In the past three weeks a lot has happened. However, when I think back through the volatility the highs stand out so much more than the lows. I have had to come to terms that worrying does not change anything, but prayer and surrounding yourself with positive people certainly does. My spirits remain high because of #TEAMELIZA and the support I feel from you all. Here is the latest:
The end of April: I became a regular at the Sloan Kettering Emergency Room the last week of April. The first visit was because of a 102.5 fever with fear of infection. Thankfully all the blood work and cultures came back normal. A CT scan was completed and it showed that the tumor on my left ovary is being very stubborn. Can’t say I am very surprised something about me is being stubborn! This means that the tumor is not responding to the chemotherapy…. yet (keep in mind this CT scan was after only one treatment). The tumor is pushing against very sensitive nerve endings and causing a tremendous amount of pain, which caused the fever. The good news out of this visit: We see that the cancer throughout my GI tract is already responding to the chemotherapy. HOORAY! The second trip to the ER reiterated that I am not moving enough so my blood isn’t circulating, which puts me at an even higher risk for blood clots. I am going to totally blame the pain for this visit, because I would have been moving if I could. The last visit also showed that there are not many ER rooms available as I was assigned a gurney in the hallway… fun times!
The solution: I met with a pain management team to discuss how to manage the tumor pain so I can get up and get moving and not be at risk for blood clots. The team was fantastic. The Nurse Practitioner I am working with sees me weekly to assess my pain and makes adjustments as needed. Since I have met with this team I have had ZERO tumor pain. Can you believe it? I went from my body having a fever and not being able to sit up or move without the help of others to doing yoga and living pain free. I know it might be some pretty good pain medicine, but for that dramatic of a change… I called and Jesus answered. The pain that you have been feeling cannot compare to the joy that is coming -Romans 8:18
Delayed chemo: After that week’s excitement I was not strong enough to have chemotherapy on Wednesday and was still fighting a slight fever. The fever broke late Thursday night and on Friday I got the go ahead for chemotherapy. One is usually not excited to spend a day getting pumped full of multiple chemotherapy drugs, but I was jumping up and down. This is how I get well, so my stubborn self was determined to be strong enough because cancer is not going to win. My dad was by my side the entire time and I managed the treatment very well.
White blood cell count: In my last post I asked for prayers to increase my white blood cells levels so I would not have to get the very painful WBC booster injection. All of your prayers came through here, too. Although I had to receive the shot again, with the combination of Claritin, G2 Gatorade (yes, both of those are clinically proven to help the side effects??) and the pain management team I was able to tolerate the symptoms with minimal side effects… as in my mom did not have to hold my head up over the toilet all night. She was pretty thrilled as well. There was still bone pain, but it was manageable with heating pads, rest and Sudoku puzzles. Even better, during this past week’s chemotherapy treatment my doctor relayed the news that my WBC count remains high to go to every other week for the injection. I don’t think my doctor has ever been hugged so hard. The Lord is greater than the giants you face -1 John 4:4
Visitors: The past three weeks has been filled with amazing visitors. My Aunt Elizabeth came up just in time to join us to the ER. Jaimie and Taylor Harrison came to town and were the biggest breath of fresh air. Jaimie even got my mom out of the apartment for dinner while Taylor babysat Sleeping Beauty. My mom’s college roommate, “Aunt” Nancy, came to visit and it was mesmorizing to watch them interact with so many years passing and to see what I have to look forward to with my friends. Plus, I have the most amazing local visitors come see me every week with big hugs, flowers, and homemade chicken soup. I have only lived in the city for 2 years, but the love I feel from my “New York family” is extraordinary and very comforting.
Chemo de Mayo: How have I not mentioned the best news of the past three weeks??? Although I’m biased on this news: solid food is back in my diet! To celebrate my friend, Mary Sloane came to visit and smuggled Willy’s cheese dip from Atlanta for me and oh boy it was so so good. On my off chemo weekend my friends threw me the greatest “Chemo de Mayo” party filled with green Gatorade and real food. We ended the night by watching Pitch Perfect and I think we were all asleep by 9:30pm.
