9 p.m. ….
The UCSF team has told us over and over again that if there was a critical path related to Irene’s medical treatment protocol, she’s the patient that took the radical departure …. on almost every occasion. If there was a prescribed medication noting that it “may cause side effects”, Irene was the patient that did, in fact, have those side effects!! Irene’s medical case is already being used over and over again in the UCSF Resident Program classroom.
The degree of complication related to her journey has baffled many and has been, at times, almost overwhelming. I say almost, because, in my humble opinion, Irene is a walking miracle …. today. We are seeing God at work and answering prayer. We haven’t seen her body completely healed of this disease, yet, but what we do see is that she has overcome significant obstacles and is making slow, but steady progress. Despite it all, she still maintains an amazing and positive attitude with the same gentle spirit.
Mount Everest in all its glory
For those who have followed the updates closely, you’re aware that I have often used the “Mount Everest” illustration. To briefly elaborate, I have stated that Irene, with very little cold weather clothing or equipment, had to take this journey to the top of the mountain. My job, and that of many others, especially the primary medical team, has been to set up base camp for her along the way and support her along the journey. Today I am willing to say that she has made it to the “Summit of Everest” and is now heading down the snowy, icy and dangerous mountain. It’s still a treacherous journey, with known and unknown risks along the way, but Irene is hopefully over the most difficult part of the trail.
Here is what we do know after the UCSF outpatient services exam today which also included seeing Dr. Lloyd Damon:
Irene has very high blood pressure but is on medication; it is not unusual for abnormal kidney function to cause high blood pressure
Chronic nausea is still an ongoing issue but hopefully it will
