Thank you again for all of the love, warm thoughts and unwavering support. I am completely overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by all of the people that have reached out to show their support. I think one of the more important aspects of these updates is to let you know not only how I’m doing from a medical standpoint but how my spirit is as well. That being said below are a few of the things that I am most recently grateful for:

• All members of my immediate and extended family have really come together and rallied for me. My brother even flew in from sunny California to be with me through my surgery. Last night my parents and I went out for my “last supper” and celebrated an early Hanukkah so that I would be well enough to enjoy it. I am also proud to announce that my brother quit smoking the night I was diagnosed and he is about 9 days cigarette free (best gift of all!). My mom is doing a sympathy clear liquid only diet with me today. It’s appreciated but I really wish she’d just quit and order a pizza so I can live vicariously through her. Thanks mom!

• This past weekend my beautiful roommate, Kelly, spearheaded an incredible party for me. She wanted to ensure that I was able to fully enjoy my 25th birthday (that won’t happen for another month) so she threw a big early-birthday party for me and invited friends from all aspects of my life. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

• Complete strangers- I have been receiving messages and emails from people all over the country and in other parts of the world that have caught wind of my illness from friends of friends of friends. I am fairly sure that we have love and prayer coming from all continents except for Africa and Antarctica (can’t win ’em all!). It is unreal how much love exists in the world. The power of positivity will go a long way.

Needless to say- my heart is very full right now.

Tomorrow at 2pm I will be going under the knife (held by the super capable hands of Dr. Azodi at Yale New Haven hospital). When all is said and done I will lose a few organs, A LOT of pesky tumors, and gain a well deserved belly scar. It will be a great conversation piece at the beach. Many people have asked me if I’m scared. The answer is NOPE! Ok fine- maybe I’m a little scared but I would have done this surgery yesterday if I could. This is such a huge step in my recovery and if it means cutting me open and taking away what is making me sick, I say LET’S DO IT!

I anticipate being in the hospital for 4-8 days. I will make sure that my Mom keeps everyone informed as to how I am doing when I wake up from my surgery. I will also make sure you guys know when I feel peppy enough for visitors.

That is all for now.