Mother’s Day weekend: This past weekend my mom and I were able to get out of the city after treatment for fresh air and to spend Mother’s Day weekend with the Sugrue family. My sweet friends treated my mom to a spa day on Saturday to be pampered, which she deserves and so much more. I said it on instagram, but I could say it over and over again: my mom is the most encouraging and strongest woman I know. She has been our family’s rock through this crazy journey. I am so thankful she was spoiled all weekend. Kelly and I had a great time resting and relaxing with our mothers.
What’s next: I will have chemotherapy next Wednesday and after that I will get my first round of scans. Can you believe it’s already time for scans?! Be strong and courageous; it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you -Deuteronomy 31:6
Gratitude journal: Over the past month, I started a gratitude journal. It has proven to be such a source of inspiration to me. I write down what I am thankful for each day and when I am having my toughest days I flip through the journal and my spirits are immediately lifted. A few entries from this month include: No more ascites, receiving talented friends’ artwork, lunch with co-workers I miss dearly, a basket full of get well cards from elementary school classes and singing Forever Young repeatedly with Kevin.
Specific prayer requests: Please pray for next week’s scans to show that the chemotherapy is working throughout my entire GI tract and the ovarian tumor. And for my small intestine and colon to be healthy.
~ Eliza
TEAM ELIZA 
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
LikeLike
You are one AMAZING lady!!!! We are keeping you lifted in prayer constantly. You will fight and beat this and inspire others along the way. And agree with you on your sweet mama…..she is a rockstar! And of course your brother and dad are pretty special too :):). Keep the strength and the faith Eliza….. Love and prayers to you all!
LikeLike
I am encouraged by the strength you have. Prayers will be for your white cell to stay up and pain Down and for your SCAN TO SHOW POSITIVE Progress , and For Mom who is your other leg with you as a pillar of Strength and Love . We love you always !!!!!
LikeLike
Prayers for you sweet girl!
LikeLike
I pray for you everyday! Am so glad you are feeling a bit better! One day at a time! You are a beautiful writer! And yes, you do have an amazing Mom and Dad and Aunt! They are the best!!
LikeLike
Praying for you! 💕 Your courage and grace is something we should all take note from!
LikeLike
Hi Eliza, I learned about you from Emily Gregory (Williams) and my daughter Whitney (Emily’s age) reached out to you a few weeks ago to give you some encouragement based on her experience with ovarian cancer – which is my story. Diagnosed in 2015 and,like you, it took all kinds of trips to dr’s, ER,s, tests etc before I was correctly diagnosed. That’s one of the worst things about this ugly disease is how long women go before it’s caught. Like you, I was late stage at diagnosis- but also like you I have a deep faith, an incredible family, and an amazing group of angels here on earth. God has shown me blessings throughout this that I would never have known and grown my relationship with Him so much richer. As a result I have been able to encourage others which is an amazing gift! I know some of what you’re doing through- it ain’t a pretty ride, but keep your eyes open for all the blessings you’ll be given – which it sounds like you’ve already figured out. I’ll keep you in my prayers- and I’m here for you if you ever have questions, want to talk or vent! God bless you, and keep your positive outlook and your faith!
LikeLike
So proud o you my sweet Eliza. Love you to the moon and back. Guess who,
LikeLike
Great to hear the good news in your blog. You are such a lovely, strong young woman and have the best cheering squad in the world.
Continuing to pray for blessings during your recovery🙏❤️
LikeLike
You are BRAVE Eliza!! Good movie for a Disney Princess!!
Your specific needs will be my daily prayers for you. Many blessings to come!
Patti
LikeLike
Praying multiple times a day Eliza!! I am grateful for your faith and bravery. You are such an inspiration:)
LikeLike
Eliza you’re the best inspiration for all
LikeLike
Praying for you sweet Eliza!! You are tough, young and courageous. You got this girl.
