In Memoriam
Trina passed away at 9:47PM September 8, 2008.
Memorial Video
Trina - March 9, 1968 - September 8, 2008
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A Portrait of Trina is available here.
Memorial Service was held Saturday, September 13, 2008 7:30pm
New Temple Grove Ministries
3972 South Military Highway
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
Map
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Update
On Approximately July 26, 2008 Trina was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was quickly admitted to the Oncology ward at MCV in Richmond, Virginia to undergo a rigorous chemo-therapy regimen. Efforts to raise funds for Trina's treatments and everyday living expenses has to date amassed only $3,000.00. This would cover normal expenses for less than one month.
About Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer that originates in the bone marrow, the soft, spongy inner portion of certain bones, and in which the malignant cells are white blood cells (leukocytes). Acute myelogenous leukemia is a malignancy that arises in either granulocytes or monocytes which are white blood cells that battle infectious agents throughout the body.
Causes of Leukemia
Although the exact cause of AML is unknown, exposure to benzene and cigarettes smoking are linked to the disease. AML occurs in all ages but more often in older adults. With more than 10,000 new leukemia cases diagnosed annually, AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
About Trina
My Name is Trina Dortch. A resident of Chesapeake, I am a 40 year old mother of 3 and grandmother of 4. In the summer of 2001 I was taken out of work due to a blood disorder. Initially diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, I began receiving treatments that ultimately had no effect and my condition continued to worsen. In 2004 I was accurately diagnosed with Myelodysplasia. I receive a series of chemo shots in my thighs, 5 per day for 5 days with a 3-4 week break in between. This disorder requires ongoing chemotherapy, blood transfusions and numerous bone marrow biopsies until I can receive a bone marrow transplant.
Coping with Cancer and Leukemia
The diagnosis of leukemia often provokes a profound emotional response in the patient, family members, and friends. Denial, depression, a feeling of hopelessness, stress, and fear are normal and usual reactions. No single response is either expected or unexpected and coping with anxiety is not easy.
A lack of understanding of what's in store, the unknown, and what's next should be met by thoughtful, straightforward, and frequent discussions between physician, nurse, patient and family. An inability to work, tend to business affairs, care for one's family, and interact with friends in the usual manner, all contribute to emotional distress. Thorough explanations, including the prospects for leukemia remission and the plans for cancer treatment help in coping with cancer and may bring emotional relief as the patient focuses on the treatment ahead and the prospect of cancer recovery and remission.
Family members or loved ones may have questions about chemotherapy and alternative methods of cancer treatment. It is best to speak directly with physicians regarding specific medical questions. Family members or loved ones should discuss any problems or reactions they may have.
Nurses and other health professionals understand the complexity of emotions and special ongoing needs of those living with leukemia. They also will spend much time with patients, become their confidants, and can be very helpful in their emotional support in coping with cancer.