Trini had scans in February that indicated that the chemo she was on was not having a substantial effect on the cancer. This particular chemo was pretty brutal. After considering the options, Trini made a brave and difficult decision that has been weighing on her mind for some time. She has made the choice to move from treatment efforts to managing her pain and focusing on time with Brett, Luke, family and friends. Hospice is currently managing her symptoms.
As we make this adjustment, please understand that although we love all of our friends, visitors are a challenge. For the present time, Trini has asked for no visitors. We expect this to change and we will do our best to keep the blog updated with details about visits, calls and other needs.
Trini does love reading the comments left on this blog. Please consider sharing a common experience you've had with Trini or a funny story using the comment link below.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Moving Forward One Step at a Time
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35 comments:
Hey Trini...
Just a quick note to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I think back in time to our days in high school and just after... I remember the end of the year party for the bookstore crew... You, Susie, and the other two, (I don't remember who it was... they were guys!), in college I visited you and Sue at Coby when I was down the road in Delhi, visiting you and Noah over on Park Place.
Stay strong, Trini. God has you, Brett and Luke in his hands. "Be not afraid".
Michael
Hi Trini,
Just wanted to say that the Balzer Family is thinking of you....
If I were to choose a personal experience that I have had with you it is that I just remember at Bridges, it didn't matter what the circumstances were, you ALWAYS had a beautiful smile on your face! Your laugh is contagious and it was always fun being with you!
You are awesome!
xoxoxoxo,
Cathy :)
Trini,
My memories are of playing that player paino when visiting your house....still to this day I wish to have a player piano so that it can play for me.... "Up Up and away in my beautiful balloon"... we'd play it over and over again...
You give me strength.
Kelly Vrooman
Hey T do you remember when i tried on your Brittany wig? Am I ever an ugly woman. I sure got a laugh out of that memory, hopefully you did as well. Talked to Gantt yesterday and he wanted me to say hello and he was thinking about you, everyone is T. You're the best and it sure was good to hear your voice yesterday, plan on going to Luke's game today, maybe i'll see ya there? Take care my dear your friend forever.
Bonner
Trini,
I have only known you this last year...the strength and courage you have shown is an inspiration. May God bless you and your family and keep you forever in his care.
Carole K.
Hi Trini,
I have so many childhood memories of us that it is hard to choose one. For some reason the one thing that has always stuck in my mind was on Halloween. You were a lion and you used your wastebasket for the mask. I always thought it was very original of you. Looking back now it fit perfectly with who you are. A unique person who I can proudly say was my first best friend. Your whole family is in my prayers. Love, Lisa (smith) DeLorenzo
Hey Girl!
Just checking in.
You know how I have been on my oldest son ...Tripp to get a regular job. It seems all he wants to do is socialize, talk to girls and work out.
Well I had just about given up hope he would even look for work, when day before yesterday one of his girl friends landed a job at Hollister. (I had to be told Hollister is a clothing store at the mall).....You see the girl wanted Tripp to go shopping with her at the store because Hollister employees are required to wear the clothes they sell and she valued his opinion.
So while the girl was trying on clothes, the Hollister regional manager came in the store and started talking with Tripp. After a short conversation with my outgoing blonde haired, blue eyed son who is now over 6 ft tall, the manager offered Tripp a job!!!
You can imagine how proud I was to find out he is finally going to do some real work. So at dinner later that night I asked Tripp what are his job responsibilities going to be....unloading shipments.....
stacking boxes in the stock room....surely at least folding clothes and working a register.
Tripp said "dad it my perfect job all I have to do is wear the clothes they tell me, stand around the store looking good.....greet each customer plus flirt with girls and women".
It’s not all a bed of roses though....Tripp is required to wear Flip Flops (which he hates) while at work. I guess it is just a sacrifice he is going to have to make!!!!!!
I hope you are having a good day today. Now that I have found the blog I will try to write you regularly.
Talk with you soon
Bobby Barfield
Hi Trini,
I remember the first time I ever met you. You were working in the Butterfly Building and I remember your bright smile. Once you became Builder Liason, it became my good fortune to get to know you better. As I imagine you have done with all other aspects of your life, you always conducted yourself with honesty, integrity, dignity and a "wicked sense" of humor. Tweedle dee and tweedle dum are still my favorite. You remain in my thoughts & prayers.
Love - Bonnie
Trin!!!
Wow – the memories that I have with you during the good ole Tesoro days. I smile when I think of so many of our silly conversations. If I ever needed a good laugh, I would be sure to come and find you. You always had a smile on your face…which became contagious to those around you (along with your laugh)!
