Happy New Year! I am very blessed to say I rang in 2019 CANCER FREE!
2018, you were tough, rough and brutal. A diagnosis of Stage IV gastrointestinal cancer, 12 rounds of triple chemotherapy, 17 hour surgery, 14 inch incision, 27 days in the hospital, heartbreak, my grandfather passing away, fatigue, frustration; but, you also gave me hope and patience, two of the world’s top doctors in oncology, a heart full of compassion, the most special guardian angel, endless naps (going to miss those!), and taught me you can still be your best self when feeling your worst. 2018, you gave me a new perspective that tough times do not last, but tough people do!
In late October I underwent a 17-hour surgery to remove any cancerous tumors in my body, which also required the removal of my gallbladder, spleen, appendix, 20% of my colon and small intestine, as well as, parts of my liver and bladder. Then, a team of doctors poured hot chemotherapy directly into my abdominal cavity at 107 degrees and rocked me back and forth for 90 minutes before removing the chemotherapy mixture and closing me with an incision from my chest to waist. Two days after my surgery the nurses came into my room and told me it was time to walk. I thought they were crazy! They could not be serious. I had more tubes and cords and machines on me than I could count. But these two women did not look like they were taking no for an answer so I promised I would try. I would try to put one foot in front of the other. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It was painful and my heart was pumping like I was climbing Mount Everest. Then, day by day, it got easier. I, of course, got competitive with the other patients. I wanted to be walking the fastest and the furthest. I surely hope I had the advantage, as I was the only patient under 67 on my floor. By day seven I was walking over 18 laps (one mile) a day! The entire experience made me realize a lot of life is about taking the first step in any experience with a lot of faith and motivation… and to just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Two weeks later and after having 60 staples removed, I was discharged from MSK in time for Thanksgiving. This was when the fatigue really set in. I was sleeping 16-18 hours a day. I was truly a bear in hibernation. The doctor said to not fight the sleep, that this was a very important part of recovery and sleep is when the body heals. I could have single handedly kept Netflix in business that week. Yes, Netflix I am STILL watching!
Christmas approached quickly and my family celebrated in New York so I could be close to MSK for follow up appointments. We had a wonderful Christmas. The four of us watched Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Elf (repeatedly) and cooked a huge traditional Christmas dinner for all the doormen in Battery Park City and took trays of Christmas cookies and treats to the staff at MSK. You all have given so much love, support, prayers and time to my family this entire year that you inspired us to give back to others in New York during the Christmas season.
I have had three scans since my surgery and every scan has come back “No Evidence of Disease” or as I like to say in a high pitched, squeaky voice while jumping up and down… CANCER FREE! I will continue to get scanned every few months for the first year and then slowly the scans will become further apart. At my last appointment my oncologist told me the best thing I can do is go be a fun, adventurous, happy, 20 something year old in New York City. That was the easiest doctor’s orders I have ever received! I am so excited to move back to West Village with two wonderful girlfriends this week!
Cancer has consumed my every day, even my every hour for the past year, but it no longer defines me. Being isolated all day, every day was not easy. It is easy to forget how fortunate you are to be able to go to work, and go out with friends and ride the subway until these simple things are taken away from you. I am so excited that I moved back into a four story walk up apartment and that I get to set my alarm for 6am to go to work, and my immune system and energy level will let me hop on the subway or sprint through Penn Station to catch a train for a last minute weekend out of the city. Bring it 2019!
I do not have the right words to express my gratitude for “Team Eliza”. I cherish all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being on “Team Eliza”. I am cancer free because of each and every one of you. Every text and phone call, all the homemade chicken soup, the care packages, the countless flights my friends purchased to spend time with me, co-workers who have had my family to their homes for holidays and weekends, the flowers and edible arrangements, the themed parties, all the t-shirt orders and donations. I could go on and on because I have never felt so loved. Your support kept me positive during the most painful times. Your love made me cancer free. Your donations saved my life. I promise to pay it forward. I look forward to volunteering at MSK on Sundays and working with Cycle for Survival, Fred’s Team and Cookies4Kids to raise money for rare cancer research.
