As GREAT as Irene did over the Christmas holiday, today has been incredibly DIFFICULT.  Her dialysis routine has changed because of the holidays; today is a recovery day…tomorrow she’s back @ dialysis.  Today’s been RUGGED; unyielding nausea, arm pain, chronic fatigue & emotionally challenging.  All I can do is be silently present and serve her needs.

Thanks for praying…and caring,

Dave

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Irene’s recovering from dialysis treatment she received earlier today; a holiday schedule change moved this week’s dialysis treatments to Sunday/Tuesday/Friday instead of the usual Monday / Wednesday / Friday routine.  She didn’t experience arm discomfort during today’s session which is a praise but is battling the chronic NAUSEA which I often describe metaphorically as “surf of the sea”………the surf may be up or the surf may be down but the surf is ever present.

Following the stem cell transplant in 2007, Irene, in signature fashion and with a smile, has been successfully surfing the waves of 24/7 nausea which accompanies dialysis treatment.  For perspective, that’s more than SIX years of 24/7 nausea.  Amazingly, she defies the odds, overcoming the dreadful and incurable Primary Amyloidosis which has long plagued her and which has been beaten into remission by the grace of God and a poised, persevering spirit.  She is truly inspiring.

We’re grateful this Thanksgiving Holiday for a robust FAITH that brings context to all matters, a loving FAMILY, and authentic FRIENDS.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL…and thanks for caring,

Dave

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@ UCSF today, Irene saw her oncologist, (pic with Dr. Lloyd Damon) who has been treating her Primary Amyloidosis since 2007.  There is no indication that the amyloid has returned though final blood test results won’t be known for about a week.

Irene also saw her vascular surgeon, Dr. Charles Eichler, after a sonogram was completed on her right arm fistula region.  To date, the pain she experiences is a mystery with no known mitigation strategy.

Irene’s buoyancy and determination are awe inspiring given her daily challenges.  From her signature smile no one would ever guess she experiences 24/7 nausea.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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