My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name. His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-47, 49-50
When Irene was getting her blood drawn this morning @ UCSF the attending nurse complimented Irene’s jewelry. Irene quickly responded …. ”I may have a disease but it doesn’t have me ….!!!!!!!”
Dr. Damon’s Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator, Bridget Mazzini, warmly greeted Irene this morning @ UCSF. Bridget, encouraged by Irene’s progress, shared with Irene that UCSF “gets about a miracle every three years…and you’re one of them.” Bridget further explained that the degree of complexity and severity surrounding Irene’s condition (internal bleeding, etc…) in June of 2007 created a provocative conversation among the medical team about whether or not she would make it through the chemotherapy and stem cell transplant process. It was an emotional moment for Irene to reflect on that perception.
We call the UCSF medical team “The Dream Team”. Pictured above is Dr. Ai, who regularly attended Irene during the stem cell transplant process. Dr. Ai shares Bridget’s sentiments and is obviously very encouraged by Irene’s progress.
We’re forever grateful for Dr. Wei Ai, Dr. Stephen Gluck, Dr. Lloyd Damon, Dr. Russ Cucina, Dr. Lawrence Kaplan, Dr. Catherine Smith and Dr. Rachel Fogarty, and many other UCSF doctors who were personally concerned for Irene’s welfare along the journey. We’re also deeply grateful for the nursing team and the many other supporting and unnamed HERO’S at UCSF who quietly serve 24/7.
UCSF Medical Center is a “city on a hill” and a beacon of light to the world. Those many who work there are giving of their lives to save lives.
The photo above shows Irene’s stitches being removed from the Cimino Fistula procedure. You’ll note that there are TWO surgical wounds. The wrist wound is where Dr. Eichler first attempted to surgically create the fistula and discovered that the veins in that region would not support the effort. The fistula procedure was ultimately completed in the middle portion of Irene’s arm. Irene will see Dr. Eichler as a follow-up on August 18, 2008.
Irene’s appointment with Dr. Damon was very encouraging. Remission is the defining word. Another Cappa Light Chain blood test was completed today and the results should be in next week but Dr. Damon expects no surprises. Irene also had several vaccine shots (tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, meningocoloccal, polio, shingles, pneumococcal) because she has now passed the one year mark (June 15, 2007) since the stem cell transplant.
With Irene remaining in remission, Dr. Damon confirmed that she may now be a possible kidney transplant candidate. We will now explore this conversation with Irene’s nephrology team.
Irene is not scheduled to see Dr. Damon again until December 18, 2008!!!!!!!!!
Our collective prayer today is a reflection of the following ….
My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name. His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-47, 49-50
Caminando con Fé
Dave
