FINAL CHEMO & PRE-OP APPOINTMENTS

WOW! I cannot believe that chemotherapy is finally over. When I first began chemo in October, the month of February seemed SO SO far away! Chason consistently reminded me to take it all one day at a time…and that’s honestly what I have done the entire time. My final round of chemotherapy was on February 6.

Chemotherapy began at approximately 9:50am and I was covered in my “fight” blanket…all thanks to Lindsey. Jessica was my nurse this round and she was so efficient. 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 NO ice chips in my mouth to prevent mouth sores this round because it made me feel so nauseated. Followed by Carboplatin 830mg x 30 minutes, Herceptin 378mg x 30 minutes, and Perjeta 420mg x 30 minutes. I was not in a “real” Benadryl coma this go round…partially because I was nauseated but also excited to be finally receiving the LAST treatment! Once the treatment was finally OVER, I was able to ring the bell. WOW, I never expected to be so emotional once I finally rang the bell…BUT when I rang the bell and turned to my right and noticed all the Mayo staff cheering me on…I was overwhelmed with emotions. Such a memorable experience.

What was the hardest part of chemotherapy?

The most challenging part of chemotherapy was the fear of the unknown. Not knowing which side effects to expect or how my body would respond to the chemo was overwhelming at times.

Is chemotherapy completely over with now?

Yes, I am now completed with chemotherapy. At this time, I will only be receiving the Perjeta and Herceptin (every 3 weeks). Once my pathology report is released after my surgery, the oncologist will decide if additional chemotherapy is required. I have faith that the 6 rounds before surgery will be my last! (Please join me in praying for a successful surgery with clear margins and no evidence of disease in my tissues.)

MRI

All praise to God! MRI results showed that the tumor has shrunk by at least 50%!! The remaining area may only be scar tissue…pathology will determine that! The greatest part though…NO LYMPH-NODE INVOLVEMENT VISUALIZED…the prayers (GOD) and chemo appears to have eradicated the lymph node! Praise God!!!

Dr. McLauglin was very pleased with my MRI results. She, of course, reiterated that pathology will determine if I had a complete response to the chemotherapy. But, I know that the Lord has gone before me and I have victory in Him.

SURGERY

Surgery is scheduled for February 25…this upcoming Tuesday. I will be having a double mastectomy with saline tissue expanders placed. Please pray that surgery goes smoothly and that the lymph nodes are (still) negative for any disease. I would be lying if I told you that I am not nervous about surgery. I am a little nervous about the surgery and pain afterwards. I have never had surgery or general anesthesia before, so this has been a little nerve-racking for me. However, I am also very relieved that the surgery is almost here…one more thing to “check-off” on my to-do list and one step closer to remission!

STRENGTHENING FAITH

Have you ever been faced with a life-changing diagnosis? A horrible break-up? Financial hardships? During hardships is where our spirit becomes strong. Why? Well, it’s a place–not only of bleakness and crying out–but also a place of intense trials and tribulations. Although trials are tough and challenging, we must always remember who is cheering us on to strengthen our faith.

As we all know, my hardship is walking through the diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer has posed many challenges and blessings for me. Challenge and blessings? Yes, the challenges include: the loss of hair, changes to my physical appearance, weight gain, missing days of work, stress on family, etc. The blessings: salvation, strengthened faith, humility, patience, sympathy, appreciation, etc. Instead of only looking at the negatives, we must also consider the positives. We must use the trials we face as opportunities to grow our faith and mature in our spiritual relationship with the Lord.

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Not only is God for us and cheering us on, but He also makes us a solid promise:

“You can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

So no matter what trial you are facing or difficulty you are experiencing, God promises us that we will never be in a temptation that we don’t have the strength to get through successfully.

As we face trials, we should never forget who we are. As an adored and loved child of God, Jesus says, “Behold, I give you the authority…over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Therefore, we should realize that no matter what the enemy throws our way, we can overcome it. If not, God wouldn’t permit it.

“If anyone attacks you, it is not from me; whoever attacks you will fall before you.”(Isaiah 54:15)

The temptations strengthen us. God knows exactly what we need–and what strength we require to have greater effectiveness for His kingdom’s efforts.

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy BUT I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)

Jesus came so that we may have an abundant life. The only way to receive salvation is through Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We should put our trust in Him and we WILL be blessed.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-4)

REDEDICATION

I recently rededicated my life. It was such a surreal experience. I am so thankful for all of my church family and friends. I cannot thank all of my amazing support system for being there and supporting me during such a special moment. I love you all! (See pics below)

I cannot thank you all enough for the constant prayers and encouragement. You all have been so incredible during this journey. I am forever grateful and I love you all. Please continue to pray for me as I prepare for surgery next week and deal with recovery from surgery over the next few weeks. Pray specifically for my margins to be clear and for surgery to be a success. I also ask that you please pray for my family and Chason as they continue to support me and encourage me, daily.

With Love,

Anna

❤