First, I want to thank each and everyone of you for the positive thoughts, specific prayers, text messages and words of encouragement. Second, let me just go ahead and get this out here: I am not a writer and the idea of blogging intimidates me. But, the outpouring of love and support my family and I have received the past few weeks has me ready to tell my story and let people join me, encourage me, and inspire me through this journey as much as they would like. So here we go…
Background: I am a 25 year old, healthy girl who lives in New York City. I visit my PCP, endocrinologist and dermatologist for my annual routine appointments. As my friends will tell you, I was “Nurse Eliza” in college… I always had the advil, pepto bismol, bandaids etc. in my purse at all times. So when I began having stomach pains 1.5 years ago, I immediately went to see a GI specialist in Manhattan and was quickly diagnosed with Celiac Disease (aka no more gluten) after an endoscopy. I stuck with a gluten diet for a month or two and I did not feel any better. Won’t lie, I fell off the no gluten wagon (sorry, but I love bread) and contributed the pains to I’ve just always had an “off stomach”.
The diagnosis: One month ago the stomach pains were back, but this time it was associated with a lot of bloating. I went to my PCP and she recommended Tums. The next week, I went back to her and said I feel worse and to look at the increase in bloating. That time she recommended Prilosec and said my swelling was from acid reflux. Two days later, I was vomiting. I knew something was wrong, but this time, I knew I needed someone to listen to me. Friday, March 23rd, I went to the Emergency Room complaining of all of my symptoms. I was immediately taken back and given a full work up (sonogram, CT scan, abdominal exam). 45 minutes later, sitting alone, I was told I have a mass, the size of man’s fist, on my left ovary that is cancerous. I want to tell everyone I was scared and lonely and mad when I heard, “You are 25 and have ovarian cancer,” but this blog isn’t going to come with frosting and lipstick, it’s going to come with honesty. The emotion that I felt was relief. Relief that someone had listened to me, relief that I wasn’t being told to go buy another over the counter drug, relief that I had an answer. The first thing I did was stand up and hug my doctor and say, “Thank you for believing me. Thank you for listening.”
What do you do next? I’m not going to fib here either, saying the C word in your head is a lot easier than saying it out loud. The next two phone calls I made were to my parents and to my boyfriend (parents were in Atlanta and my boyfriend had just landed in Key West). The doctor stayed next to me to help explain my diagnosis because as you can imagine, they were not expecting this phone call… (side piece of advice, let people know when you take yourself to the ER so they are a little prepared). My roommate Tindal was in the city and came to meet me in the ER (with ginger-ale, cozy pi’s and extra phone chargers in hand… she is my girl!) and we were transported by ambulance to the Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side.
The waiting period: Woof, this was the hardest part for me, as most of you know patience is not in my vocabulary. Waiting to see doctors, waiting for another scan, waiting for a game plan. However, with my dad on the case I had no doubt miracles would be made…. pretty sure he used the movie Taken as the analogy to the mission he was on. A few days later, I was transferred from Lenox Hill to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where I had an appointment with the “Lebron James” of ovarian cancer.
Plot twist: Dr. Lebron James took me back for a 9 hour exploratory surgery to learn every detail about my cancer and get answers from pathology. The best part of this surgery…. they drained over 14 lbs of fluid out of my abdomen (hey PCP, it was not bloating and needless to say, my clothes fit better than ever). When the pathology results came back, it showed that this cancer did not start in my ovary, it had spread to there…. from my appendix. Huh?
Appendix cancer: Dr. Lebron James had scheduled an appointment for me to meet with Dr. Wayne Gretzky of GI Cancer (can you tell my boyfriend chose these nicknames?). At this appointment, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Appendix Cancer that had spread from my GI to my left ovary where it had built that mass. Quick facts: Memorial Sloan Kettering sees only 60 Appendix Cancer cases per year as the chances of having Appendix Cancer are about 1 person for every 1.5 million people… Should I go buy a lottery ticket?
