ONEE YEARR!

Just one year ago today, life as I knew it officially changed. The dreaded “C” word entered my life. I was devastated. I was afraid. My mind raced. My mind was full of questions and I was overwhelmed by the unknowns. But one thing remained constant, God’s grace. He comforted me from the very beginning and He never left my side.

I will never forget sitting in Dr. Harvey Miller’s office with my mom, dad, sister, and Chason as we heard the words… “Your biopsy revealed that you in fact have invasive ductal carcinoma and you will require chemo, surgery, and radiation.” Tears quickly filled the room and I (shockingly enough) was at a loss for words. I was devastated that I would lose my hair and my physical appearance would be stripped from me. All the pride and arrogance that I was filled with, instantly slipped away. I was immediately humbled.

At that time, I absolutely dreaded having to tell anyone that I had breast cancer. I was embarrassed and didn’t want to have the “sickly appearance.” I immediately deactivated my Facebook and attempted to hide from social media. It was a great time for me to dive into God’s Word and regroup. Soon after, my thoughts of embarrassment and dreading to share my story vanished and I immediately decided to be 100% transparent and share all of the details of my journey. Which leads me to say…

This journey has not been easy. I have had days where I could barely function and the thought of getting out of bed exhausted me. Times when the joint pain and fatigue were so overwhelming that the thought of getting undressed and showering would bring me to tears. By the grace of God, I was able to continue working during the initial chemotherapy. He blessed me with the greatest employer and supervising physician. They were all so very understanding and they catered to my every need. I am forever grateful for the love and support from VFM.

Although the journey has had its difficulties, it has also been full of many great opportunities and blessings. First and foremost, I gained my salvation through this journey. The greatest lesson learned: my identity. My identity is not in my hair, my physical appearance, my career, my bank account, or my health. My identity is in Christ alone. I also realized that no matter what I accomplish in this life, the only thing that truly matters is my relationship with the Lord. Second, my relationship with my family strengthened, both immediate and distant family. I value my time with family more than before and I am so very thankful that I come from such a large family that has consistently covered me in prayer. Third, I have met and made friends with the most amazing women. These ladies are lifelong friends and will forever be my “breasties.” Lastly, I have learned that our God excels in new beginnings.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Inside the incredible work of God that took place during the Creation, we find an amazing promise. We find hope that God has a plan for our lives. His plan is greater than we could ever imagine…even in the midst of great pain, trouble, and disappointments.

These hardships may overwhelm us, confuse use, and even fill us with anxiety. BUT, our hope rests in the Lord. God offers us a hope and a future.

Breast cancer was something I never imagined that I would face at 26 years old. I was overwhelmed. I was confused and I was full of many uncertainties. But, God remained faithful. He never left me and he did not forsake me. He humbled me, comforted me, healed me, and redeemed me. He gave me a new beginning.

The story of the Creation reveals to us that our God excels at new beginnings. Our God is a God of new beginnings. Therefore, we can put out trust in Him when our circumstances overwhelm us. Put YOUR trust in Him when He allows our circumstances to remove us from our current place of comfort.

“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.” Job 8:7

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new.” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:4-5

“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

You see, God has not changed since the Creation. The Bible tells us that He is a never-changing God. He is the same God of Genesis 1, today, and forever. He is able to bring good to all things for those who know Him (Romans 8:28). He is able to restore us, heal us, comfort us, and redeem us. BUT, it is up to us to accept His grace and mercy.

I love you all! Thank you for continuously praying for me. I am still receiving infusions every three weeks at Mayo to ensure that the cancer is completely GONE. Thank God these treatments do not cause many side effects…only minimal fatigue. I am also continuing with the clinical/research trial for a vaccination against breast cancer. Please continue to pray for me, my family, and Chason as I continue treatment and await final surgery. Pray specifically that I continue to be in remission with no evidence of disease. I know that God has a plan for me and my future. I pray that I can share my testimony with others and allow them to see the goodness of God and his everlasting love.

With Love,

Anna Vaggalis

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37