Since my cancer journey has come to an end, I will not be updating this blog anymore. I am so blessed, thankful, and proud to be a Stage IV cancer survivor when every odd was against me. I ask for continued prayer for clean scans for all of my days, minimal post cancer fatigue and side effects. I look forward to getting back to life with all of you!
Love always,
Eliza
TEAM ELIZA 
So happy for you and continued prayer for clear scans!!
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You are an amazing young woman and have been blessed with a miracle. Enjoy every day and live your life to the fullest! I am so, so happy for you and your friends and family. May God continue to bless you!
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Praise be to God!!! Love you and so excited for all you have ahead!
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Love you Eliza go live life big girl!!!
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It was a privilege to be a part of your journey through prayer. Follow your doctor’s orders and have a blast living life.
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What wonderful news on this last day of Christmas! Amazing story ….so very happy for you and your family ! May the Lord continue to look over you !
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The Hopkins are all thrilled !!!! Hugs & Love 💋💋💋
Sent from my iPad
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Eliza,
This is by far the best news Ever & thank you for updating us and letting us know what’s been going on! You had been on our Sunday School prayer list and I will let everyone know your wonderful praise news!
Prayers for a Very Blessed 2019!
💗
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Dear Eliza
It has been an amazing journey. What a joy to read this post tonight. You will always have a place in my heart and in my prayers.
Charlotte
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Tears. You are a gift in every way.
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The Harrisons are all rejoicing with you! ❤️ What wonderful news, Eliza!! Keep Shining!
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Your strength and courage have been an inspiration. Look forward to seeing you loving life in 2019.
Continued prayers that you remain cancer free and that you continue to get stronger everyday.
Love you❤️
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I’m a friend of your precious Grandmother, Alice … and I work at Vivace in Highlands . We all feel like we know you because Alice and Tom always talked about you and wanted to make sure you had everything you needed in NYC!!! When we learned of your cancer diagnosis … we were all devastated … but got busy on the prayer train ❤️
This is the best news I’ve received in 2019 …. what a great way to begin this year!!!! So happy to think about all that you will do this year … much love and continued prayers !!! Julie Potts
P.S. we were just so sorry to learn of your cute Grandfather’s passing. What a neat, special man. Somehow, I know he continues to be with you ❤️
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Wonderful praise! Congratulations! Best of luck in 2019!
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Congratulations. You are truly a miracle and a life force to be reckoned with. Keep up the good work!!!
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All I can say is ” to God be the the glory!!!”
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You are an AMAZING and beautiful example of God‘s love and never ending promise. We are all so inspired by you Eliza and we marvel in the miracle of your resilience. Happy 2019 to you and a glorious life ahead!
❌⭕️❌⭕️😊❤️🥰
Sent from my iPhone
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Wow this is the most amazing news ever! I am a friend of Joan Davey’s and I have followed your journey. Having had appendiceal cancer I know it is no walk in the park but you did it with such grace and a sense of humor as well. Sending love and aloha from Honolulu! I hope to one day meet you and give you a hug! xox
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Got this post today and was wearing my Team Eliza shirt. Coincidence? Maybe. But very glad you are cancer free and back. Truly sorry about Tom. He’s watching you shine on. God bless you.
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Eliza you are an inspiration to all. Your strength and spirituality are truly gifts. My mom can’t wait to call the Carmelite nuns in the morning to share the good news. God bless you….
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This is undeniably the greatest answer to prayer we have heard. You are AMAZING! And your doctors and nurses! Wow!! Simply AMAZING!! God, continue to bless our beautiful and strong Eliza and her precious family. So thankful!!
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This is the BEST update we could have prayed for, Eliza! God has wonderful plans for you my dear. Your courage and strength should make all of us take a step back and not worry about the little things, but to live life at its fullest every single day.
