Author Archive for: DaveDias

8.30 p.m.

Thanks for checking in. I uploaded several PICS from the SF 49ers/St. Louis Rams football game yesterday. It was a great time and Irene enjoyed herself. However, once again, the photos don’t tell the whole story.

Late Friday afternoon I received an urgent call from the dialysis unit requesting my presence; Irene had an episode where her blood pressure dropped to dangerously low levels and they were on the once inch line of calling an ambulance to transport her to the nearest hospital. Ultimately, she rebounded and had a dialysis make up day on Saturday…

She’s home this evening wrestling with the emotional and physical drama of a long, drawn out battle. The nausea is raging and she’s having one of those uncomfortable evenings…again. However, if her pattern holds true, she’lll bounce back tomorrow and no one who sees her will have any idea of the trauma that she faces 24/7.

It’s definitely surreal…..despite her incredible strength and endurance…at all levels…and by any standard.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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8.30 p.m.

Irene had two great appointments today as planned…

Dr. Lloyd Damon, Irene’s Oncologist, is extremely optimistic that Irene’s Primary Amyloidosis remaining in remission based upon lab work; it’s always a few days following the visit when we get the “final final” in terms of the Kappa Light Chain, but he remains confident that all is going well…!

Dr. Charles Eichler, her Vascular Surgeon, was optimistic as well, persuaded that the dialysis port (Fistula) is functioning well with intermitent pain as opposed to chronic.

Irene’s nausea remained “at bay” today and was managed well. She’s back on the machine tomorrow which is when the nausea tends to ROAR following the session.

Irene’s bouyant and signature smile permeated UCSF today…gee, what a surprise. (Photo on Facebook). She is definitely…amazing.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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8 p.m.

Thanks for checking in. We’ll be up at O’Dark Thirty tomorrow in order to arrive at UCSF in time for Irene’s first appointment @ 8 a.m. She’s scheduled to meet with Dr. Lloy Damon, her Oncologist, and Dr. Charles Eichler, her Vascular surgeon. It will be a full day on top of her usual recovery this evening…especially with such an early start tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in…and for caring,
Dave

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