No matter what – you were always available to lend a hand to anyone on the team. Even during all those Friday Night socials or V.I.P. weekends – you ALWAYS stuck around and helped get the job done.
Do you remember when Bonner went out of town and we “decorated” all of the deer hanging on the wall in his office? He wasn’t too happy about the cigarettes hanging out of their mouths, etc. - - but we sure had a great time laughing about what he was going to say!! When you were around the office – a good time was always had. You have the biggest heart and will do anything for ANYONE because that is a part of your DNA!!!
Trin, you are surrounded by so much love! I am keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers! I love ya – girl!
Kristin
Trini,
I have soo many childhood memories. I heard the Go Go's on the radio the other day and thought of our dance to We Got The Beat that we made up at your house. Endless memories of boys coming and going. How we thought we were SOO cool in 6th grade at Stevens. Many, many soccer games playing for Lakehill in the summer. I remember that young guy coach we had one year. Didn't we attach cans to the back of his car???
Well, alittle trip down memory lane. I continue to think of you daily. Stay strong and enjoy Luke and Brett.
Love,
Michelle DeMatteo Dill
Hanging out at your house watching MTV and eating snacks. Talking about boys like our lives depended on them. Wondering if they liked us half as much as we liked them. Well, it seems that we both ended up with some pretty great boys in our lives. Enjoy every minute with yours. I'll be hugging mine a little tighter tonight. Thank you for sharing with us.
Love, Peace and Comfort,
Anne Flynn Porreca
Trini, It has been so long since we last saw each other that I don't even know where to start.
I would like you to hear my story about what has happened to my family in the last 10 years.
My wife Sarah, was diagnosed with thryoid cancer in 1998. We researched every aspect of possible outcomes and treatments and were confident that she would make it through. After two differnt surguries and many follow up visits she went on to recover quickly and we soon had our first child, Emma in 2000.
About a year and a half later I was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. We again, approached the process with information and pursued every angle and option. I decided to attack it head on and chose a very aggressive chemo treatment.
The chemo schedule was everyday for 6 hours for 1 week, then two weeks off. I repeated that for four cycles. The first few weeks were not too bad and then after the 2nd and 3rd the chemo had really taken hold. I tried to remember why I wanted to go on, and found strength from Emma and of course had lots and lots of care giving from Sarah. So many people, friends, family and even strangers wanted to help in anyway they could.
After the last rounds were over, I was given the option for a follow-up surgury at Sloan-Kettering in NYC, where they removed about 46 lymph nodes from my chest area. That was January 2, 2002. While I was in the hospital, the first roomate they put me with passed away in the middle of the night, and the family were all in the same room. I decided that I would do anything possible to get better and get back home to Vermont.
I recovered quickly and was seeing things in a new light.
Sarah returned to have a follow up radioactive iodine treatement where she was isolated for a few days due to radition. What we did not know was that she was actually carrying our 2nd child, Ada-Grace. The pregnancy test was neg. for pre-treatment.
After some tests and time, she was born healthy at 10.01 lbs in 2003.
We had frozen some sperm but never thought of using it. And I guess, didn't need to.
Feeling blessed already, we went on trying to get back into a routine. Two and a half years went by and we were using birth control when we found out she was pregnant again. Suprise!
Barit was born April 23, 2006. He was 10.11 lbs. Everyone thinks we just kept trying for the boy.
Sarah and I are both still cancer free and the kids are healthy and active. We helped start an event in Stowe, Vermont which is now the Relay for life Nordic Style at Trapp Family Lodge. The event is tonight, and we will be attending and focusing our energy for you in this time of need.
I hope our story gives you strength and I have kept you in my thoughts since I found out what you are going through.
Keep family and good friends close by and enjoy every moment you can. Be confident and believe you have done everything in your power to make it through.
Eric Perry
Hyde Park, Vermont
Trini
I remember is there was never "Michelle with out Trini". You were always part of our family.
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa (DeMatteo) Phillips
Hi Trini,
It has been so long... I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you strength and keep you and your family surrounded by his love.
So many years of soccer together between Lakehill, JV and Varsity at Burnt Hills... The "I Love K-Mart" season with the bumper stickers and pins. What other teams must have thought about us as Lisa DeSantis ran up and down the field yelling "I love K-Mart".
Keep strong and know that I am thinking of you.
