Hello to all Trisha's fans and friends out there from her sister, Mary --
We've been up-front that I sometimes help Trisha get her blog entry out, and sometimes I've in fact been the out-and-out ghost-writer with her as final editor! Well, here I am out in the open telling you I'm writing this one!
We want to keep you all informed about Trisha, and she just is not up to penning blog entries right now. So here's the latest on our dear Trishie.
She's been back from Hawaii for about 10 days or so, and did really have a good time. Our brother John reports that they all found it very relaxing to just sit and watch the beautiful ocean a lot of the time, since Trisha got more tired in the second half of the trip. But they did get out to the beach and the museum, too...
Now Trisha's back in Oakland and the current medical deal is to have Avastin infusions (new chemotherapy for her), on top of her high-dose steroids. We will see what the Avastin does.
The darn steroids have completely knocked out her leg muscles, so she can't get out of a chair by herself. Please come over and help her up!
Trisha's attitude has amazed us all the whole time, even now -- I can feel it all the way out here in New York where I live! But it's true she's kinda bummed by the weak legs, and also the challenge she has sometimes to finish long sentences. But she's still kind of ok with everything, too, it's amazing....
The whole family thanks all of you reading this for all your thoughts and prayers, cards and letters. They are good and Trisha benefits from them! Keep them coming!
Love, Mary
Very good of you, Mary, to keep up the blog. We are celebrating your birthday with Trisha on Friday. Hope you like virtual Chinese food!
ReplyDeleteJohn, please let me know about memorial plans. I will post them on Facebook and let as many people know by phone as possible.
ReplyDeleteThank you for calling me. I know that was a difficult thing to do. My love to all of you. We loved Trisha.
Shannon
My sincere condolences. Today is a harsh reminder that life goes on for some and not others. Trisha is a ray of sunshine, and I'm glad I knew her as long as I did. ...33 years, as long as I've been alive, pretty much. She was always there, boistrous but down to earth, practical but full of dreams and deep thoughts. She was light-hearted even through the most horrifying circumstance. She'll be imprinted on my soul forever, irreplaceable and unique. I looked up to her like a big sister, so smart, quick on her toes, with jokes and quips, unhesitating opinions and captivating conversations. I looked forward to her thoughtful interjections, her way of bringing hilarity to the front table, her devotion to music, her warmth of heart, her presence made everyone brighten up a little, loosen up a little. She was my sister's partner in crime, whenever juggling on a unicycle was called for, across the golden gate bridge, at the drop of a hat, no less. Was it because she was a Callahan? Was it because she was my sister's best friend? It was because she was just Trisha. She'll always be Trisha, the stuff best friends are made of.
ReplyDeleteThank you John, for taking care of her in the end and seeing to it that she wasn't in any pain. Thank you for taking her to Hawaii, for making as many beautiful moments possible for her and the end as smooth as possible.
I know how surreal this all is probably for you right now. I remember losing my brother in 1992 at the age of 19 to cancer. And I held his hand as he passed on. I was 14. There's no right age to say goodbye to a sibling. It's always unfair how life is too short. It is probably the worst thing to have to go through, and I know that these moments that follow are very hard and heavy.
All I can say is the obvious: remember to breathe, remember to drink water, remember 3 meals, and to get outside for some fresh air and perspective. Take care of yourself, even if it seems like it should be the last thing you think about.
Send my love to the rest of the Callahan family and to your parents, probably the sweetest parents in the world.
Trisha will be remembered dearly.
*big hugs all around*
Monica, (Allison's little sister, in Denmark)