Medical Updates

Tricia wasdiagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer, the clinical name is Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Peritoneum (PSCP). Though she had a hysterectomy 12 years ago, a biopsy confirmed that cancer cells have proliferated and spread. The odds of someone who has had a hysterectomy getting Ovarian Cancer are approximately 1%. Tricia now has cancer in the peritoneal lining of her stomach. Her course of treatment is chemotherapy, followed by surgery and then more chemotherapy.

Tricia's last chemo session was, Monday, October 19th. Dr. Liu expressed concerned that the tumors are not shrinking and that Tricia has been so sick. She thinks Tricia is so sick because the tumors are causing and intestinal blockage. Sometimes after eating, Tricia gets a bad pain in her stomach which leads to vomiting.

Tricia had another CT Scan with contrast on Tuesday, November 10th. This CT scan confirmed that Tricia does in fact have a blockage of her small bowel. This blockage has been causing her lots of pain and vomitting. She has been very sick.

She was admitted to the Brigham and Women's on Tuesday. They inserted a NG tube to drain some of the junk from her stomach. Thankfully, that has relieved some of the pressure and she feels less pain and has stopped vomitting.

The surgeon will discuss options with Trish today, November 11th. Please pray.

What Goes Around Comes Around

Doesn't everyone need a friend who loves you and wants to help you as much as possible?

So many people have done so much for Tricia and her family.  What goes around comes around and Tricia has always treated everyone she meets with kindness.  There are many individuals I could highlight, but I know I'll forget someone and  there will be hurt feelings, but I do want to do a "shout out" for the Helen and Doreen Reardon.  They have both been soooo wonderful to Tricia.  Both have taken her to many appointments, and that's not easy because it's a long day.  Yesterday, Doreen was with her from early AM until after 5:00 PM.  I know they're happy to be with her and helping out, as are many of us, but I still think it's nice to know you're appreciated.  Thank you Helen and Doreen.

The reality is that Tricia has been having a hard time lately. She doesn't ask ANYONE for help, but she needs help. On Sunday nights, I often call her and say "who is taking you for chemo tomorrow", never does Tricia call and ask me to take her. Most often she doesn't have a plan in place. Many times I have taken her and many times I have driven her and someone else has met her at Dana Farber.

These fabulous people want to continue to help, but we need more support. Please let me know if anyone wants to take Tricia to any appointments.  Many times she has appointments scheduled rather quickly to receive fluids or blood.  It would be nice if someone could sit with her while she waits for these appointments.  All of you know how thankful she is for every little thing you do for her.

Earned Time Donations

EARNED TIME - THANKS FROM TRICIA!

Tricia is extremely grateful to those of you who donated Earned Time to her for future use. She is able to work around her chemotherapy sessions for now, but will be unable to work after her surgery. She thanks each and every one of you wholeheartedly!! (One of the many ways Tricia takes after her mother - she is extremely grateful and appreciative of any kindnesses shown to her.)

Who is Tricia Reardon?

Tricia is a loving mother and grandmother, a loyal daughter and sister, a wonderful friend and a fabulous nurse. She has worked at the Faulkner Hospital for the past 30 years. April 10, 1979 was the day she began her career on the old 5S which was then an orthopedic floor. From there, she moved into the Alcohol and Addiction Unit where she has been ever since. She has a special talent for this challenging position not only because of her strong competency as a nurse, but also for her unique compassion for her patients.

On a personal level, Tricia has always done what she could to support others in need. She has bought groceries for people when they have had financial difficulties and has welcomed people into her home when they had no where else to go. She has provided a motherly influence for the youth in her neighborhood, and is loved by her community. Tricia has a spirit about her that makes her easy to love. She is funny, kind, generous, and loving.

Tricia has three beautiful children, each of whom has personality traits similar to hers. Donny, 26 is Tricia's oldest child and very much like his mother in temperment. Calm and lovable, he is always willing to lend a hand. Laura, 23 is the middle child and is a strong person who has a kind heart and has overcome much adversity. She is currently going to school full-time while raising her daughter Aliyah who is 5. Brianne is Tricia's youngest and she is is 21. Brianne is sweet and funny like her mom and is working full-time to support her son, Jayden, who is 2. The girls and their children live with Tricia. Tricia helps them out as much as possible.

What can you do?

As you all know, Tricia is loved by many! She is a warm, kind and loving person who has done so many things for so many of us. Her kindnesses have come from her heart and she is always willing to help others.

As of today, Tricia is in the Brigham and Women's hospital.  If anyone wants to send a note or a card, her room is 718, in the Connors Building.