Jen Logan-Nells
Trini, I am so inspired by you now and back in the day when I was trying out for soccer. You were always such a great athlete.... I was very athleticly challenged. LOL! I think about you often and always remember your cheery smile. You are such an amazing person. Keeping you Brett and Luck in my prayers.
Love Karie Hoskinson Pastore
Hi Trini
Not a day goes by that we are not thinking about you and your family. We have all of you in our hearts and prayers. Eventhough I haven't seen you in over 25 years, I can still see the beautiful smile on your face that you always wear.
Much love,
Sara, Glen and Dottye Young
Trini,
This is Aunt Phylis's grandson,Aaron. Aunt phylis is right here next me, while i'm writing. Just want to let you know the whole family is thinking about you, back here in Pa.
Hey T, up until a few days ago I have never commented on a blog in my life and here I am doing it again for the third time. Anyway, without rambling too much it was great seeing you at the game yesterday. Luke is really growing up and his new team is very impressive. Truth is we have go to games for 2 reasons. One I love little league I always have. It makes me feel young, but the real reason we go is to support you and Luke. T, I know how much he means to you. There is a certain look in your eye when you're watching Luke and I think it makes everyone feel good who sees it. I saw it again yesterday and I want you to know we will continue to join you at Luke's games, but you must promise us to join us once Sawyer starts to play ball. You can be his good luck charm..
B
Hi Trini,
I just wanted to say that you are in my prayers daily and I am always thinking of you, Brett and Luke. Take care of yourself and you are definately an inspiration to everyone.
Love you,
Michelle
Trini-
I have never forgotten how you came to my rescue the first time I walked into the Butterfly Building for a GLG staff meeting. You prepped me for what was to come that day... thank you!!! Plus you volunteered to fix and update the QW reports. I think all that happened before we were even introduced let alone got to know each other. You have a great and compassionate heart and spirit.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you and your family.
We love you,
Steve Gunden
Trini,
As I sit down to write you a note, so many emotions come to me. As I embrace our friendship, so many fond memories that put a instant smile on my face. With those times, we laughed, smiled and even cried. I treasure those special times. I strongly believe that we are handed so many life altering situations in our journey. You try to take each one with inner strength, determination, perseverance and love. You have taken this one head on with all of these qualities. Continue to do this with all your strength. Know that you and your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers with so much love.
All my love,
Connie DiLallo-Safford
Hi Trin...
As I sit here and read all the comments from your friends and family, and think of all the folks who have written to me on facebook to ask about you... (which, I think is because I posted your blogsite, they all think we are in contact???), but anyway, it is obvious to me that you are a hero to so many people. I hope that you are smiling while "catching up" with all of your old friends. WE ALL pray for your improving health, WE ALL miss you, and WE ALL stand, not behind you, but right NEXT to you.
Michael
Trini,
It's hard to sit here and write to you without so many emotions coming my way and only do because I know you're reading this. The first time I met you was when Luke joined Hanna's class at Bridges back in 2001 - wow seems forever ago. I remember being so grateful to meet you and even more when you volunteered a year later to take over as classroom mom. From the moment I met you, you were so energentic, fun and full of smiles but also one of the calmest, most gentle and sweetest persons I could know. Your friendship has been one I truly treasure and will always appreciate!
Our paths have crossed so many times over the years from sharing our mutual friends, parties together, our times together at Bridges and now Redeemer. It's unbelievable the friends you have and how you've touched so many people throughout your years.
I just want you to know that you and Brett are such awesome parents and so great together! Every moment you're together is an inspiration to us all. Yes...we had to watch you guys doing your swing dancing that put the rest of us to shame...loved it and won't forget it. And then throw the best dance birthday party for Luke that again highlighted your fun dancing abilities...yes you are the coolest parents.
One Trini moment I will never forget is when you and girls from Bridges sang in the variety show - you know the song and to this day it makes me laugh alot ... and cry. That song has been your life's mantra though the last 6 years. Regardless of what you were faced with, you perserved and became the strength we all wish we could have! Life sucks and it's not fair, but not once have I ever heard you say that.
Thanks for sharing yourself with me and letting me be part of your life!
Love you to pieces. Hope to see you soon when you're feeling better! Get strong! And for the record, Bonner (Hi B) is not the only one who has never written on a blog before...we do it for you!!
Much love, Doreen
Hi Trini.
It's been so long since we've seen you, but that doesn't change the fact that you've been in our prayers during your fight. I admire your strength, your bravery and your grace. You've truly been an exquisite example of faith for all of us.
A few things I remember . . .
Ellie would only get out of the car for you her first year at Bridges (By the way, she's seven now and she too admires your bravery!)