The game plan: Since I have Stage IV cancer and it is the most aggressive type, surgery is not an option at this time because the cancer cells are not contained to one organ or even one body system. Tomorrow, (well 4 hours from now) I check into MSK to have a procedure to have a chemo port implanted below my collar bone and will start chemotherapy immediately after. Dr. Wayne Gretzky is bringing out “all of her starters” and I’m going to do three chemotherapy drugs at once for a four month period. After the four months, I will have scans to see how my body is responding to the chemotherapy.
If you’ve stuck with me through all of this, I’m impressed with your attention span or you really must love me. I will be updating this blog with any new information that we receive throughout this journey, as well as: funny stories, pictures, prayer requests and sweet moments that happen along the way. I write this in comfort knowing that I have had more bellyaches from laughing than pain (just wait until I share the stories that have happened thus far) and more tears of joy than sadness since my diagnosis. I am confident, I am positive and I am ready to fight. But cannot do this alone and I am so thankful to have each and everyone of you by my side on #TEAMELIZA as we beat cancer together because, although I have cancer… cancer does not have me.
Thanks for joining me ~Eliza
Specific prayer requests: For the cancer to respond well to chemotherapy and for minimal side effects from tomorrow’s port procedure and first chemotherapy session.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
TEAM ELIZA 
Dear Eliza,
I’m your Aunt Jane’s dentist and I have been praying for you intently. My husband was diagnosed with leukemia about 3 years ago so I rember these feelings and I know right now you are still in shock.
Although your cancer is super rare I know 2 other survivors of appendix cancer. I have given them your info and I hope they can be a source of hope and Strength for you. I may be the only person in Georgia who knows 3 appendix cancer survivors once you beat this!!!
Michael is praying for you intently as he is a minister now and 15 year survivor of stage 4 appendix cancer just like you! I look forward to reading about your triumphs.
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Darling Eliza,
I have known Katherine’s mom since forever, and I am on your team and thinking of you every single day.
my mother, Constance Yvonne Austin Smith Cooke, is the Queen of the Novena.
I will tell her about your blog, and she and I will pray for you every day from now until the day you get the news that you are in remission.
At the risk of sounding ridiculous, I want to let you know that my mother (Gibby), my son, (ask K) and my family will keep you in our prayers.
God bless you for sharing your story and helping so many people to understand the truth of this disease.
Sending hugs (from puppies)
LT
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Your story was shared on a friends Facebook page. Your positivity is truly inspiring. Prayers are coming your way from Savannah, Georgia!
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I am praying for you from Jacksonville, Fl. God bless you with complete healing. And by the way…You are a great writer!
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Dearest Eliza, you don’t know me nor I you, but I live in Florida. I saw your post on Facebook via a friend from my church at Switzerland Community Church in Saint John’s. She said you were a friend to her newphew. I’m a busy lady with not much time for FB….but something lead me to read your post. Your blog. I’m glad I did. I see a beautiful strong young woman, determined to beat this! I prayed for you, your prayer request, and I will remember you before the Lord when I pray. Stand strong! Don’t give up! Don’t let discouragement take one ounce of “your being” as you fight this battle just remember that God goes before you, behind you, above you, below you, and most definitely beside you! You are not alone in this journey. May you feel His loving arms around you as you continue to move forward. Yours truly, Nancy Holt Justus …..and I am on Facebook. Feel free to “befriend me” but only if you want. I won’t be offended if you don’t, and if we never speak again I will be praying for your success in this journey (this adventure) that you’ve found yourself on. God bless you.
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Wishing you a peaceful day and hoping you and your mom get some snuggle, rest time. Rest is ao important.
Much love and many prayers,
Patti
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Eliza, All the Griffeth’s are on your team! Lots of love,
Barbara for Jack and all the kids!❤️
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SHE IS BEAUTIFUL, BRAVE and UNSTOPPABLE… NOT BECAUSE THERE AREN’T MOMENTS OF HESITATION, BUT BECAUSE YOU MOVE FORWARD DESPITE THEM. WITH YOU AND STILL SENDING LOVE.
