Dave’s Updates

Irene’s recovering from dialysis treatment she received earlier today; a holiday schedule change moved this week’s dialysis treatments to Sunday/Tuesday/Friday instead of the usual Monday / Wednesday / Friday routine.  She didn’t experience arm discomfort during today’s session which is a praise but is battling the chronic NAUSEA which I often describe metaphorically as “surf of the sea”………the surf may be up or the surf may be down but the surf is ever present.

Following the stem cell transplant in 2007, Irene, in signature fashion and with a smile, has been successfully surfing the waves of 24/7 nausea which accompanies dialysis treatment.  For perspective, that’s more than SIX years of 24/7 nausea.  Amazingly, she defies the odds, overcoming the dreadful and incurable Primary Amyloidosis which has long plagued her and which has been beaten into remission by the grace of God and a poised, persevering spirit.  She is truly inspiring.

We’re grateful this Thanksgiving Holiday for a robust FAITH that brings context to all matters, a loving FAMILY, and authentic FRIENDS.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL…and thanks for caring,

Dave

Continue reading

@ UCSF today, Irene saw her oncologist, (pic with Dr. Lloyd Damon) who has been treating her Primary Amyloidosis since 2007.  There is no indication that the amyloid has returned though final blood test results won’t be known for about a week.

Irene also saw her vascular surgeon, Dr. Charles Eichler, after a sonogram was completed on her right arm fistula region.  To date, the pain she experiences is a mystery with no known mitigation strategy.

Irene’s buoyancy and determination are awe inspiring given her daily challenges.  From her signature smile no one would ever guess she experiences 24/7 nausea.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

Continue reading

About 5 pm yesterday Irene received a call from the UCSF Transplant Center.  She was asked to arrive at UCSF as soon as possible for a possible kidney transplant.  We frantically organized ourselves and drove to UCSF, arriving about two hours later.  She was ushered through admissions, took the elevator up to the ninth floor and was greeted by the RN.  “Irene Dias” was prominently displayed on the chalk board name for kidney transplant patients at the nurse’s station.

Irene changed into her nightgown, lounged in the hospital bed and began settling into the room for the 4 am Monday procedure.  I was also settling into the chair/bed for the overnight stay when the on duty doctor walked into the room and graciously but directly informed us that the kidney transplant procedure had “fallen through” and that we need to return home.

You can only imagine the emotional roller coaster that Irene experienced last evening.  Our hope is that she’s near the top of the kidney transplant list and receives another call soon.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

Continue reading