Love ya,
Holly Redeker
LikeLike
Eliza, you are an amazing young lady. I agree with you that your mom is amazing, I’ve know her since 3rd grade. So happy to hear this news & will continue to pray for no more pain & for the chemo critters to eat away at that tumor. Love you & your family sweet girl!
LikeLike
Well Sweet Eliza Jane!! If I can see thru the tears falling I will tell you what an INCREDIBLE young lady you are! And BEAUTIFUL !!!! You have lost the opportunity to say you are not a blogger forever! Your writings are amazing and your feelings and intentions jump off the page into our minds and hearts! Can’t wait to see the book you publish!!! Your Aunt Jane and I communicate everyday!!!! You are so prayed for by sooooooooo many!!!!! Thanking God for such great work of His hands straight from Heaven and the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff and allll medical staff! You are incredibly loved as is evidenced by your friends and family’s visits and wonderful gifts!!! I’m just filled with joy to read your words and see your face and your mom , dad and other loved ones! Can’t wait till next time! And yes , Sweet Eliza Jane, PRAYING always!!!! Love from Georgia, Vikki Moody PS LOVE my bracelet!!!
LikeLike
Eliza, my husband Dick and I have been praying for you since we first heard of your
health challenge. We have known your grandparents, Bobbie and Floy for many years and your mom as just a young girl. What delightful
people. Please know how much we care about what is going on in your life. We pray for your continued progress
through your treatments, that you be free of pain, and that each day finds you steps closer
to healing. We know that you are a blessing to all through
your positive attitude. May you feel God’s loving presence surrounding you as you face each new day.
Love,
Dick and Jean Burnett
LikeLike
Sending lots of prayers your way.Your posts made me cry. Your determination and faith are so inspiring to so many people reading your blog. Please tell your parents I am praying for them too. You are right God has this and you will get through this. All of the Ervin’s sending lots of Hugs and continuos prayers. ❌⭕️
LikeLike
Eliza, I am a friend of your Grandparents, the Thackstons.
I have been praying for you daily; especially, your white count! Now it will be next week scans. Stay strong, believe, and trust God! We are all in His hands!
Love from Columbus, GA. Harriette
Cavender
LikeLike
So happy to read of the small victories that you are having!!!! Each day is one more day that the treatment is working in your body and destroying the tumors. Every treatment gets you a little closer to being cancer-free than the last. I’m so glad to read that you celebrate the treatment days. I’m so thankful for your pain management team. I hope that as you continue to fight off the cancer, your pain lessens and you can cut back on the meds. Cheers to you and your team for finding the joy in every day and for small victories!
LikeLike
Martha Lipold – I see I left off my last name. I”m sure you have SOOOO many friends named Martha!
LikeLike
I am so excited that God is answering prayers! Love the blogs! Stay strong and positive!
LikeLike
Eliza, you were there for us when we needed you at Sunrise. Regardless of how involved you were with us, you offered us peace. We are here now to offer you peace. I love reading your blog and if I make it up to NYC this summer you will be my first stop. Your mom, dad, aunt Elizabeth and the rest of your family and friends are great Prayer Warriors. You are in our Prayers.
LikeLike
Eliza so happy that each day you log what you are thankful for. Your courage and grateful attitude along with prayers will see you through this difficult journey. I wil be praying for all the things you ask for concerning your next scan. You have an amazing team of prayer warriors at your side. Sending love from Jacksonville, FL
LikeLike
Bonjour Eliza! A blast from your Morris Brandon past here. Just a note to say that I am thinking about you often and praying for healing. You are amazingly strong and obviously so well loved. Bisous- Madame Zemmali
LikeLike
Beautiful words, Eliza. Thank you for sharing even though this must be another tough task to tackle. You open yourself to us— even those of us that don’t know you so well— and we instantly feel connected. You invite us in. And in doing so your soul is cosmically embraced by all of us.
