Around 6 p.m. Irene started passing significant levels of blood and doctors were puzzled in terms of its source. Her blood pressure dropped considerably so they moved her into the ICU unit stat. Gastro specialists were called in. About 12.30 a.m. this morning it was determined that a scope/camera should be inserted through her mouth into her stomach. As they were doing so, I was outside in the hallway. I heard a CODE BLUE 823 called out several times over the intercom and recognized the room as Irene’s. As I entered the unit there were probably 15-20 people in her room tending to Irene and stabilizing her. Once they did so, a 1.5 hour procedure took place where they located Amyloid substance in her stomach. Most of her stomach was “oozing” blood.
Frankly, it was one of the most terrifying evenings of my life…
After a 2.5 hour nap, I called the girls and they joined me at Irene’s side today. They had stopped the blood thinner, added 4 units of blood and she had a machine helping her breathe. It was an intense morning…
By the grace of God, she seems to be responding and doing much better, despite the HUGE scare last night!!
She had 3 hours of stem cell collections today and the plan is to delay chemo for at least a week to stabilize her blood and strengthen her body.
Our friend, Janette Bruffey, has volunteered to coordinate the blood donor process. She will work closely with Bridget at UCSF. Please visit the blood donation section by clicking on the “Donate Blood for Irene” link in the right-hand sidebar. Janette traveled to UCSF today and has already donated 1 unit of blood! Thanks Janette!!!!
We also had a visit and prayer time with Pastor Dave and Laura Gschwend.
God is faithful… what a journey we’re on and we can’t thank you enough!!!
The photo was taken this morning when Irene was heavily sedated and gestured for me to take a photo of the girls. You’ll notice that her eyes are closed and she is definitely “hooked up” in the ICU unit…
The medical
