The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Trysh: ‘The show will be Great for us all’
As a former doctor, Trysh Doherty knows the various cancer symptoms to look out for. So when the mother of four felt something in her abdomen wasn’t quite right, she asked her doctor to take a look.
He didn’t feel anything amiss, but did blood tests and ordered an ultrasound just to be sure.
Unfortunately, Trysh’s suspicions were right and in April last year, she was diagnosed with high-grade stage four ovarian cancer.
The retired psychiatrist, from Aberdeen, said: “I have a gluten intolerance and have had four children, so I don’t have a flat stomach but I felt it was distended.
“The thing about ovarian cancer is it’s usually diagnosed late and it spreads very quickly.
“My abdomen wasn’t that distended, and it could have been put down to something else like the menopause.
“I presented when other people wouldn’t have thought there was a problem – even some of my doctor friends said they didn’t think they’d have gone to their GP when I did.”
By the time Trysh’s cancer was discovered, it had spread to the lining of her lungs, her diaphragm and bowel. She underwent radical surgery and chemotherapy, and is now on a maintenance drug.
The diagnosis came as a shock to her husband Gary
and children Luke, Amy, Sean and Sam, but Trysh believes it has brought them all closer. Last summer they enjoyed trips away between chemo sessions and together focus on living in the moment.
“I’ve been clear with them that this is not curable,” Trysh said.
“But we’ve lived with a lot of stress over the years and have learned to live in the moment and fix what you can.”
Trysh also hopes that by taking part in Courage on the Catwalk next weekend, she can put a positive spin on her experience and make lots of happy memories for her family and friends.
The 55-year-old is one of 24 women taking part in the annual Friends of ANCHOR fundraiser, and although she’s “terrified” she is looking forward to
the event at P&J Live in Aberdeen. “It’s an absolute privilege to be taking part in Courage,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything else like it in Britain.
“When you go through treatment, you feel fragile and tired but this has built me up again and I feel more like myself. That doesn’t mean I’m not terrified about stepping out in front of such a big crowd though, but I know there’s going to be a great party atmosphere.
“It’ll also be good for my children and my husband – it’s good memories and a positive experience for us all.”
She also hopes that by sharing her story, she can make others aware of the importance of paying attention to changes in their body.
She added: “Cancer isn’t always a lump or pain – it’s
maybe just a change in your body. If that change doesn’t come and go, get it checked.”
In between Courage rehearsals and social gettogethers, Trysh is delighted to be back at art classes and at the gym.
She also recently completed a 100km pilgrimage to Camino De Santiago with friends – who she says, have been showered her with love and support since her diagnosis.
“You just have to live your life, and let the doctors take care of your health,” she added.
“My outlook is not great but that drives my positivity – I keep busy with the things I love and just take each day as it comes.”
To support Trysh’s time on the catwalk, visit www. justgiving.com/page/ g a r y doherty-1710611468567