Author Archive for: DaveDias

9 p.m.

About 2 months ago Irene and I discussed a weekend “getaway”…for some R&R from the routine. We have always enjoyed Scottsdale, Arizona and I was able to make arrangements at one of my client’s properties, the Scottsdale Resort.

Friday’s dialysis for Irene went extremely well. Because it did, we were able to execute on the plan……….

Last Friday evening after Irene’s dialysis we took a flight from San Jose to Phoenix and enjoyed a great time in the greater Scottsdale area. We had dinner at Los Olivos in Old Town Scottsdale, one of our favorite restaurants in the area where Irene’s mom actually had a job prior to Irene even being born. Our activities included visiting the cemetery where Irene’s father is buried and having lunch with Aunt Carol Moorehead, who lives in Sun City West and was married to the late Bill Moorehead, my mom’s brother.

It was a relaxing weekend and a good diversion from the last couple of weeks of health challenges.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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Department Head and Oncologist, Dr. Lloyd Damon & Irene are all smiles as we met early this morning @ UCSF where he examined her and took a battery of her quarterly blood tests.  He’s been overseeing her care since the stem cell transplant in 2007.  It takes about a week to receive results related to the status of the Primary Amyloidosis.  We’ll report the findings as soon as we get them.

Irene also met with her vascular surgeon, Dr. Charles Eichler, related to the ongoing fistula ordeal.  After his examination, his recommendation is for Irene to see if she can muscle through the right forearm pain during dialysis using heat.  He’s hesitant for more aggressive treatment options at this time.  All of us are hopeful that the pain will subside.

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8 p.m.

Thanks for checking in.

The dialysis center used 2 NEW entry points for Irene’s dialysis treatment today, trying to isolate the fistula region so that Irene’s pain is minimized.  Success was achieved today in that Irene made it through the 3 hour session but it was not without some pain….thankfully such that she could endure it.

ONE more dialysis day on Wednesday before the follow-up at UCSF with vascular surgeon Dr. Charles Eichler on Thursday….and also her “routine” amyloidosis appointment with Dr. Lloyd Damon.

Irene’s tustling through another embattled evening of nausea and fatigue.  Her heart rate skyrockets when she over “walks”…causing her to stop and take a breath….just to slow down the heart rate.

The surreal journey continues…and Irene’s still sharing her signature smile.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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