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You are an inspiration . Thank you for sharing your story and the BEST news! Our love and prayers continue as you continue to grow stronger and enjoy 2019 and beyond!
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Praise God from whom all blessings flow! What a blessing!
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You are so full of life and compassion, Eliza – Godspeed and love and prayers as you go forward!💐💕
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I’m so thankful to read this!!! You have constantly been in my prayers!!! We love you and your sweet family with all our hearts!!!
Now…. you go out and enjoy NYC and all it has to offer and may 2019 be the most magical year of your life!!!! All our love!!!
Elizabeth, Tony, John Wes , Laura, Dillard, Will and Grace Townley
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Way to go. Woo Hoo, what a great way to start the NEW YEAR…God is Good!
You don’t know me, I grew up with your godmother Ruth in Laurinburg, NC. I have been following you along this journey and have kept you in my prayers. The timing of your post today is a blessing. I’m currently in Gainesville, Ga with my college roommate because today is her first day of Chemo. She had a double mastectomy on 12/5 to remove a lump & prevent anymore cancer. The pathology report came back that it was in a lymph node under her arm & was spreading. I’m going to share your blog for inspiration & encouragement.
Wishing you a fabulous year!!!
Love,
Lawson Armes
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Your attitude is contagious, what a beautiful gift you are giving to others. I’m thrilled with your news and all the goodness you have ahead. You’re grace, strength, joyful attitude and love of family and friends is heartwarming, love to you ❤️
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2019 will definitely be “your year” to grow, live and love life, and see the world thru “new eyes”. you have been an inspiration to many and will continue to be a source of support for many – since you “have been there, done that”! keep up the good work….go full steam ahead, and know you will always be surround by many prayers and lots of love !!!!!!
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Congratulations Dear Eliza. I am thrilled that you are cancer free. Go out and enjoy your beautiful life!! Thank you for your inspiring blog. My best wishing go with you always
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What an incredible story! You are going to do tremendous things with you strength, courage and faith. I am honored to be able to read your posts!!
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Eliza, I don’t know you (well now I do!) I should say you don’t know me, but I am a friend and college roommate of your Aunt Jane and I love your Mama! I have been praying for you and keeping up with your journey and I literally cried when I read your post today!! I am SO happy that you are cancer free. I am praising God because He has worked through so many people to stand in the gap and intercede for you. Never stop praising Him. And never doubt that God hears your every prayer!! Love you! ❤
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You are such an inspiration to this world. I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are feeling better! You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers as is your precious family. Sending my love to you all!
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God Bless you I am so happy for you Eliza. My prayers and my thoughts are with you and your family I am sorry that I haven’t written lately I was still trying to keep up but I found myself in a similar place with my daughter fighting her own battle and I was in her corner helping her fight her battle of getting well and beating the odds which at this point it is still up in the air but her chances are better than we started with which 40 to live and 60 not and not it 60 to live and 40 not I like those odds better than what we had. Thank you for all of your inspiration and stories when I know it couldn’t have always been easy. You take care of yourself and know that you can always leave me a message and I will return it back to you. God bless you my dear and remember you aren’t alone God is always with you. I have learned this through my own trial with my daughter. ❤
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Eliza, I’ve just read your latest (and last!) blog post that you are CANCER FREE!! I’m just so happy for you and your friends and family. You are a champion. I admire you so much. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but thank you for sharing this journey with us and allowing us to send you well wishes and prayers along the way. I’m so happy you are doing great in 2019. Much love 💛
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I have saved this on my computer & read it often just to inspire me and remind me just how awesome our God is!
I will continue to see keep this there (on my computer) as a reminder of just that! You have been such an inspiration to so many people whose lives you touched in the way your never let go of God’s hand for one minute!
You will continue to be in my prayers for clear test results from here on out!!! PRAISE GOD whom all blessings flow!
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