The day we’ve all been anticipating and also feeling anxious about has finally arrived. Elena is having her surgery today, to remove the tumor and part of her knee and femur (which have been damaged by the cancer) and put in the prosthetic and a rod. As soon as she leaves the operation theatre later this eve, she will then go directly to the ICU and then on to recovery.

She will start physical therapy after the surgery and then start chemo again a week or so later.

This next month is going to be probably the hardest on Elena and also her family. We are feeling for Elena and thinking about the pain derived from her surgery and then to have chemo on top of it.

However, we are overwhelmed and blessed that our daughter keeps showing how brave and positive she remains. She was in the meeting with the surgeon to hear what will be happening and she was very relaxed and even asked if she could see the tumor after they take it out.

Very good news is also that the chemo has been working and the tumor has shrunk.

Right now we are bracing ourselves for getting confirmation later today that all has gone well with Elena's surgery and also hoping that the recovery phase will run as smooth as possible for her.

Elena and the whole family deeply feel the continuous signs of love and support from many friends and people being sent our way - something we wholeheartedly appreciate! ❤️