Hello Everyone!
Yesterday, was a milestone! One month since I was blindsided by the diagnosis of breast cancer. It’s crazy to think how far I have come (all thanks to Jesus) in just one short month. I say short, sarcastically, this month has legit seemed like the longest month, EVER! The first few weeks were the absolute longest—awaiting biopsy results and diagnostic studies, staging, and deciding on the best treatment plan were absolutely draining. The most dreaded part of my journey was definitely telling Dr. Harvey Miller that I would be receiving treatment at Mayo. He was honestly the best! So kind and encouraging. I decided to go forward with Mayo when my Uncle Steve arranged for me to be evaluated within 10 days of my diagnosis. TEN DAYS, guys—this is unbelievable. I have NEVER heard of anyone getting in so quickly to a research facility. Therefore, I felt like it was God’s plan for me to receive my treatment at Mayo. Never thought I would love Mayo so much, LOL. 😛
This past weekend made it all a little more surreal—as I was honored by two sweet, beautiful little girls at a local breast cancer awareness beauty pageant. I am forever grateful for all of the love and support. From the t-shirt sales, prayers, beauty pageant, PINK OUT FRIDAY’S at work, and the endless words of encouragement, I am SO VERY GRATEFUL. Thank you for all of the fundraisers, donations, and prayers. They all have been such a blessing to me. The prayers are such a blessing and the peace that overcomes me daily is absolutely incredible.
This past February, my Granny Mable, invited me to her Sunday School class and I am forever grateful that she did. I truly believe the Lord placed me in this specific class because He knew that they would be such a blessing to me during this time period. A little insight, I am the youngest member of our Sunday School class by 30+ years and I absolutely love that. Why? Because these men and women have been devoted Christians, as long (if not longer) than I have even been alive. They pray for me daily. They offer me love and encouragement daily and I am so blessed that they welcomed me with open arms.
Yesterday in Sunday School, a statement was made…”Our faith strengthens during our walks in the valley.” That statement could NOT be more true. I have allowed my pride and success to interfere with my relationship with the Lord for many years. I now realize that these earthly accomplishments are but a speckle of joy when compared to the blessings of the Lord.
CHEMOTHERAPY
Many have asked, “Are you ready for chemo?” The answer is…YES! I am so ready. Quite frankly, I am EXCITED! Yes, I said it…EXCITED. I know that the first chemo marks the beginning of my journey to recovery. I am also excited to see how the Lord continues to bless me and allows my faith to solidify during this new journey. Continue to pray for me as I know that this journey will not be easy BUT it will be SO worth it. Killing the cancer and restoring me! Just as the Lord is restoring me daily. Restoring my faith and bringing me closer to him. Although I am facing a journey full of many uncertainties, one thing is for certain…
“THERE’S NEVER BEEN A MOMENT THAT I WAS NOT HELD INSIDE HIS ARMS AND THERE’S NEVER BEEN A DAY WHEN HE WAS NOT WHO HE SAYS HE IS”.
Guess what, that will always stand true. Jesus will always hold me in his arms. He will always be the ultimate physician and our almighty God.
EGG RETRIEVAL
Egg retrieval did not go as well as I hoped. I was discouraged that they were only able to retrieve 3 eggs, but PRAISE GOD they were all three MATURE eggs. [Looks like we will have some Grant babies one day, lol]. I was offered the opportunity to go through a second retrieval process, but Chason and I (and my family) decided against it. Chason encouraged me to focus on preparing for chemotherapy and resuming exercise to BOOST my immune system before chemo begins. We are at peace with our decision and are believing that the retrieved eggs will be more of an “insurance” and not actually needed.
Many have asked, “How was the retrieval process?” The retrieval process was amazing…LOL. I was given Fentanyl and Propofol—I recall NOTHING from the procedure…other than the anesthetist saying, “Think of a nice vacation.” Of course, I replied, “I am thinking about Tom Brady and the Patriots beating those Giants.” The anesthetist laughed and I “passed out.” LOL.
Recovery…sucked! LOL. I felt as if I could not stand upright the first 4-6 hours after the procedure because of the abdominal discomfort. (Shout out to Angela Ulm for recommending a heating pad—that was my bestfriend.)
WIGGIN’ OUT
After the egg retrieval, I went to Jean’s Wig Shop and was able to PICK UP my wig! How exciting, right? Actually, it was another SURREAL moment. I remember looking in the mirror and thinking, “Wow, this is really happening. I am losing my hair.” I won’t lie, this was emotional for me—especially since I am loving this new pixie cut. I don’t believe that I will ever allow my hair to be long again. The pixie cut—is where it is at—super easy to style and quite sassy, I must say. LOL. All jokes aside, I thought I would hate short hair and I ended up loving it, BUT I don’t think the baldness will receive the same emotions. LOL. Guess we shall see. 🙂
BCA PHOTOSHOOT
October. Wow, this month use to be “just-another-month” full of Hocus Pocus and Bennett’s Station dominating the costume day. Crazy, how now it is so much more than that. This month marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Listen, everyone should be aware. EVERYONE! I never once thought, this time last year, that I would be facing BREAST CANCER at 26 with no family history and a negative genetic panel—essentially no risk factors other than being female. But, like I have said time and time again, God has a plan for me! I will be a beacon of light to others and my story will ALWAYS glorify His kingdom.
With all of that being said, my dear friend, Shalese, recommended for me to participate in the BCA Photoshoot that Kellie Rae Photography in Remerton, GA is promoting during the month of October. Well guys, stay tuned…photoshoot is next week and will be featured in an upcoming blog. The month of October will forever be more than “just-another-month” and wearing pink. I will always promote awareness for others BECAUSE CANCER ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE!!
My journey is truly beginning in nine days. NINE DAYS! I never imagined that I would be so excited and counting down until the day I receive chemo, BUT I AM SO READY.
Lastly, I want to end tonight’s blog entry with this bible verse:
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4)
That could not be more true. My suffering will result in endurance and spiritual maturity. I pray that my blog is an inspiration to other women/men who may be facing a similar battle. I pray that I am a beacon of light to others. I pray that my testimony brings glory to God’s Kingdom.
Please continue to pray for me and my family. Just as I have said time and time again, they help me through each day and bring a calmness over me. Please continue to comment and reach out to me—I love reading all of your comments and words of encouragement.
With love,
Anna Vaggalis
**Time to enjoy time with Theo and the family since he is home from UGA. ❤
ANNA.COURTNEY 