Our message is simple…

God SUSTAINS no matter what someone is going through.

*  He is faithful
*  He is trustworthy
*  He loves us without condition
*  He is worthy to be praised
*  He manifests His Presence in our midst
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Irene’s sister’s Carmen and Jane arrived Saturday afternoon and it wasn’t long before the three of them were dashing about the region on a shopping spree!!  Carmen and Jane spent last night at our house.  It’s a JOY to see how much they enjoy being together.  Carmen and Jane really breathe life into Irene.  Despite all she faces, Irene continues to exhibit the peace that passes all understanding which can only be explained by a vibrant and dynamic faith.
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God is PRESENT in our midst on this outrageous journey and we realize and experience His PEACE inside of each passing day.  We don’t know what the future holds but we know the One who holds the future.

Does this mean that the amyloid journey has been easy?  Obviously, not.  Without question, it’s the most difficult challenge we’ve ever faced.

Does this mean that we haven’t had moments of deep despair and discouragement?  Obviously, we have.  Without question, the pendulum of emotions swing as far as the east is from the west.  The ultimate issues of life and death have lead to brutally candid and heartfelt dialogue on topics that we would have never imagined in our wildest nightmares.

However, we rest and are comforted by God’s Word where he tells us that…

We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
Romans 8:37

We also see him “show up” every step of the way because He tells us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  His presence is in our midst because we gather in His Name.

And, we could not have done it alone.  We are blessed to have…

•  God’s ever abiding presence through the Holy Spirit
•  His Word that never changes
•  The community around us…such as the person reading this update

So, we don’t “land” in despair but we have HOPE in each day.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They

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According to Wikipedia…

A Cimino fistula, also Cimino-Brescia fistula and arteriovenous fistula, is a type of vascular access for hemodialysis. It is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein in the forearm.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimino_fistula

The procedure was invented by doctors Cimino and Brescia in 1966. Before the Cimino fistula was invented, access was through a Scribner shunt, which consisted of a Teflon tube with a needle at each end. Between treatments, the needles were left in place and the tube allowed blood flow to reduce clotting. But Scribner shunts lasted only a few days to weeks. Frustrated by this limitation, Dr. James Cimino recalled his days as a phlebotomist (blood drawer) at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital in the 1950s when Korean War veterans showed up with fistulas caused by trauma. Cimino recognized that these fistulas did not cause the patients harm and were easy places to get repeated blood samples. He convinced surgeon Kenneth Appel to create some in patients with chronic kidney failure and the result was a complete success. Scribner shunts were quickly replaced with Cimino fistulas, and 40 years later, they are still the most effective, longest-lasting method for long-term access to patients’ blood for dialysis.

June is shaping up to be a busy month at UCSF.

• Monday, June 2, 1 p.m., Fistula consultation with Dr. Charles Eichler

• Wednesday, June 11, 1.45 p.m., Fistula pre-op appointment

• Tuesday, June 17, 6 a.m., Fistula procedure

Since June 2 and June 11 are both morning dialysis days the afternoon UCSF appointments will make for a long day in San Francisco.

Irene does not want to stay overnight at UCSF (standard protocol) following the June 17 procedure.  She can avoid staying overnight if she’s the first scheduled procedure of the morning which is why she’s scheduled at 6 a.m.  She will be released late that evening barring any complications.  She has dialysis early the next morning!!! We plan to spend the previous Monday night lodging in San Francisco.

You’ll recall that this Fistula procedure is necessary to replace the Tesio dialysis port currently in her chest. 

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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Fandango’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This evening was a FIRST!  We joined my InterWest colleagues, Chuck and Nancy Coppage, at Fandango’s Restaurant in Pacific Grove, for dinner this evening!!  It was the first time we’ve ventured out to dinner with another couple on a dialysis day.  Irene really enjoyed the refreshing and upbeat conversation!!!  She arrived home very fatigued but joyful at this evening’s accomplishment.

We also made several appointments with UCSF in the coming weeks related to Irene’s upcoming “Fistula” procedure.  More on the specifics in tomorrow’s update.

We pray you have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day Holiday weekend!!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave

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