The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-14

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1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Following a good Monday of consultation at UCSF, Irene experienced a rough night.  The nausea “manifested” itself in the early morning hours and she was uncomfortable through most of the hours of darkness.  After resting most of today her diminished energy began to return and she was able to meander through some productive activities.  Her congestion and cough continues to linger.  I am amazed at the way that she patiently endures it all.

There is a time for everything …. we hope and pray that the sustained season of nausea and its accompanying side effects will be done and over with …. forever!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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Storms with cyclones create chaos, damage and report wind speeds greater than 115 mph and we’re all aware that tornados can cause catastrophic damage.

Living with the disruption of Primary Amyloidosis is sometimes akin to being in the midst of a fierce cyclone or brutish tornado.

There’s distraction from living an orderly and focused life that enjoys rhythm and momentum
There’s an emotional pendulum because of the ongoing uncertainty
There’s obvious physical commotion, pain and discomfort
There’s confusion at times from the complexity, various people and processes encountered along the way

Sound like the squall of adversity?  It’s definitely a tumultuous journey.

However, it’s reported that the EYE of the STORM is very unlike the swirling activity because in the EYE there is very little wind and rain.  Most cyclones and tornados have a very CLEAR, CALM CENTER.

…. and that’s our challenge …. to live everyday with a clear, calm center, in the EYE of the STORM.

But is it even possible or merely a pipe dream?
…. and if it is possible, HOW does one live in the eye?

After the early morning dialysis treatment we drove to UCSF and enjoyed a 90 minute, very productive consultation with Dr. Stephen Gluck.

Here is the “net-net”:

There is “marginal” kidney function improvement, but not nearly enough to consider dialysis less than three days a week
We will return to UCSF next Tuesday, December 11, in order to meet with a vascular surgeon who will conduct vein mapping in preparation for a permanent access port in Irene’s arm.  A special type of access, called an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, is placed surgically, in her arm.  Basically it involves joining an artery and a vein together.
Irene’s phosphorous level is extremely high;  we discussed several strategies and medication adjustments and/or additions to mitigate the risks inherent with a high level in her system
Because she weighed in at 103 pounds, he wants her to gain weight
In the next 60-90 days, we will explore the notion of Irene potentially transitioning to hemodialysis from home
The amyloid blood sample was drawn and we hope to get results on December 17 when we see Dr. Damon
Dr. Gluck will be sending Dr. Kumar

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