“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” —Sir Winston Churchill, Speech in November 1942

I can hardly believe that it’s been 10 years since that horrific day on September 11, 2001.  Our homeland, the United State of America soil, was savagely attacked by ruthless terrorists determined to destroy the founding father’s vision of FREEDOM…the driving PRINCIPAL for which every thinking American aspires.

As we commemorate the HEROIC efforts on 911 we will NEVER FORGET those who gave of their lives to save lives.

I am quickly reminded about how fleeting life can be as Irene “fights the good fight” of faith on an enduring bed of suffering.  Her signature smile, joyful and buoyant spirit, faith, poise and tender persona, will be her legacy forever.  For she daily teaches all of us how to LIVE ABOVE her adverse CIRCUMSTANCES, determined to overcome in every way on this arduous journey.

Irene models Churchill’s words in her personal life, that “…this is not the end.  It is not even the beginning of the end.  But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

Perhaps it is the “end of the beginning” along the marathon of life…that which begins on this earth and continues into eternity with an anchor bound faith and trust in Him who gives us life.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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Today Irene received a 4/55 Birthday well wish from the UCSF Blood Center Staff which was signed by all of their members…!!!  It was inspiring to receive and moved Irene to tears.  We’re so grateful for all that UCSF represents…the giving of their lives to save lives.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

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We learned today from Dr. Charles Eichler @ UCSF that he used a cadaver artery/vein for the fistula revision surgery three weeks ago.  This was new learning and explains why the surgical procedure took 2.5+ hours.  This was our first interaction together with Dr. Eichler since the surgery was performed.  Today the sutures were removed.  The fistula revision is performing its job at dialysis because the “stealing” has stopped but Irene’s thumb has lingering numbness which we hope dissipates over time.  She returns to UCSF for an Ultra Sound test on October 27.

Irene will also return to UCSF on October 6 in the Oncology Ward @ UCSF to see Dr. Damon for her quarterly Primary Amyloidosis test.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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