You were instrumental in helping a good friend of mine in her time of loss. She knew her daughter would feel safe and comfortable at Bridges and I know you helped them get there.
We shared tears and a hug the morning after my friend lost her husband - and you hadn't ever met them! It was pure love and compassion. Something I'll never forget.
We send you our love and prayers. We know you are surrounded by those who love you and know you well. Just know, too, that even those who don't know you well, those who've been blessed by only a moment or two of your smile, your love, your compassion, we are pulling for you and wish you and your family God's grace and love.
The Schoppes
Paul, Laura, Ellie and Meg
trini, when john and i speak your name, thoughts of a joyful, full of life , amazing friend, wife, and mother come to mind. dont take that lightly, it is not easy to be one of these, much less all of these things. how can one person exude so much brightness? you have given luke an amazing gift...showing him how to enjoy life!! that is what comes to mind when your name is spoken....a huge ray of light. god bless you during this difficult time! warmly, john and erin
Trini,
We are sending you a big hug from snowy Minnesota. Your picture on my desk is always the best day brightener, my dear friend. I am returning to Florida tomorrow and will check in with your friends and family. With love and affection, Mike and The Minnesota Gang
Hi Trini--just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you! I was remembering all the crazy things that you had to call me about when the kiddies were at Bridges--Katelyn having a "fever" practically every day after nap when she was in the Stork Room, Cameron "accidentally" sticking beads up his nose in Pelican, Kendra and Cameron locking themselves in the bathroom and cutting each other's clothes--no one could have made me laugh about that stuff as much as you did!! I hope this makes you smile! You are wonderfully brave and so dignified in your life-- I wish I had 1/10 of your courage! You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Herter
Hey Trini -
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family! I always remember walking home from 6th grade to your house on Lakehill Rd. and then when you moved to Lakeside Dr. sitting on your bed...listening to music making the all important decision of what to wear to school the next day. Amazing - what we thought was SO important back then! Thank you for ALL of the great memories that I have with you! My parents have moved on Ballston Lake and I think of you everytime I am in town and pass your old house! Keep strong Trini...you are an amazing woman!
Love, Erin (Smith) Howren
Hi Trini,
I remember us back in grade school when we played little league softball. I think your dad was the coach. We had an awesome team. You were an excellent all around athlete and I the chubby catcher for the team. Back then I thought it was the least important job for the team but somehow you and your Dad managed to make me feel important and needed. That has stuck with me for a long time and I'll always remember you for that! I still have our team photos somewhere... Each time I come across them it brings a smile to my face.
Just wanted to let you know the Erickson family is thinking about you and praying for you and your family.
Peace,
Sondra Schoonmaker Erickson
Hey Trini,
Just wanted to say that I've been thinking and praying for you and your family. I didn't know you were fighting this battle with cancer until very recently. Reading your blog, I can see you are still very close to your family. Such great pictures of you and all of your sisters.
Everyone seems to be posting memories. I feel like my memory of High School is so very limited. I can't even recall what Jen Logan posted about the "I Love Kmart" during soccer season. Was I absent that game - it sounded pretty funny?! I do remember us playing music before some big soccer game... I want to say it was Eye of the Tiger or something.
You are definitely in my thoughts and I hope that you are able to find some peace and comfort. You have fought this with such determination, courage, and strength. I truly look up to you.
Hope this finds you on a good day.
Karen (Myers) Schaper
Trini
Your blog is inspiring. I didnt know of your situation until today. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have a beautiful family and you look as pretty as you always were growing up.
God bless you and your family.
Alicia Hedrick Holmes
Trini,
I remember growing up and walking past your house to get home and laughing as we tried to make it past your huge dog! You were always such a wonderful neighbor and an inspiration to me! You are still an inspiration. Your pages are filled with love. Stay strong and enjoy your beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janine Lippiello Petralia
Trini,
You are incredibly brave and courageous. I have many nice memories of you and you will most certainly be in our thoughts and prayers. Be as strong as you always have been.
George Wiederkehr
Trin - you are in my thoughts and prayers always as are Brett and Luke. You are such an inspiration to everyone who has been fortunate to have you touch their life. From the moment I met you, I felt your wonderful spirit and friendship. I am so happy that you were able to go to Luke's game - I know that was special for you and for Luke. Linda Beam
Hey Trini....
I never forget when I met you at Look Good Feel Better, you were one of the sweetiest ladies I have ever met. I am blessed to have known you. Rest in Peace lovely lady. Isabelle
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