My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.  His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-47, 49-50

When Irene was getting her blood drawn this morning @ UCSF the attending nurse complimented Irene’s jewelry.  Irene quickly responded …. ”I may have a disease but it doesn’t have me ….!!!!!!!”

Dr. Damon’s Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator, Bridget Mazzini, warmly greeted Irene this morning @ UCSF.  Bridget, encouraged by Irene’s progress, shared with Irene that UCSF “gets about a miracle every three years…and you’re one of them.”  Bridget further explained that the degree of complexity and severity surrounding Irene’s condition (internal bleeding, etc…) in June of 2007 created a provocative conversation among the medical team about whether or not she would make it through the chemotherapy and stem cell transplant process.  It was an emotional moment for Irene to reflect on that perception.

We call the UCSF medical team “The Dream Team”.  Pictured above is Dr. Ai, who regularly attended Irene during the stem cell transplant process.  Dr. Ai shares Bridget’s sentiments and is obviously very encouraged by Irene’s progress.

We’re forever grateful for Dr. Wei Ai, Dr. Stephen Gluck, Dr. Lloyd Damon, Dr. Russ Cucina, Dr. Lawrence Kaplan, Dr. Catherine Smith and Dr. Rachel Fogarty, and many other UCSF doctors who were personally concerned for Irene’s welfare along the journey.  We’re also deeply grateful for the nursing team and the many other supporting and unnamed HERO’S at UCSF who quietly serve 24/7.

UCSF Medical Center is a “city on a hill” and a beacon of light to the world.  Those many who work there are giving of their lives to save lives.

The photo above shows Irene’s stitches being removed from the Cimino Fistula procedure.  You’ll note that there are TWO surgical wounds.  The wrist wound is where Dr. Eichler first attempted to surgically create the fistula and discovered that the veins in that region would not support the effort.  The fistula procedure was ultimately completed in the middle portion of Irene’s

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I am filled with comfort.  I am overflowing with joy in all my affliction.
2 Corinthians 7:4

Irene has this verse written on a 3X5 card and she regularly recites it.

We have an appointment on Thursday @ UCSF with Dr. Lloyd Damon, Irene’s stem cell transplant doctor.  We hope that the stitches from the Cimino Fistula procedure will also be removed.  We’ll give a full report following the consultation.

In the meantime, Irene continues to focus on living each day to its fullest.  She is filled with comfort and overflowing with joy in all of her affliction…and still has a smile on her face.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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I was able to attend the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Sacramento today.  Our good friend, Mark Joseph (www.mjmgroup.com and www.markjoseph.com), was the plenary speaker.  He delivered a stirring and inspiring message.

Mark & Kara Joseph with Assembly Member Chuck Devore & Senator Jack Scott

Assembly Member Chuck Devore’s wife, Diane, a cancer survivor, pictured with daughters Amy and Jennie.  Diane was deeply moved after learning of Irene’s plight.

Shirley & Ken Churchill with Kara & Mark Joseph

Don & Charmaine Thomas; You’ll recall that Don was responsible for introducing us to UCSF CEO, Mark Laret and largely responsible for getting Irene admitted to UCSF.  He is forever our hero.

Irene’s fistula surgical wounds continue to heal very well and we hope the stitches will be removed @ UCSF on Thursday when we see Doctor Damon.  Her dialysis treatment yesterday was cut short due to early warning signs of cramping but she’s had two very good days.  The nausea remains at a low roar.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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