Hey everyone! I apologize for the delay in updating you all recently—I have been quite busy, but I have great news!!
First and foremost, my genetic testing was negative!! Hallelujah!!! My siblings and family members SHOULD NOT be effected by the same cancer. I was so relieved. I am completely at peace. Facing this battle will mature me into the individual that the Lord has planned. I much rather be the one facing this than any of my loved ones. I would hate to see any of them deal with the C word.
I attended Southside Baptist Women’s Study tonight—WOW!! That’s all I can say about tonight!! Our study focused on the fact that God is close to the brokenhearted. We are NEVER alone. He uses our battles/disappointments/trials to mature us and mold us into the child He desires for us to be. I strongly believe this. I know that the Lord will use my story to offer compassion to others and ultimately to GLORIFY HIS KINGDOM!!
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:19 (CSB)
Secondly, my right axilla (underarm) biopsy was an easy procedure. I received the results yesterday. The one lymph node of concern, WELL it is concerning. LOL! It was positive for cancer, BUT I was reassured by my physician that the Herceptin/Perjeta/Carboplatin/Taxotere chemotherapy combo is very effective in eradicating cancer from lymph nodes! Pray that my tumor and lymph nodes respond well! If the lymph node does not completely respond, I will have to undergo dissection of the lymph nodes during my mastectomies. Once again, I am at peace. I have faith that the Lord will heal my body with the assistance of today’s advancements in medicine. [I mean he is the one who granted us the wisdom and knowledge to develop these treatments].
Next, I began Gonal-F and Menopur injections along with Femara on Monday. This is the beginning of the egg retrieval process. Unfortunately, Dr. Brown’s Fertility Clinic only offered harvesting during specific times of the month and my oncologist advised against waiting “too long” to begin the process. I was referred to the Jacksonville Center for Reproductive Medicine on Monday. Let me tell you how much God’s hands were involved in this transition. I decided against simply calling their office requesting an appointment. Instead, Chason, my mom, and myself elected to drive to the facility and schedule an appointment in person. Guys!! You will never believe it. Dr. Michael Fox had a cancellation at 3:00!!! I was able to be seen and evaluated on the same day!! They were incredible. The staff were so kind and immediately provided me with medications to begin the process!! YAY!! I will have babies one day! 😀
Harvesting is planned for “around” October 13th—official date is TBD—depending on my ovaries response to medications.
Lifeport placement is scheduled for October 22! First round of chemo scheduled for October 23rd!! I will be receiving the THCP chemotherapy combination drug. It consists of Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, and Perjeta. This specific combination is used to treat early-staged breast cancer and can be given before AND after surgery! I will require chemotherapy once every three weeks for eighteen weeks—which is equivalent to 6 TOTAL ROUNDS! I will receive chemotherapy first, then surgery, followed by radiation and reconstruction. [So I will be quite busy for the next year].
I will more than likely begin losing my hair after the first round. I am actually excited about my wig and chemo caps! I mean now I will be able to sleep in an additional 45 minutes EVERY morning. Wake up, apply make-up, slip-on wig, OUT-THE-DOOR! LOL. Also excited to be able to change my hairstyle DAILY! LOL.
My eyebrows were micro-bladed today at Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta—Dr. Merriman’s Office. Baylee Sims WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I am so excited to have my touch up in 8 weeks!
I also want to say thank you to each and every one of you! The constant encouragement from you all has been absolutely incredible. I also would like to thank each person who purchased a shirt from Toni Register! I am forever grateful. I am so taken aback by the kindness and generosity of every one! I will be using this money to purchase my wig! You guys rock. I love you all so very much. I wish I could personally thank each one of you. Please know you are all so very appreciated. MUCH LOVE!! HUGS!!
I also have a special request. Can you guys also keep my family and Chason in your prayers. They have been absolutely incredible—so supportive. From attending every appointment and holding my hand every step of the way, I know they must be so exhausted. Pray for their sanity and health. I know the hard days are quickly approaching. They will see me at my worst but they will also see me at my ABSOLUTE BEST! I know that the sickness, hair-loss, physical changes, emotional rollercoaster, and weakness from chemo will take its toll on me. BUT, I also know that the Lord is near the brokenhearted. I am not alone. He is always with me and He WILL heal me. I am excited to see how my story will glorify His kingdom and I hope that I can be a witness to many. Please keep the prayers coming—they help me through each day!
With love,
Anna Vaggalis
xoxo
ANNA.COURTNEY 