Hi Irene, Dave & girls,
We see your picture posted on our computer and we think of you all, everyday, multiple times each day. We rejoice in your victories and we hurt when we see you hurting. May God bless you as you take one day at a time, trusting Him each step of the way. We just want you to know how much we love you guys.
The Schmidt Family
7.00 p.m…
Irene was hospitalized on April 30th after a VERY WEIRD month when she was experiencing LOTS of mysterious symptoms which were ultimately identified as “Nephrotic Syndrome” and which lead to the diagnosis of Primary Amyloidosis. Life went into in EMERGENCY mode until things settled down enough for her to be discharged on July 20th.
We’ve moved from EMERGENCY mode to a TRANSITIONAL stage where we’re trying to figure out what the next part of this journey will look like. We know it will be a very long and circuitous route. Irene needs some level of home support, but not 24/7 assistance. Dialysis is ongoing and trips to UCSF are frequent. I need to work full time. We hope to define a new “routine”. As we contemplate the future, we face a lot of unknown issues, as well as yet to be realized circumstances.
…But wait a minute…!!!!!
Yes, Irene has a rare and incurable bone marrow disease. Yes, she had a stem cell transplant with LOTS of complexity and was in the hospital for 12 weeks. Yes, our lives have been forever altered and will be very different in the days ahead. But no one knows what tomorrow holds…in fact, none of us know what is going to face us in the hours ahead of today.
So, despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, we move forward…by faith and not by sight. We can’t see the future, but we know that HE does. One of Jesus’ most penetrating questions, when he talks of his second coming is, “will I find FAITH on earth?” He longs for obedient and faithful hearts completely surrendered to him. …and that’s what we endeavor to be.
Irene had dialysis treatment this morning and rested most of the afternoon. We also learned that the test results are in. Irene’s kidneys are not “waking up” to the degree that will allow two days a week of treatment rather than three. So, three days a week it is…every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, until further notice.
Although somewhat nauseous, she was able to hold down a light lunch and dinner. She even exercised her
How wonderful it is to know that God does hear and answer prayer! We have been out of touch for several weeks, but we rejoice in hearing about God’s faithfulness and of His loving care for both of you, Irene and Dave.
In spite of the depths of suffering and pain, of doubt and uncertainty, of crisis and turmoil, you both have been a marvelous witness to the provisions and presence of a wonderful, loving Heavenly Father. You have been a blessing to all of us who have watched and prayed for you.
May God continue to provide healing and strength, Irene, and encouragement to both of you, and to your girls.
Remember, “there hath not failed one word of all His good promises” —I Kings 8:56
You are in our love and prayers,
Dave and Becky Le Shana
“Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23
