeta were all thirty minute infusions—HALLELUJAH, I was under the impression that this would be another 6 hour treatment, BUT it was NOT! 🙂
Now for my “inspirational insight”…Are you ready? LOL.
Many of you read this on my Instagram post today, but I felt as if it was completely worthy of being in my blog tonight. I have had many people ask questions like… “Are you okay?” “How are you processing everything?” “Have you been anxious?” “Have you had any depression?” “Do you ever think why-me?” So here it goes, I didn’t choose this journey and I can’t say that I would have ever chosen this journey for myself. BUT, I can ensure you ALL that this journey has been life changing. The things that I once found so important are now so insignificant—the hair. I have been stripped of my hair and my physical appearance will continue to be impacted. However, I am so honored that the Lord is walking me through this valley. I have gained humility, compassion, and courage. I received my second round of chemo today and I am/was still excited to face this battle head on. Excited? Yes! I am excited because the Lord reminds us of his faithfulness in Isaiah and I know He is always with me.
Last night, I attended the Unplugged Event at the local high school. It was absolutely incredible. Our speaker spoke about living in fear. I found this to be very interesting and it could not have come at a better time.
A little background information—as most of you know I am receiving all treatment at the Mayo Clinic and this facility is a large research facility/teaching hospital. With that being said, I have “qualified” for multiple research studies because of my age, my diagnosis, and (did I mention?) my AGE. 😛
One of the research studies consists of frequent questionnaires about depression, anxiety, and FEAR! Each time I complete one of the questionnaires, I begin to wonder, “Am I not responding appropriately to my diagnosis? Am I not showing the “right” emotions?” But, I am quickly reminded that the Lord does not want us to live in fear and my response to this incredibly scary and completely unexpected diagnosis is from God being exceptionally merciful towards me. I never would have expected to take a diagnosis of cancer and wear it with so much grace and dignity. God has commanded us over three hundred times in so many words to not fear/stop being afraid.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 (Timothy 1:7)
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)
I honestly believe that the Lord has a HUGE plan for me. He will use this for the betterment of His Kingdom. He has already used this to humble me, greatly, and I am forever grateful.
Fear consistently reminds you of all the things that “could” go wrong. Fear takes you hostage. It takes your emotions hostage. Fear can completely overcome you and if you listen to the false ideologies—it will prevent you from being a beacon of light to others. It will make you sit when you should stand. It will make you be quiet when you should speak out. It will make you doubt God when you should be placing all FAITH in God. This takes courage. Courage requires taking action to do what is right without knowing or being reassured that all will be okay. Sounds easy right? I know this is not easy for most. I struggle with fears at times, also. However, I fully believe that I have had the courage to face the diagnosis of cancer “head-on” because of all the many, many prayers! You guys cover me with prayers daily and I am fulfilled with reassurance, courage, humility, and compassion like never before. I am forever grateful for all of the prayers. Please continue to pray for me, my family, and Chason as we all face this battle together. You guys are incredible and I absolutely love reading all the responses on my blog. You all keep me so encouraged and motivated to continue fighting…like a girl. ❤
With love and gratitude,
Anna Vaggalis
ANNA.COURTNEY 