Another Answered Prayer - August 27, 2012

Hello everyone,

     I am so excited to update all of you on the most wonderful experience that I recently had.  I met my DONOR FAMILY!!!!!  Ruby had 2 beautiful children, a son Peter and a daughter Eleni and it was my privilege that they requested to meet me.  My family, along with my mom traveled to Kansas City, where the introductions took place.  For one of the first times in my life, I was at a loss for words (for those of you that know me well, I know you are in complete disbelief right now after that statement)........but I really was.  I struggled so much to come up with the appropriate words I would use to thank a family who chose to save my life, while facing a family tragedy.  They put the loss of their mother aside, and chose to DONATE LIFE.  Eleni said that when she heard her mother's liver would go to a woman her age with 2 children who had cancer, she said the decision was made for her.  Guess what, just saying "thank you" was enough, it really was.  Once I met them, that was all I needed to say.  The fact that I am doing so well, and am leading a normal life I think somehow brought some peace to their hearts, and made their decision the right one.  I hugged Eleni the instant I met her, we just hugged and danced in a circle, and cried.  They were just like I imagined, BEAUTIFUL, both of them.  

     Thank you all for the endless support that has carried me along this journey.  Meeting Ruby's family has brought me so much peace and joy, I am truly blessed.  As for my recent tests the CT scans continue to look good.  I will have 2 more this year, then I will have them every 6 months for 1 year, I believe.  I have labs once a month as well, and other than an increased bilirubin last week, they have been perfect.  The transplant coordinator called me to see how I was feeling, and since I was riding my horse at the time she said I must be feeling fine.  They thought the increase could be due to a virus I had, and we will recheck it in 30 days.  I thanked her for calling and reminding me that I had a liver transplant.  My scar is the only evidence I have, I really do feel great.  

     Since my last  blog update we found out that my daughter Gracie, who is 13 has juvenile diabetes.  She has not had to start taking insulin shots yet, but it is only a matter of time.  She has to test her blood sugar 6 times a day ;(  She will meet the challenge head on, Gracie is a strong kid.

     God bless all of you, and just know that I am truly thankful.  I will never forget......

All my love,

Trish

Post-Liver Transplant Update - April 16, 2012

 

Spring Greetings,

I am in amazement at how fast times does pass by. Next month, on May 15th, will mark 2 years since I found the cancer in my liver. I wanted to send an update to all of you, and I am thankful to say there is not much to report. Life after a liver transplant is no different than my life before. If I did not have a scar, I would not know that I had a transplant. I had my last follow-up CT on March 8th, which was unchanged from the previous. The protocol for my follow-up scans is a CT scan every 3 months for the first 2 years post op, then every 6 months, for I am assuming 1 year. I currently have labs once a month, and life is back to normal, and that I can tell you is a schedule that I welcome.

I recently sent Eleni, my donor Ruby's daughter an email requesting a picture of Ruby. I was please to discover when I got up this morning she had sent 3!!!! She is very busy right now caring for 3 young children, and asked me if I ever get to Kansas City? I almost got in my car, in my pajamas and slippers and headed southeast. I let her know, that I will meet her whenever she is ready. What a glorious day that will be, I will finally get to thank Ruby's family in person for their generous gift. I cannot wait to post those pictures.

Anyway, my life is uneventful. I am busy with work, and the kids activities, and looking forward to summer. I hope this finds all of you in good health and happiness, because in the BIG picture, that is all that matters. Thanks again for all of the endless support, the road would of been very rocky without it.

All my best,

Trish

My Donor - Ruby

Ruby

A note from Kim Ehnes - January 2012

Trish . . . .

I have been thinking of you relentlessly and was so grateful to see you had a new posting on your blog.

I'm thoroughly intrigued by your progress / story and most inspired by your ability to handle it all.

What a great New Year it is . . . . please tell your mother & sister they are in my thoughts as well.

In love, friendship & prayer -

Kim Shubert Ehnes

Holiday Letter - From Trish, January 2012

Blessings to All,

I have sat here several times staring at this blinking cursor and blank page, wondering, where do I begin? 2011 was a whirlwind of a year, that blended into 2010 in my mind. We faced many challenges that were outweighed by many blessings. It has been quite surreal.

As most of you know I was diagnosed with a rare primary liver cancer in May 2010, and received the “gift of life” on November 10, 2010 when I had a liver transplant. We celebrated the beginning of 2011 in the hospital where I received treatment for rejection. There were many bumps in the road along the way, but with the support of many, and a wonderful medical team the path has gotten smoother. I was blessed in June to receive my first letter from my donor family. I was overcome with the emotion of their loss, and gratitude for my gift. It has been a struggle that I don’t have the words to describe. I was honored when asked to speak at 2 different donor functions, celebrating the families that choose to donate life when faced with tragedy. Their courage is truly amazing. My family cannot express how thankful we are for Ruby (my donor) and her family, thus another blessing.

Peyton who became a teenager in May when he turned 13, is still a pretty good kid. He entered Junior High, and continues to love sports, fishing and hunting. He has mastered the skill of annoying his sister, much to her dismay. He is helping coach the younger boys in basketball, and continues to raise some calves. He was bottle feeding 8 calves last spring twice a day. Peyton just loves to be outside setting traps, shooting targets, and playing hoops. He actually set up his deer blind on the pond and proceeded to ice fish. It was quite a sight. I expect Jeff Foxworthy to start filming a new episode soon, right in my back yard.

Gracie was 12 in July, and has really grown up this year. She loves all sports, and shoots hoops and plays volleyball off the roof for hours at a time. She continues to compete in horse 4H and junior rodeos. I am so thankful she enjoys riding, because I sure love her company when we hit the trail. We travelled to Halsey forest in October for a 2 day trail ride. Gracie was a trooper, as we rode for hours in the rain. She is a wonderful helper around the house, and babysits for several families. If we “scout” for deer or any wildlife, Peyton will ride as well, with binoculars in hand. Both kids have been very strong this past 18 months through a lot of uncertain times. I am very proud of them. They have lifted my spirits many days.

Larry has faced his own challenges this year when his boss announced his retirement, which meant he was selling the company. On July 8th, he was officially unemployed when he chose to decline the job offer from the purchasing company. The group rebounded and started working for Gavilon, creating a new branch called MicroSource. It has been a lot of work getting started, but what is the journey of life without its many challenges to build character. There were days we wondered just how much character we needed. Being the caretaker of a liver transplant recipient is not for the weak. He met the challenge head on without hesitation. I am very grateful. He continues to enjoy golf, and was able to travel to Michigan for the Nebraska game with family and friends.

As for me, I continue to work for Sound-Eklin installing ultrasound systems for Veterinarians. Sound has been an amazing company, providing me with unending support throughout many surgeries and hospital stays. I don’t have the words to express my gratitude, my cup truly runneth over. My job is my salvation, and truly a lifesaver. I found my own cancer while scanning myself during one of our equine labs, yet, another blessing.

Throughout this crazy holiday season, and the beginning of the New Year, remember to be thankful for all of the things we take for granted. So many have lost loved ones this year, and I know the holidays leave them with heavy hearts. Our prayers were answered when we won another battle for Tracy, my sister who was murdered 11 years ago. Another appeal was denied, and we are so thankful for that decision. We miss her warm spirit and kind heart, which we see in her grandchildren, Libby 6 and Treyce almost 4. My hope for 2012 is to meet my donor family. They have requested to have direct contact with me and I gladly accept. The journey of life continues, what a ride it has been so far.

The Grotes