I haven’t written in a while. To be perfectly honest, I feel as though there needs to be something positive to expand on or the therapeutic process is lost.
The last two weeks have been a roller coaster ride, (there were times my head and tummy didn’t leave that rollercoaster for days). At times, I felt I had lost all progress. I was once again dependent on a wheelchair to get around, and didn’t leave the house except to go to the clinic.
My doctors discovered the Epstein-Barr virus before I even knew what was coming. They saw it in my bloodwork. 1 out of 4 transplant patients have to deal with it reactivating in their bodies, and in 90% of those people, a chemo drug called Rituximab works quickly.
The worry really started when my numbers doubled, tripled, and just kept going in the wrong direction even after three doses of Rituximab. Even worse, the viral numbers and the way I felt, physically, were beginning to match up. My neck was swelling (lymph nodes getting bigger). I had pain everywhere with new nodes popping up. The nausea hit a whole new level. Fevers were keeping me up at night.
I was scared. I always felt I was in good hands, but this time I was scared. When the doctors interventions don’t work and you are only getting sicker, it’s hard not to let the fear grab hold, even just for a bit.
The doctors had one more plan up their sleeve. They were going to harvest Lymphocytes from my sister and give them to me. This felt positive. They called Christi who packed up her beautiful girls and made the trip to Calgary. Barb (other sister) flew in from Australia. She was hearing something in me that said she needed to be here. Barb arrived first, I guess I was pretty out of it that night. She and Shaye took me to the clinic appointment on the day Christi was heading down, and to our surprise, they said my bloodwork showed a drop in the “viral load”, something was happening. They were going to have a big meeting to discuss cancelling the lymphocyte procedure that afternoon, but thought they may want time to see what my body is going to do. We went home confused and a little bit concerned. Worried that maybe my body looks like it’s starting to fight, but maybe not well enough? My sister and her family have gone through all the trouble to come. Now what?
The next morning we received the most incredible news yet. Literally JUST in the nick of time, they found lymphocytes MADE BY ME fighting the virus. It took a while, but I had some fight of my own in there and it was starting to show. Best. News. Ever.
What now? The lymphocyte infusion has been cancelled. I’m back on track. I continue to put one foot in front of the other, enjoy as much time as I can with my sisters, and remember to “let go and let God”.
When I apologized and thanked Christi for coming, she said “meh, maybe God knew you needed your sisters, so he took you to a place that made that happen, and carefully brought you back again”. She may have been right.
Peace & Love
Trish xo
Trish G 
Thank God you are okay…..Deb always fills us in on your journey. As always we keep praying for you and your family. Such good news that your body is able to fight this virus. That is so awesome and an answer to all the prayers going up for you. Good your sisters came to be with you and support you in all this. Always good to read your messages.
Love and prayers
Barry and Shirley
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Your journey is amazingly incredible!!! I am in awe of the strength, flexibility, and determination of the body and soul! What a wonderous creation!🙏🏻🙏🏻
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I am ecstatic for you Trish! Having your sisters there will help your healing process and give you more strength to keep going. Praying every day for a complete recovery for you. Hugs to all of you from me.
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sending a big big hug…….god bless
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Hi Trish . I read your post and for the 1st time in a long time I cried for you.
As a friend , all I can do is sit back and wait for more good news, sometimes its hard to feel like theres nothing I can do , thats the hardest part, I wish I had a magic wand !! .
Its all in the hands of the Drs and your body fighting this long battle ! All the stuff you’ve been threw , none of us can ever truly know how you feel emotionally or physically. We just read what you post , and then we pray more for you ! I am here in mind, spirit and hope for you Trish ! Keep up the battle ! Love you
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Hi Trish l read your news,and can’t believe what you have gone through.my friend which l have never met l feel down deep l do know you very well. Please never give up, God is not ready for you . You have a loving husband children and family surrounding you,remember baby steps,and l still want to see the happy dance my prayers are with you, all the very best God will take care of all of you and help you.
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Hi Trish, I super love that you are a fighter! You have such love in your family! Your sisters love you! You love them! Love is ultimate! I keep saying prayers for you. Hang in there. I wish and pray for you to get outta there and back home with your family and regular life. You deserve it. Please take care and don’t give up…thinking of you a lot. Hugs,Kim
Sent from my Samsung device
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Hi Trish, that was definitely a challenge to over come. I’m so happy that you conquered the virus. I pray that is the biggest hurdle and from now on it becomes easier. We are so blessed to live in this great country where we have top notch Drs. My prayers are with you and your family. I’m so proud of you and your positive thinking. I ask God, Jesus, his Angels and His Archangels to send you healing. Archangel Raphael is the Archangel who helps people when sick. I felt Him around me all the time when I was going through my challenge. Please ask Him to be with you, I am asking for you as well. If you see the most beautiful color of green around you or in your mind, it’s Him. Last weekend when I was working out in the yard my heart was hurting for you and your family. I have a large yard with large trees and many shrubs which are all green. Throughout the day it was my reminder to ask for your healing. Stay positive! I love what you say…… Let go….. Let God ….. Blessings to you and your family
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Dear Trish. Was just fixing to write Shaye and see how you were. I am still praying for you and your family. “Change the things you can change; accept the things you can’t”. Hoping this is the start of a complete recovery. Thanks for letting us know. God Bless you and yours. Keeeep the spirit up. Love you both. Till next time. Polly
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