ANNA.COURTNEY

Yesterday marked 7 months since I was faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer. I didn’t choose this journey and I can’t say that I would have ever chosen this journey for myself. It’s not been as hard as most would expect—all thanks to God, honestly. He has been my strength, my comfort, and my refuge. I look back at pictures from before my diagnosis and I don’t recognize that “me” anymore. I have been humbled and my relationship with the Lord continues to grow. I no longer chase after all of the materialistic things that I once idolized. When you walk through a battle, like cancer, you realize what’s most important and that’s faith, family, and friends.

UPDATE:

So, as you all know…I had my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (with expanders) on February 25. My pathology report was quite incredible. 99% of the tumor was eradicated with the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. 21 lymph nodes were removed and only (the initial) 2 showed “trace” evidence of cancer. Hallelujah! God is so GOOD!

Well, being that the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy ONLY killed 99% (emphasis placed on only, because 99% is incredible)–oncologist recommended that I begin an infusion called Kadcyla. This is a chemotherapy agent, however it has minimal side effects. AKA NO HAIR LOSS!!!!! 🙂 This medication is to ensure that the cancer is completely eliminated and to decrease the risk of recurrence.

I started the Kadcyla this past Friday, April 10. So far, no significant side effects other than some fatigue and aches. Praise God! I will have to receive a total of 14 treatments–once every three weeks.

I will complete the expansion process tomorrow, April 16. We are believing that I will start radiation within the next 2-3 weeks. I will be receiving 28 rounds of radiation and Lord willing will be wrapping up this part of my journey.

I remember when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was so nervous and uncertain. Uncertain about what the future may hold, my treatment plan, how I would tolerate all of the medications, and so on. Many of you can relate to having uncertainties as well, especially as we are fighting this invisible enemy, COVID-19. Instead of fixing your worries upon this virus and the uncertainties of our economy and future, fix your eyes upon the cross. Look to Jesus for reassurance and comfort. We must always trust the Lord, not only during trials and tribulations but also during the good and prosperous times.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, I began thinking about how it has been called the “invisible enemy” on various occasions. But honestly, we have been fighting an “invisible enemy” since sin entered this world. We have been in a battle with evil and Satan since the day we were born. Our strategy to fight both of these “invisible enemies” should be the same. Now, of course, I am not implying that we should not socially distance ourselves or adhere to the guidelines by the CDC. [I mean I have been socially distancing myself for the past 7 months, lol]. However, I am implying that we should put on the full armor of God each and every day…and of course wash our hands. 🙂

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:11-17

We must gear up in the full armor of God and be ready to stand against the tactics of the devil. Satan desires to fill our hearts and mind with worry, anxiousness, negativity, and doubt. He does not wait for us to “get ready” and dress for battle. He longs to attack us when we are most vulnerable.

Just as it is written in Romans 8:28-31 (CSB)

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified, and those he justified, he also glorified. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8: 28-31 (CSB)

However, we must do our part. We must suit up in the armor of God each day, spend time in God’s word, pray, and ultimately seek after Him! He will carry us through the storm. We must be still and seek after Him.

Please, when this pandemic passes and life returns to “normal”–DO NOT FORGET WHO CARRIED YOU THROUGH THE STORM. He is always worthy of our praise. Continue to pray. Pray for this pandemic and our hard times to be completely eradicated. Pray that the Lord will continue to be exalted and his name lifted on high. Pray that the lost become found and that His kingdom continues to be exalted.

I love you all! Thank you so much for all of the prayers. Please continue to pray for me, Chason, and my family as I/we continue this breast cancer journey. I am forever grateful for all of the prayers!

With Love,

Anna Vaggalis

PHOTO RECAP