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Eliza, I worked for your father at Coca-Cola from 1995 – 1999, so when I knew you, you were very young. You have grown into a beautiful, beautiful young woman!! You and your family are in my prayers DAILY. I pray that God will heal you completely and give you comfort and peace in the process. Just remember, Eliza, nobody, but nobody loves you more than Jesus does and he has you right there in His hand. God bless you and hang in there and fight!
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Precious Eliza,
Thinking of you every second of every day. 💝 You are in the best hands possible as you progress through this journey. Know that you and your family hold a special place in my heart💗🐝
Prayers For Eliza! 🙏🏻✝️
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Dear “Eliza Jane”😄, never again can you say you are not a writer!!! Your blog is so precious !!! Reflects the preciousness of you!!! Aunt Jane sent it to me and I readvto my husband with tears rolling! Laughing and crying at same time! You ARE quite the trooper and you will beat cancer no doubt! Your support system is priceless and you are so loved! Keep the stories coming ! I can’t wait to “follow” you! God bless you snd cradle you in His arms and let you feel Hus presence as He carries you THRU! We love you! Vikk and Mik Moody🌻💜💕😘🌷🙏🙏🙏🙏
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PRAYING For the cancer to respond well to chemotherapy and for minimal side effects.
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Dear Eliza,
I am a friend of your Aunt Jane. Please know that I am praying daily for total healing. I wish you could hear your Aunt Jane when she speaks of you. You can feel the love and admiration she has for you and the smile on her face says even more! God bless you for sharing your story and helping so many people to understand how this disease affects so many regardless of age. Your writing ability is truly a gift. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
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Sending all my positive thoughts. I was diagnosed with appendix cancer at age 31, also when they thought it might be ovarian cancer. If you ever want to talk about it I’m happy to share what I went through. I know this is a scary time. I love your mantra. I wear a bracelet inscribed “Cancer is life-altering, but not defining.” I hope the chemo does what it is supposed to and you have the best possible outcomes.
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Dear Eliza,
I am Sara Adelaide’s aunt. My sister Sara shared your blog with me. My husband and I are amazed at your courage as you face your fight. We will pray daily for you to win, Eliza. Your beautiful spirit and attitude tell us you will. You go girl! May God bless you and your loved ones with peace.
Martha Martin
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You are amazing. Your strength and spirit shine through! Wow. Praying for you daily.
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Hi Eliza,
We were lab partners in Anatomy at Chamberlian. I cam across your blog on Facebook and just wanted to leave you a little note to say my family and I will be thinking of you and praying for you. Sending lots of love! Xoxo!
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Hello Eliza!
This morning was the Morris Brandon Fun Run. 🏃🏽♀️ The theme was ‘Running For Gold’. All the Bees 🐝 ran for you this morning!
Team Eliza- Running for Gold!
💝
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We send love and continued prayers from the Lowcountry, Eliza!
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I just wanted to let you know that our Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Gainesville Georgia is praying for you.
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Praying YOUR specific prayer and extras for YOU & MOM! Sending much love and many hugs your way!
WOW! One down 3 to go(months). It will be July before you know it! Rest and Relax(BOTH of you). God’s got this!
You are so right, Eliza!!!! This is but a chapter in a very long and well planned book with many more chapters to be written.
I know you may not feel physically well right now but… YOU will have your FAIRYTALE and those all end with,”…and they lived happily ever after!”
Patti
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Dear Eliza, my prayers are with you and your family. I am praying for a speedy full recovery. Best of luck in conquering this bump in the road. You can beat this. Your old Landlord at Shadowlawn wishes you the best going forward.
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Dear Eliza,
We are friends with your wonderful Grandparents Tom and Alice. We are fervently praying for God to hold you in his arms and carry you successfully through this difficult journey. You are so loved.
XOXO
Tom and Barbara
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