10 a.m…
X 7 hours yesterday, I’ve been at UCSF 24/7 since early Tuesday morning. Until that time, I had been spending about 16-18 hours a day on site… but the degree of concern for Irene’s symptoms were raised last Tuesday…
Irene has been experiencing internal bleeding. The nausea permits her from eating and/or allowing the stomach from absorbing any nutritional value She’s now on an IV with nutrients…
Tomorrow we should learn the results of a skin biopsy done to determine why her skin has drastically changed. Both of Irene’s eyes are still blurred…
Yet, through it all, although heavily sedated and very uncomfortable, because of large bone mass pain, Irene remains as gentle and sweet as always. She’s still more concerned about my comfort and others around her than she is her own self and the many challenges she faces… she’s incredibly strong and courageous…!!
Following the great FAITH chapter of Hebrews 11, the following is from Hebrews 12…
“1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Our eyes are on our Maker, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the one who gives us life and breath.
In the middle of last night I envisioned a “great cloud of witnesses”, like the person reading this update, cheering Irene on from the “stands” of life… You can be assured that Irene is “running with perserverence the race marked out for ‘her’…”
We consider Jesus, who scorned the shame of the cross…in order to not grow weary and lose heart. We remain faithful and hopeful, trusting our Infinite Creator for whatever outcome He may choose. Because He knows best.
I just learned this morning that UCSF has ordered a “sitter”… one who will remain in Irene’s room 24/7, and who is trained as a medical practicioner. This person should be on site by this evening. I will evaluate this service they have initiated and will determine what level of impact this may or may not have on my continued 24/7 stay at Irene’s side during this time… perhaps this is one way that I will be relieved to some extent. I am learning as the primary caregiver that 2-3 hours of sleep a day over what has now become a 7 week period of time probably isn’t sustainable…not even for me…!!!
Thank you, once again, for your friendship and support.
Steadily plodding and trying to pace myself,
Dave
Thank you for taking time to share with all of us. What gifts you all are to us. When God created family this is what He intended. Thank you for living your lives before us, setting this example, shining for Jesus in the midst of your suffering. We love you and are standing and believing. I know that He is ALL powerful. Believing, Mike and Cheryl Aubuchon
We are all praying that Irene will recover and that this week will be a turning point in her recovery. We pray that she will heal and that her pain in her bones will go away or at lessen each day. We also pray that the internal bleeding will stop, that her vision will return, and that the biopsy will be negative. This is such a difficult time, and it is important that you all take care of yourself–pacing is a good idea, but I know that it’s so hard for you not to be there with Irene–With ongoing love and prayers…