7.30 p.m.

Irene left the house by 6.30 am for kidney dialysis. “Hand-warmers” were continuously used throughout the treatment in order to reduce chronic pain but she was able to persevere through most of the session. Technicians used yet another entry point today; she’s had 4 new needle entry points in the last week alone. Her arm looks like a pin cushion.

This afternoon we drove to San Francisco where Irene met with her UCSF vascular surgeon, Dr. Charles Eichler. After examination he recommended that she undergo another angiogram which is now scheduled for Thursday morning. The first time she had this procedure (July, 2011) it led to a 2 night, 3 day UCSF hospitalization.

So, she’s got the “day off” tomorrow, then dialysis on Wednesday which hopefully she’ll endure without too much pain. We will leave the house by 5 am Thursday morning, driving to UCSF for pre-op and angiogram. Hopefully this surgical procedure will mitigate the “stealing” sensation in her right arm and source of horrendous pain during dialysis. It’s unknown at this time how long she’ll be at UCSF.

This evening Irene reflected on Joni Eareckson Tada’s personally autographed DEVO to Irene, Pearls of Great Price, which Irene’s been reading consecutively for three years.

February 27

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” — Psalm 63:7

Joni continues in the DEVO by sharing the lyrics from this old Gospel song:

Under His wings I am safely abiding,
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me, and I am His Child.
Under His Wings, under His Wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

Irene and I celebrate our 32 wedding anniversary this Thursday, March 1st. It will definitely be an anniversary to remember!

Thanks for caring,
Dave