June 6, 2015, 3.50 p.m.

This is the email that Irene received minutes ago from Dr. Lloyd Damon, her Oncologist at UCSF:

“Irene, good news, the MGUS protein has disappeared. Nothing for now to do”.

Here’s why that statement is so important: Blood Disorder MGUS Precedes Most Cases Of Multiple Myeloma

Emotions are riding HIGH, given the surreal, eight year, journey of faith that Irene continues to endure.  The recent presence of MGUS had triggered several tests for Multiple Myeloma, Leukemia and Lymphoma.

The Primary Amyloidosis remains in remission since her stem cell transplant on June 15, 2007.  The kidney transplant that she received at UCSF on December 29, 2013, remains healthy.  We are so grateful that she no longer faces kidney dialysis three days a week.  The LIFE-critical, anti-rejection / pro-acceptance medical protocols are functional.  Irene continues to defy all odds.  All Praise to God.

Thanks for caring.

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My last UPDATE was June 9, 2014 because I’ve been using Facebook as a means of “real time” updates.  However, since IreneDias.com has been refreshed, I will endeavor to update those closest to Irene here.  Our aspiration is to be brutally honest….sharing days of blissful victory and also those of anguishing challenge.  We cannot begin to express what it has meant for the last eight years to have a strong, caring and praying community surrounding Irene on this journey….which continues through today.  THANK YOU.  Even with the most recent good news at UCSF (no new cancer and the primary amyloidosis remains in remission), Irene still struggles on most days, challenged by chronic fatigue….combined with insomnia, with aches and pains too many to specify.  She remains determined to overcome and continues to defy the odds….her signature smile ever present, even on the most difficult of days.  UCSF is an amazing medical team…..both at the Oncology and Post-Kidney transplant level…….and beyond their ongoing treatment, it’s been Irene’s Faith, Family & Friends which have been the defining difference on this journey.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

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