The Santa Cruz Surgery Center is a phenomenal place!!  (It’s also the same place where my gall bladder was removed in February of 2007).

Dr. Brian Waddle removed Irene’s Tesio chest catheter without incident.  Dr. Waddle is the same physician that removed my gall bladder and is a very impressive professional.

Photographed above is Nurse Margarite holding several of Irene’s Journey of Faith bookmarks.  Margarite was extremely gracious, hospitable and encouraging to Irene.  She also shared a unique story.  Margarite’s husband is an ER doctor at Dominican Hospital.  Last week he treated a young woman who was recently diagnosed with Primary Amyoidosis.  We’re hoping to learn who she is so we can send some encouragement her way!!!!

The noteworthy aspects of this interesting development are the TIMING and LOCATION.  Irene’s Tesio removal has been re-scheduled FOUR different times …. ultimately landing on today’s date …. and it was originally scheduled at UCSF.  Irene made the decision to have the procedure done locally by Dr. Waddle.  She also commented to me every time it was re-scheduled that there was a “reason” for the postponement that we could not comprehend.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Irene has a sense of FREEDOM just knowing the Tesio is nonexistent …. and hopefully it never returns …!!!!!!

Following the successful surgery this morning, Irene resumed her usual and customary Wednesday afternoon routine …. treatment at the Satellite Dialysis Center …. another exceptional organization!!!!  The photos depict the needle entries into each “buttonhole” (there are 2).

By day’s end, the importunate queasiness had reared its vile head …. but we conclude with one final reflection …. that the Santa Cruz Surgery Center is a phenomenal place and we’re grateful it is staffed with wonderful professionals like Nurse Margarite!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave