Around 6 p.m. Irene started passing significant levels of blood and doctors were puzzled in terms of its source. Her blood pressure dropped considerably so they moved her into the ICU unit stat. Gastro specialists were called in. About 12.30 a.m. this morning it was determined that a scope/camera should be inserted through her mouth into her stomach. As they were doing so, I was outside in the hallway. I heard a CODE BLUE 823 called out several times over the intercom and recognized the room as Irene’s. As I entered the unit there were probably 15-20 people in her room tending to Irene and stabilizing her. Once they did so, a 1.5 hour procedure took place where they located Amyloid substance in her stomach. Most of her stomach was “oozing” blood.
Frankly, it was one of the most terrifying evenings of my life…
After a 2.5 hour nap, I called the girls and they joined me at Irene’s side today. They had stopped the blood thinner, added 4 units of blood and she had a machine helping her breathe. It was an intense morning…
By the grace of God, she seems to be responding and doing much better, despite the HUGE scare last night!!
She had 3 hours of stem cell collections today and the plan is to delay chemo for at least a week to stabilize her blood and strengthen her body.
Our friend, Janette Bruffey, has volunteered to coordinate the blood donor process. She will work closely with Bridget at UCSF. Please visit the blood donation section by clicking on the “Donate Blood for Irene” link in the right-hand sidebar. Janette traveled to UCSF today and has already donated 1 unit of blood! Thanks Janette!!!!
We also had a visit and prayer time with Pastor Dave and Laura Gschwend.
God is faithful… what a journey we’re on and we can’t thank you enough!!!
The photo was taken this morning when Irene was heavily sedated and gestured for me to take a photo of the girls. You’ll notice that her eyes are closed and she is definitely “hooked up” in the ICU unit…
The medical team at UCSF once again… is nothing short of FANTASTIC!!!! Wow… we have really grown to love them…
By faith,
Dave
Gal 2.20
Dave,
Thanks for the update. We continue to PRAY.
I must have heard this song five times on KLOVE today and each time my thoughts turned to your family. I have listed the words below. It really is our hearts cry for you!
God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in
I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You
God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me
‘Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
‘Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now
Trusting in Him,
John and Karen
My heart was heavy for all of you this morning and then I read these verses…“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me???“Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will honor me”.
Love and a hug for you dear friends, Phyllis
Our Friday morning group (that you were instrumental in getting started, Dave) is remembering you in prayer, and we send our love. You both have been great examples and friends, and your faithfulness to keep trusting Him through this is an on-going testimony to His work in you and your love for Him. May God heal you soon, help you stay faithful through this process, and hold you in His arms all the way!
– Larry Hall, Jim Marshall, Milt McDowell, Al Schaap, Lou Souza, Paul Williams
Dear Dave, joz,joanna…
we have no way to feel the pain and hurt you are going thru…we continue to support you befoe the throne…..Praying not only for IRENE…But asking the Lord to Bless you and help you each new day…i love Davids Ps in 121:1 Where David crys out to God and says ‘[ I will lift up my eyes to thye Hills…From where my help comes from…..My help comes from the LORD, Who made Heaven and Earth…If Irene is strong enough we will come up Monday…Blessings and Love….Jack