Hi Friends- I apologize for how long it has taken me to write to everyone. Each time I had a low point, I pushed off writing this blog because I did not have the right words. Then it hit me, when have we ever gone through a significant event in our lives on one emotional note? I have come to accept of course there are going to be hard times through this journey… it’s Stage IV cancer for goodness sakes!! However, instead of closing my laptop and watching Law & Order through this tough moment, I decided to write because I am probably missing out on a lot of encouragement from you all. I also wanted to give my latest (and greatest!) update. Thank you everyone for your continued love and support. I can feel all your prayers and positive thoughts each and everyday.
Medical Update: I had a CT scan on June 25th that revealed I am responding to chemotherapy. This is WONDERFUL news!!! I am responding so well that I will be doing two to four additional treatments to minimize the severity of my upcoming surgery. I have been tolerating the side effects from the chemotherapy a little worse since I started, but this is to be expected since the infusions are cumulative. I am able to manage most of the symptoms (neuropathy, migraines, light sensitivity, bone pain) fairly well except for the nausea, which leaves me with my head in a toilet for days after treatment. During the last treatment the doctors increased my steroid levels to battle the delayed nausea and that really helped. I will continue the additional steroids and hopefully I will see better results over the next few days. I will go in for chemotherapy round eight tomorrow! We are so thrilled over this wonderful news and forever thankful for answered prayers and the staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who have made these results possible.
“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed and miracles that cannot be counted” – Jobs 5:9
Ups & Downs: In the past four months a lot of my happiest moments have been the cause and effects of cancer. Yes, you heard that right. So many additional gatherings, weekly phone calls to catch up, extra girls nights, and living life to the absolute fullest with family and friends. I truly do not know if I could have gotten my dad to fly to Philadelphia for 15 hours to come see Taylor Swift with me. Better yet, I do not think my dad and I would have been at home after the concert while Kelly, Alyssa and my mom found themselves in a downtown Philly dive bar where someone may or may not have hopped a fence! My friends and I put a little spin on Fourth of July and celebrated Indappendix Day with those foam Statue of Liberty hats and firecracker popsicles, because who needs an appendix anyways?? This diagnosis and especially the past month has made me realize we should always live our best and healthiest lives, love without fear and truly cherish the time you have with your family, friends and loved ones. It has also made me realize how hard this must be on those who love me, especially the family and friends who have to hold my head up and wipe my tears away and make me laugh through the tough times. I have thrown you all quite the curveball and this cannot be easy for you. Thank you for stepping up when times got tough and thank you for loving me unconditionally through this disease. This past month has not been easy and I have felt like I should shy away because of it, but I am slowly finding my strength again and learning to let go of what I cannot control. This journey will have setbacks, but I read a proverb that really hit home to me: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight times.” It’s time to stand up again and keep pushing through. Thank gosh I’m quite stubborn, because I refuse to let cancer dictate my life anymore. Life is too good!
Highlight Reel:
Cast all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you – 1 Peter 5:7
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11
Specific prayers:
Good results and minimal side effects for chemotherapy #8
For the tumors in my small intestine and colon to continue shrinking
For my anxiety about surgery to minimize
*Please continue to pray for my friend Sam and Sean as they continue to go through a medical hardship. Sean’s story is here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/seanwurtzel
Thank you #TEAMELIZA!
Love,
Eliza
TEAM ELIZA 
I am so so proud of you . You are an inspiration !!!! I love you very much and I SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS , It will Happen . More Hugs than you can count come with this note !!!!
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Eliza… You are amazing!! You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration for us all to live life at its fullest! XOXO
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Eliza
You continue to amaze me with your strength and positive attitude. You are such an inspiration. I’m so happy the chemo is having a good response. You have an awesome group of people with you on this journey that are obviously taking great care of you. I continue to wish you minimal anxiety, side affects and good outcomes. Keep fighting- we are all behind team Eliza. 💜
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Please know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Extra prayers certainly coming your way for the surgery. You got this!💖 The Hite Family
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Eliza, Please know that you and your family (and friends) are in my prayers! I can’t imagine the battle you are facing, but I can imagine the God who leads your battle. He will continue to hold you and your family in His hands. Just know you are loved and prayers are coming. Keep it up girl – YOU ARE AMAZING!
Jenni a/k/a Darby and Loree Anne’s Mom
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Keep fighting and I’m praying for you👍👍👍 Nancy Martin
Sent from my iPhone
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We love you, Eliza!
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Go Eliza Go! I am so happy to hear about the latest CT scan!!! YES, FU cancer! I know surgery is scary but it’s a really big FU to the cancer. The surgeons will take it from your body and throw it in the trash! Stay strong. Keep enjoying family and friends. Sending love, light, and healing energy!!
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We love you Eliza!! Stay strong!!
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Always praying for you! So proud of you. Keep reading Psalm 91 over and over and over.
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I look forward to each of your entries! Your words are so honest and uplifting and inspiring. Know that you have many people (like me who you don’t know personally) who pray for you like family. You are very brave and I am very proud to follow your wonderful progress!
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We are celebrating your highs and praying you through the lows. God has you in the palm of His hand, brave girl, and has BIG plans for you!!!
We love you and your wonderful family!
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Just know that you are loved, thought about, and prayed for on a daily basis. While this journey has been so very hard, your positive attitude has been an inspiration for us all! When you travel a journey like you have and I share this with you… as Marinel has…… God puts special people and angels along your path to guide you. I can never tell you how many wonderful people we have meet over the years of therapies, treatments, and more….. and most of those people remain our closest friends today even though we are miles apart! They are friendships you will cherish the rest of your life! I stand in amazement of your strength and faith. May we all learn from your grace and poise. God bless you sweet girl and He will continue to hold you in His Healing Hands. Just remember you are always surrounded by love and prayers. Love you!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😘😘Mary Beth
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Sending love & prayers during your treatment today! You are a warrior and an inspiration, Eliza! Stay strong
With love, Diana
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I get the update on everything from the Sugrue’s regularly – you are in my thoughts and prayers Eliza, please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything you need. You’re obvious kicking ass and taking names so keep it up! F*ck you cancer!
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Dear Eliza. Thank you so much for you blog. You have such talent in your writing. You are an amazing, beautiful,smart young lady who touches so many lives. Stay strong as we all are praying very hard and sending all of our love to you. God is good and will take care of you. Love you Momamogs
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The Booth family lifts you up in our prayers! You are an amazing girl!! Keep fighting! 🙏🙏❤️
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Praying for you daily and for your Mom, Dad and Thomas. Love you all, Pat🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
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I’m a bit in awe of your power with words in the midst of all this, Eliza, and you know I’m picky about words! Your beautiful spirit and grace and toughness come shining through. Thank you for sharing the pics and updates – you are cultivating wisdom beyond your years through this, for sure – sending love & keeping you & your family in our prayers.
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Those who do not know you personally ( but know your family) are praying for you and so glad to hear this news. Our prayers will continue daily!
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You are touching the lives of so many people with your amazing story!!! Praying for you daily and praising God for all that he has done so far. Love, Deanna Dooley
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You are so inspiring and we are all thankful for your wonderful spirit and reminders of how to live our lives! Continued prayers and blessings for you. Love from all of the Yorks
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Sending many thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Thank you for your updates. ❤️
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Eliza, it is so good to get an update with such positive news! I will continue to keep your family and you in my prayers. You are on the prayer list for our Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Athens. Sallyanne Barrow
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