Author Archive for: DaveDias

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Irene’s had a rough day of intense nausea and fatigue brought on by a new diuretic.  She was instructed to use the diuretic on non dialysis days.  The side effects include dizziness, nausea and fatigue…YUK…!!!  She’s determined to terminate the use of this new prescription…at least for the time being.  All it’s done to date is exasperate her existing challenges…!!!

The beloved Psalm 23 has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for many through the ages.  The verse which is really compelling during this season is this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Why so, you ask?  It’s because we’re endeavoring to move BEYOND “the shadow of death”.  We’re reflecting upon God’s faithfulness, the true nature of Irene’s suffering and persevering spirit, and identifying the most significant life lessons that we’ve learned on this journey.  Perhaps those lessons learned in her darkest hours could be published in our next book…       

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5

Our UCSF appointment with Dr. Damon went well.  They drew Irene’s blood and the AMYLOID test results will be reported late next week.  Dr. Damon is confident that the amyloid remains in remission and is hopeful that Irene will be the recipient of a kidney transplant soon to improve her quality of her life.

Here’s the most encouraging news of all:  Dr. Damon declared, based upon his experience and observations, that there’s a possibility of Irene’s life expectancy reaching up to 10 years from the stem cell transplant date.  Wow ….!!!

My comment to Irene on the surreal ride home was this: “You’ve beaten the AMYLOID into submission.”  Of course, we know that God has been gracious, and if anyone has done the beating, it’s been the Lord on Irene’s behalf.  For this development, we REJOICE and God gets the glory for all that HE has done ….!!!

THANK YOU for your continued intercessory prayer on Irene’s Journey of Faith ….!!!

After the UCSF appointment we met with our friend and legal counsel, Wayne Allen, of BuchalterNemer, photographed above.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:6

Thanks for caring,

Dave

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