We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Romans 8:18, 22-30

We live in a fallen world but long for a perfect one. Even creation has been groaning since the fall of man.  Why would we think otherwise?  The reality is that LIFE IS A STRUGGLE.

When a significant challenge suddenly arises in our life, have you ever asked yourself WHY?  The contrarian question]]>

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.  Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Romans 8:18, 22-30

We live in a fallen world but long for a perfect one. Even creation has been groaning since the fall of man.  Why would we think otherwise?  The reality is that LIFE IS A STRUGGLE.

When a significant challenge suddenly arises in our life, have you ever asked yourself WHY?  The contrarian question is this: do we ask ourselves the same WHY question when something GREAT occurs in our life?  Our bodies groan inwardly (and sometimes outwardly) because they long for redemption….redemption in light of eternity.

Despite chronic fatigue….even with a new kidney, Irene takes on each day with disciplined rigor….consuming plenty of pro-acceptance (….or, anti-rejection) meds.  She may be running errands, shopping, gardening, addressing tasks around the house, investing time with Vincent (7 year old grandson), or attending a friend’s wedding, she’s “taking no prisoners” as she methodically and courageously confronts each day.  After all, the 24/7 nausea that plagued her for 7 years is GONE; the accompanying 3 day a week dialysis: HISTORY.  The Primary Amyloidosis remains: in REMISSION.  By 3 pm she transitions to a resting time which lasts through the evening and she looks back on the earlier part of the day with joy because she’s lived life to the fullest……despite its limitations and groans.

Anyone who sees her can hardly believe she’s had or still has any physical or health challenge….…at all.  Her signature smile is apparent to all who see and know her.

Irene is turning 7 years old on June 15, 2014….celebrating her 7th STEM CELL TRANSPLANT “birthday”…..what a ride it’s been and still is…..thanks to UCSF and all praise to God for His miraculous intervention and sustenance.

In light of eternity, Irene is living beyond the groans and considers “that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Thanks for caring.

Dave

Early this morning, Irene’s sisters Carmen & Jane drove her to UCSF for her kidney transplant team visit.  The session went well.  Irene’s lab work is extraordinary. They call her an excellent patient because of her diligence related to diligently adhering to medication protocol.  Her next visit: 6 weeks from now.  It was a very positive day.

Her challenge is lack of ENERGY….although she’s making slow & steady progress each day.

Thanks for caring…it’s a “YAY GOD” day…..!!!!

Dave

Irene’s arm and kidney dialysis needle entry point wounds are very much improved since her last treatment at UCSF on December 29, 2013.  Irene’s blood labs each week remain strong; the nausea is being held at bay….at least for the most part, and the “pro-acceptance” drug protocol has given Irene HOPE for the future.  She’s slowly gaining strength and has about 4 hours of good energy each day before transitioning and resigning to R&R….

She’s seeing a physical therapist for the soft tissue injuries in her neck region resulting from the recent rear end traffic accident.

Her attitude is buoyant…..and she is grateful for the many expressions of outreach expressed on her behalf.

“….by his wounds we are healed…” – Is 53:5b

Thanks for caring,

Dave

The anti-rejection meds ….

…. and 22 year old female kidney in her body, far outweigh the 24/7 nausea/3 day a week kidney dialysis she’s courageously faced.  Hopefully, a new season of HOPE is unfolding ….

THANKS …. for caring, Dave

Those were the three protocols which defined Irene’s day following the rear end accident yesterday.  Test results should follow in the coming days.

@ O’Dark Thirty tomorrow, March 20, we’re driving to San Francisco where Irene sees Dr. Lloyd Damon, her oncologist, @ UCSF for an examination and Primary Amyloidosis lab work.

@ O’Dark Thirty next Monday, March 24, we’re again driving to San Francisco where Irene visits her KIDNEY transplant team @ UCSF.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

Irene was stopped at a traffic signal in Capitola today when a car rear-ended her.  Providentially, I was within 5 miles and at the scene within 10 minutes.  Local police took a report, the other driver admitted fault and Irene is recovering this evening. The other driver told Irene and police that he was distracted, looking at his fingernails, when he ran into her.

Irene will be examined by her primary care physician tomorrow.

Thanks …. for caring,

Dave

Irene’s slowly getting stronger by the day.  This afternoon we took a stroll through Wilder Ranch.

Her sleeping patterns and energy are still very inconsistent; she feels tired quite a bit of the time…even when waking up in the morning….feeling like she hasn’t slept much through the night.  However, there is NO comparison to the 24/7 NAUSEA and 3 day a week regiment of dialysis for the last 6 ½ years.  She is forever grateful and optimistic about the future.  She sends a virtual HUG to all that have reached out during this transition and season of recovery.

She’s due back @ UCSF in 2 weeks for more lab tests and still conducting bi-weekly tests locally which are overnighted to UCSF.  UCSF closely monitors her progress and are pleased with how she’s doing.

She continues to wage war against Primary Amyloidosis which is and continues to shrink into submission and remission…and has done so since her stem cell transplant in June, 2007.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

Today, Irene walked down the hill from our house to the U.S. Post Office today (about a 7 minute walk) then UP THE HILL in about the same timeframe.  It was the most rigorous activity to date and she did it without burden.  It was NOT an uphill battle…!

Irene’s lab work continues to be very good; her energy is growing daily.  Her sleep patterns are inconsistent but she rests throughout the day as she makes the seismic shift to this new season of life.  She returns to UCSF for an outpatient visit next week.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

I’ve always resonated with that quote and believe it can be directly applied to Irene’s journey.  Her real enemy, since 2007, is the ruthless & merciless, Primary Amyloidosis.  To date, she has defied the odds and conquered that incurable, relentless disease……not letting anything stand in her way….including a 24/7 bed of suffering, unyielding nausea and ruthless kidney dialysis treatment which only recently has been relieved by the kidney transplant.  YAY….!

A remarkable number of resources have rallied in support of this tenacious fight….an amazing UCSF Medical Team, innumerable family & friends……and a buoyant, ever present faith.  Her signature smile has become familiar to tens of thousands who continuously cheer her on.  And, although the enemy is currently in remission, Irene lives with the reality that it may someday return.  She’s also acutely aware that the new kidney organ may reject.  She’s determined to overcome, however, adjusting to the new routine of anti-rejection meds and fatigue that accompanies kidney transplant recovery.

We judge Irene by her inexorable courage, poise, cheerfulness, stamina and grace…..delightfully delivered to all who encounter her….she is deeply grateful for the entourage of continued support.

“You are judged by the strength of your enemy”

Thanks for caring,

Dave