Mayo & Eggs & Ketchup, you may ask? Well guys, tomorrow I am going to the Mayo Clinic and to Dr. Brown’s Fertility Clinic in Jacksonville. Hence, the catchy title. LOL. I added ketchup to the mix…because I have some “catching-up” to do in order to update you all.
Continue to pray for me and my journey. This past weekend was absolutely incredible. I had such a great time with my Dad’s family. Chason and I enjoyed spending time in Destin (and he even enjoyed the time with my even LOUDER family, lol!). I was covered in prayers by every family member and absolutely loved feeling the presence of the Lord.
Yesterday afternoon, my Uncle Steve and John Benaquis prayed over me, along with ALL of my family members. It was definitely a moment that I will never forget. Calmness immediately came over me and a feeling of reassurance.
FYI:
I have had a few people ask if I am angry at God or if I wonder why does good things happen to good people? In fact, I am NOT angry. I am so very thankful. First and foremost, so very thankful that the Lord provided me with the knowledge to have my breasts evaluated and such a great support system. Lastly, I am so thankful that the Lord chose me to be able to witness to so many other women who are experiencing or (one day will) face the same challenges/emotions.
My Uncle Steve offered much encouragement to me over this past weekend. In fact, he even shared Isaiah 54:15 with me—this is now my life verse.
If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. Isaiah 54:15
KETCHUP:
Chest MRI, PET Scan, and Left and Right Axilla Ultrasound have all been completed since the last blog. I have received confirmation of HER2+ status. I am seeing Mayo tomorrow for a second opinion and the fertility clinic, as well.
HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
(Mayo Clinic, 2019)
HER2+ status is very exciting. “Treatments that specifically target HER2 are very effective. These treatments are so effective that the prognosis for HER2-positive breast cancer is actually quite good”.(Mayo Clinic, 2019)
Right axilla lymph node biopsy will be performed on 09/26 and I follow up with Dr. Miller on October 1. I visit with Dr. Bidyasar (oncology) this upcoming Friday.
Surprisingly, I am very excited to begin treatment and begin my road to recovery. Excited, one may ask? YES! Excited. I know that the Lord has total control. He is writing my story as each moment passes, and I have decided to let him keep the pen. I know I could never write my story as well as He can. Hopefully, I will be able to schedule my LifePort placement after meeting with Dr. Miller on October 1.
Please continue to pray for me. I sincerely appreciate each and every one! Please comment–I read through each and every one of them. They most definitely brighten my day. You guys are the best!
With Love,
Anna Vaggalis
❤
ANNA.COURTNEY 