Wow has it been another whirlwind week!
I saw the doctor (Dr Storek) in Edmonton on Monday at the Cross Cancer Institute who discussed the next treatment I needed to help with the GVHD (Graft vs. a Host disease). It was a difficult appointment, and I will honestly say I left with a few tears. We knew Photopheresis was only available in Calgary, but had no idea how long I would have to be there, or even what the “back and forth” appointments would look like once I am down to only a few treatments per week. He said this could be indefinite, could be a year, could be 2 years. Whoa. What? We were thinking like 4 months MAX. And we hadn’t even considered full time long distance living?!
Shaye and I decided Monday night to “Let go and Let God” as we so often do because 1. We had zero control over what was going to happen. And 2. Physically I was deteriorating quickly, was in a tremendous amount of pain, and we could only do the best we could with what was coming at us.
On Tuesday afternoon, we recieved a phone call requesting we be at the Tom Baker Centre in Calgary the following morning to be admitted.
We arrived Wednesday at about 11am and everything happened very quickly. It was tough getting IV’s in and bloodwork etc done because they had a hard time finding a space on my skin
The first think they did was to bump the Perdnisone to 140mg per day. The Doctor said they needed to know that the GVHD was Prednisone respondent even at high IV doses to go on with the Photopheresis. They have also been doing every other test under the sun to see what we are dealing with. If all goes well, I should have a line inserted into my chest again on Monday or Tuesday next week,, then we are good to go.
I have had to secure accommodation again in Calgary for about a month to start. I sincerely had angels looking out for me, as a beautiful woman I met at a women’s conference in October has a freshly painted apartment waiting for me to go into next week, close to the hospital. She remembered meeting back in when we were both looking at some art at the women’s wellness workshop, but the artist was speaking at the time (Thank you Kelly Faladreau for that chance meeting, if you are reading, you have helped my spirit so many times this year without even knowing, and to Debbie Buxton for always pushing me to try new things and meet people that make me a better person). It all just worked out so beautifully.
It’s only been 2 days, but my skin is already responding to the steroids. I am just peeling like crazy now, no more pain and burning. It’s still itchy, but not like before, and I am getting close and personal wth my nurses who slather me up every morning and night with cream.
We use a whole tube of this stuff for every application
Shaye has gone back home to handle the homestead. So Calgary peeps, come visit if you want 😉
I have a room with a view this time
I am also going to ask for all the prayers and positive mojo I can muster for my Grandmother in Kelowna right now. She is going through a tough time, as is my family, and they are in the process of getting her closer to the people who can help her. It’s hard to feel helpless in that.
One more, Happy 70th Birthday to my mother in law today! Wish I were there to celebrate and support with the other things going on. I miss and love everybody.
Peace & Love
Trish xo
Trish G 
Nothing but prayers and wishes for a successful flight through this big bump in the road. Think of you and your family daily.
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Trish not even sure what to say to you other than your a very strong woman,praying for you and your family everyday
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WOW!! You are doing well. Thank GOD the treatments are starting to work. What a difference in a couple of days. Take very good care. Lots of daily prayers and good thoughts of recovery for you.
Hugs,
Kim
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To you Trish,
“You can’t calm the storm so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass”!
I will keep you in my prayers that this storm does pass quickly for you. ❤️
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Trish, I don’t know you personally, but I have been following you since the summer. I think the world of your family and you are one of the strongest people I know. You are always in my prayers and I wish you all the strength and best.
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Hi Trish sorry to hear your back in Calgary you are an inspiration to every one ,l can’t lmagine what your going threw .l am praying for you take care,
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All my love and prayers are with the whole family. Your cherished Trish xo
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Trisha, I send you Blessings, courage, strength, BIG hugs, Love and many prayers. Every day I marvel at how strong you and Shaye are. May GOD be with you and your family.
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So glad the steroids are easing your pain. You are an inspiration Trish, to everyone you touch with this blog.
Prayers continue to be sent your way, you are an amazing person!
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Hi Trish l can’t imagine what your going through but reassure my prayers are with you yes it in gods hands but l know you will get better.Can’t thank the Calgary Cancaer team for taking good care of you. Love you lots 💝💞💞
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I can’t believe all the stuff you have gone through and are still going through after your stem cell transplant. I like your comment, “Let go and let God” – it seems like that is all you can do. But you are in good care now. That is an answer to prayer that you already have a place to stay….amazing.
We continue to pray for you and your family. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. You are so good with words and all your writings of your journey…..how is your book coming?
Love
Barry and Shirley
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Trish – I have been following your fight . You amaze me everyday in your beautiful way that you let us into your world. I feel blessed that you honor so many of us with sharing your journey. We are all little soldiers in your army against this. I hope you feel empowered and blanketed in love through our words and in our hearts through our prayers. You can do this – stay strong !!! We are all rooting for you !!!
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Dear Trish: I love you. You have helped me a lot in my troubles through out your suffering and happiness. You have given me something else to think about. This time I cried through out the reading. God has a reason in all this. I am sorry you will have to stay in Calgary. The love you 2 have and your love of God will sustain you both. My prayers are with you all. Thank you for helping me. Have a good day and don’t slide off the bed from the cream. 🙂 ❤
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Sending Love and Hugs from Fort McMurray
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