Love and hugs to you and your sweet mama. I’m coming to nyc in June and I’d love to do errands for y’all or take her out.
LikeLike
What a testimony reading your blog and I can feel the joy at times and the deep thoughts you are experiencing at other times by the comments. Keep the FAITH!! Look for laughter and Fight this thing!! I’m a cancer survivor and the journey you are on in the fight is not an easy road but with God and His Grace will see you each step of the way. I’m continuing the daily prayers and I see Aunt Jane and we talk along with her post. I too remember the Green Gatorade. Sending Big Hugs your way with Love in my heart to you, Eliza Jane!
LikeLike
Hi Eliza, I don’t know you but am a friend of your friend Alyssa Arnett’s and saw how much she cares for you.. I am so touched by your story. You are an inspiration! I am so sorry you are going through this but stay as positive as you are and know that I and so many are 100% rooting for you!
LikeLike
Eliza, you are such an INSPIRATION! The way you have kept your spirits high and have such a positive attitude is awesome. Your FAITH is so strong and it is uplifting to all who read your blog. Your thankfulness for so many things really inspires me to think of all the things I’m thankful for. I can’t begin to imagine the journey you are on but you are a fighter and can beat this. Stay positive and know that you are having a great impact on others as you share your journey. I continue to pray for you daily and will specifically pray for your scans to yield positive results. Sending thoughts and prayers from Statesboro, Georgia!
LikeLike
Eliza,
Your positive spirit and courage continue to amaze us all! I will continue to keep you in my daily prayers as you continue to fight. You are such a beautiful and brave women! May the Lord continue to send victories your way!
XO, Sadie Blount
LikeLike
Eliza, our love and prayers are with you, and your outlook is amazing and inspiring.,….(and so is your sweet mother)!
xxx, Christin and John Kennedy
LikeLike
I am enjoying reading your blog, Eliza! Thank you for the updates! Keep the faith! I am proud of your positive attitude and your willingness to share your journey with others. You may never know the impact that you are having and will have on others who are going through similar things. Give your mom a great big hug for me, please!
Love ,
Kay Anthony
LikeLike
Precious Eliza…what an amazing group of prayer warriors you have!!! We are so thankful to be among that group! Our God is so good and we have the blessed assurance that He hears and answers our prayers! Your blogs are so inspiring. We update our prayers as we receive your requests!! May you feel God’s presence as never before and feel His deep and abiding love!!! Stay strong and look for continuing blessings!!! Madge and John Harper
LikeLike
Eliza, continued prayers and love form the Bilthouse clan, You are so amazing sharing this journey and I know the power of hope and positive thoughts….so keep it up, I KNOW that with God on your army this battle will be won! so do not be anxious about tomorrow, GOD will take care of your tomorrow, too. LIVE one day at a time! Matt 6:34 please give your mom and dad a big hug for me! xo
LikeLike
Eliza- we pray for you daily. Your strength, fortitude, humor, and candor are absolutely amazing. Lauren Monroe (Thomas and my son were preschool classmates)
LikeLike
You are the most amazing, Eliza! Hoping I get you see your beautiful, smiling face very soon! #TeamEliza is so strong, as are you!! Much love and prayers and pics of doggies and Oger jokes to keep your spirits up. LOVE YOU!!! 💕🙏🏼😘
LikeLike
Eliza
I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. You are a strong individual that makes everyone smile. Please know I am praying for you, your cancer and for your family. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Millie Reed
LikeLike
Eliza, I knew your lovely mom at GA Southern. Praying that your scans are showing progress. Unwavering faith and a constant positive attitude will get you through this. Trust me! I have been battling incurable bone cancer with secondary kidney cancer for two years. As you quoted in your blog, “be strong and courageous; it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave or forsake you”. Deuteronomy 31:6.
May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
LikeLike