CHEMO ROUND 5!!

Hello everyone! I have finally gathered enough time and energy to update you all with a blog post! Round 5 was on Thursday, January 16. It was most definitely different than all of the rest. First, this round made me feel very nauseated, initially. I am unsure if it was the taste of the ice or simply just the chemo, but I was so relieved when the infamous “BENADRYL-COMA” kicked in. Second, my Neulasta OnPro malfunctioned and I had to travel BACK to Jacksonville on Friday, January 17, to receive the actual injection.

CHEMO SESSION

Chemotherapy began at approximately 9:45am. Kim was my nurse this round and she was the coolest, because she shares the same name as my wonderful Mama. 😀 She immediately administered my pre-medications: Benadryl 25mg IV, Pepcid 20mg IVPB, Tylenol 650mg PO, Aloxi 0.25mg IV, and Decadron 20mg IVPB. After the pre-meds, we all know that the chemo “OFFICIALLY” begins. Taxotere 120mg x 1 hour—with my feet and hands wrapped in ice to prevent neuropathy and ice chips consistently in my mouth to prevent mouth sores. I most definitely remember the first 30 minutes being very nauseated, but of course the Benadryl kicked in and I was out! Followed by Carboplatin 830mg x 30 minutes, Herceptin 378mg x 30 minutes, and Perjeta 420mg x 30 minutes.

I am still in complete awe that I only have ONE more round to go…before surgery! I am having surgery on February 25…YIKES! I am not going to tell a story and say that I am not slightly nervous about surgery, because…well, that would be a lie. I am a little anxious. The fact that I have breast cancer will be 10000 times more surreal when I look in the mirror and see my scars. The scars, however, are not what I am slightly anxious about. I find myself being anxious of the pathology report. I know that the Lord has already gone before me and has paved the way for me, but I am still (a little) nervous.

[Remember, the pathology report is what determines if I am completely done with chemo and determines the amount of radiation I will require.]

So, ALL OF MY AMAZING PRAYER WARRIORS, please cover me in prayer! Pray that my margins are clear. The pathology is clear. That the chemo is over. That minimal radiation is necessary. That Jesus is victorious in my healing and we can proclaim that I am healed by the name of the Lord! AMEN!

CONFIDENCE & CHARACTER

confidence. (noun). the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust
character. (noun). the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Just as I mentioned in my last blog, I have been obsessed with reading since my diagnosis. I am still reading through “God, Where Are You?” by John Bevere. (This book is one of my absolute favorites and I recommend you to read it.) One of the quotes in his book, really hit close to home. “It is character that makes a man or woman of God, not anointing. And it’s in the wilderness, when the pressure comes, when the disappointments mount, when the dreams seem to be unattainable, that necessary refining–character shaping–takes place” (Bevere, 2019). During my personal wilderness, I can attest that character shaping is taking place. I am truly blessed. I know that there is a wonderful, joyful time ahead, although I am currently walking through the valley. This journey is allowing my faith to grow, genuinely. My faith is being tested, but I am determined to allow my faith to remain strong. I know that the Lord will be victorious through my journey and he will receive all honor and glory. Which reminds me of Romans 5:3-4, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” The Lord is our refuge. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will use trials to build our character and mold us into the Christians He desires for us to be. ❤

So give me faith like Daniel in the lion’s den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So I can face my giants with confidence
I’m gonna sing and shout and shake the walls
I won’t stop until I see ’em fall
Gonna stand up, step out when you call
Jesus, Jesus I’m gonna sing and shout and shake the walls
I won’t stop until I see ’em fall
Gonna stand up, step out when you call
-Sanctus Real (Confidence)

I first heard this song sometime before my diagnosis of breast cancer and I thought, “Wow, how perfect are these lyrics.” Never imagining, that I would shortly be faced with the largest trial/wilderness/tribulation/test of my life in the days to come and I would need “that confidence” more than ever.

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, the diagnosis of breast cancer has been the most humbling experience in my life. I have been stripped of my hair and my physical appearance has changed. I realize the curious/puzzled looks from others while in public. I had to swallow my pride and accept the fact that at times I “look” like a cancer patient and no longer exhibit the signs of the gym-rat, beauty-obsessed young woman. BUT, I still would not change anything about my diagnosis or my current journey. I am still in positive spirits. I am thankful for this journey. I am so excited for the future that the Lord has planned for me.

I want to end this post with a quote from Charles Stanley…

“Adversity is not simply a tool. It is God’s most effective tool for the advancement of our spiritual lives. The circumstances and events that we see as setbacks are oftentimes the very things that launch us into periods of intense spiritual growth. Once we begin to understand this, and accept it as a spiritual fact of life, adversity becomes easier to bear.”

Are you ready to grow? Are you ready to face adversity with confidence?

Please continue to pray for me as chemotherapy ends and surgery approaches. My sixth round will be on February 6. I am scheduled to have a MRI and plastic surgery pre-op visit on February 10. Surgical oncologist pre-op visit on February 13 and surgery February 25. You guys have been so inspiring and encouraging throughout my journey and I am forever grateful. I also ask that you keep Chason and my family in your prayers as they continue to be so supportive and encouraging.

With love,

Anna