How do you spell EXHAUSTED?

According to dictionary.com, exhausted is…

• drained physically
• depleted of energy, force, or strength
• extremely tired

How do you spell FATIGUE?

According to dictionary.com, fatigue is …

• the decreased capacity or complete inability of an organism, an organ, or a part to function normally because of excessive stimulation or prolonged exertion
• physical or mental weariness

EXHAUSTION and FATIGUE have been the prevailing words defining Irene’s experience today.  Combine those realities with EXTREME NAUSEA and they’re a combination for a very challenging day.

After driving herself to and from dialysis she napped and rested, utterly wrung out.  Irene rests in the comfort of her favorite verse:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

…we wait with hopeful expectation of a new and better tomorrow.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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Irene soloed last Wednesday through Friday evening as I traveled to Washington DC for client meetings.  She did well, driving herself to and from dialysis treatment and keeping the house in order.

The highlight of her last few days was attending a luncheon at Monte Vista Christian School, http://www.mvcs.org, where Marsha Tarr, a dear friend, was celebrated for 30 years of faithful service as a science teacher.  Sue Martinez picked Irene up from dialysis treatment and took her to the event. Marsha taught both Jocelyn & JoAnna.  MVCS is a “city on a hill” and has been a significant place where Irene has enjoyed sweet fellowship, support and community with many wonderful people over the years.

The dialysis center is testing Irene again this weekend for kidney function and we should have results by mid week.  Her nausea prowls and chronic fatigue is a growing challenge.  However, Irene’s attitude and enthusiasm are inspiring. She regularly flashes her signature smile along the journey!!!

Thank you for your continued support.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

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Irene had what we would define as a fairly typical day, pre-illness, despite the nagging nausea which comes in capricious waves.  After briskly working in the yard this morning, she was able to get out for several hours and accomplish many tasks of the day.

However, we also remember that…

…. you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14

It’s amazing to realize that It was exactly one year ago, April 30, 2007, that Irene was hospitalized for the first time on this outrageous journey…

As we countdown to May 8, 2008, at UCSF, when the next amyloid blood value will be measured again, there is a sense of expectation, wonder and concern.  We’ll soon find out if the amyloid is increasing, decreasing or simply hovering in her bloodstream.  The results will determine the appropriate course of action, and, of course, we’re praying for a decrease and ultimate demise of the amyloid in the form of remission.

In the meantime, we endeavor to live life to its fullest each day, reminded that our life is merely a mist, however ordered of the Lord.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

*** The next update is scheduled for Sunday, May 4th

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