Author Archive for: DaveDias

3.30 pm

Following the exhilaration of the surgery success is a SETBACK today at the dialysis center.

Irene came home EARLY after significant PAIN began about 2 hours into the treatment. The issue stems from the originating needle entry points where it took more than 10 minutes of “probing” in order to secure the right needle location in her arm. Needless to say, 2 hours later she was in such horrendous pain that she terminated further treatment. She’s home…resting…….you can only imagine how emotionallly challenging it’s been.

She will endeavor to make up the time on Wednesday.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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7.30 pm

Irene is sleeping off the last couple of marathon days. She’s nauseated but incredibly relieved to be home, knowing that the dialysis was PAINLESS today…the goal of the UCSF trip fully realized.

We’re so GRATEFUL to the entire UCSF team…they’re literally the hands, ears, feet of God’s miraculous intervention…giving of their lives to save lives. They’re smart, caring and the positive attitude and culture that envelopes the entire UCSF culture is encouraging…and inspiring. Dr. Stephen Gluck, who oversaw Irene’s RENAL care in 2007, made a special visit to her today while she was in dialysis. I briefly ran into Dr. Russ Cucina on the elevator, who was also on the front line in 2007. I was flabergasted when he remembered me and called me by first name. Irene was also graced to see the same RN in the dialysis center today, Beth, and I took a quick photo of them together and uploaded it to Facebook. Everyone, from the receptionist to the Pre-Op and Post-Op team, were amazing…as has been our experience for 5 years. Dr. Charles Eichler, who lead the surgical team for the angiogram/angio-plasty procedure yesterday, is one of the most brilliant minds we’ve met…and his caring attitude spills over into the CARE that he and the entire UCSF team employed over Irene.

Irene’s scheduled for a follow-up with Dr. Eichler on March 15, the same day we’re scheduled to see Dr. Lloyd Damon, whose been overseeing Irene’s AMYLOIDOSIS since 2007. Dr. Eicher is satisfied with the angio procedure yesterday but also shared that Irene’s vein constriction will have to be monitored frequently and that the procedure may have to be repeated in the future.

My fundamental belief is this…that many times God will manifest Himself through people, using their skills and gifting to serve others.

We’re ETERNALLY grateful for the MANY, MANY expressions of care, prayer and concerns expressed to Irene during this skirmish. For that, we say THANK YOU!!!

Victoria McCharen prepared a wonderful soup and crackers for our dinner this evening…just one more of God’s ANGELS posing as a human being…

Stay tuned, thanks for caring…and know that we care…for

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5 p.m.

Irene made it through the three hour dialysis session but not without challenge…utilizing both heat and ice to relieve the unyielding discomfort in her right arm. She endured the challenge with bouyant determination.

She’s “dialyzed” this evening with all of the jazz that normally accompanies the journey….the usual suspects that make her feel like she’s been run over by an 18 wheeler.

…up and on the road early tomorrow morning…

Stay tuned and thanks for caring,
Dave

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