2.30 a.m…

Yes, I am awake…and am having trouble sleeping…

So, I am meditating upon these verses….

Psalm 63:6

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

Psalm 119:148

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Lamentations 2:19a

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children...

Irene is restless, tossing and turning…but sleeping…

Thanks for caring…and oh, by the way, did I report to you how she ended the traffic accident interaction with the young lady who RAMMED her yesterday?

Irene gave her a HUGE HUG and SMILE…

Amazing…
Dave

8.15 p.m.

“…just another day at the office…”

I awoke this morning at 3.45 am in a Newport Beach hotel following a productive day with clients.  As is my pattern, I checked my “Crackberry”…I mean, Blackberry, for any developments or urgent matters that needed immediate attention. 

The following was particularly compelling…At 1:02 am I had received an Instant Message from the CFO at Bethany University, http://www.bethany.edu.  The message was simply this:

“We had a fire on campus tonight.  The cafe burned - probably a total loss.  Call me in the morning?”

Click here for the full story: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12608031?source=email

After immediately responding to the Instant Message and emailing my technical team of this urgent development, I called Southwest Airlines and made flight changes which would allow my early morning arrival in San Jose. 

I met with the executive team at Bethany this morning and we discussed the multi-million dollar insurance claim and several mitigating strategies.

Later, I was back in the office when Irene called, alerting me that she had just been in a traffic accident…the second crash in six months…!!!  I immediately responded to her location and learned that as she was yielding for pedestrian traffic in a crosswalk, a young lady RAMMED the rear end of Irene’s vehicle. 

Irene has WHIPLASH and acute nausea from the impact.

Following the CHP report, I drove Irene to dialysis treatment in Watsonville then drove back to Bethany University in Scotts Valley to meet with the insurance adjustors. 

After that meeting I drove back to Watsonville, picked Irene up and took her to see our friend and chiropractor, Dr. Buford McCharen, http://www.aptoscorecare.com/.  Dr. McCharen caringly treated Irene for severe whiplash.  She will return tomorrow for another round.  She’s extremely soar and has limited shoulder and neck movement. 

It’s been a full day….as Irene recovers from dialysis treatment, the ongoing nausea, and the second rear end accident she’s experienced in six months.

“…just another day at the office….”

Thanks for caring,
Dave

M A R A T H O N defined:

.... a test of endurance, a lengthy and difficult task, event, or activity

So, when Persia was dust, all cried, “To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidippides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!” He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space ‘twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Till in he broke: “Rejoice, we conquer!” Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, - the bliss!

Wikipedia, Pheidippides

June 15, 2007 will be a date long remembered.  It’s hard to believe that we’re closing in on TWO YEARS since that rendezvous of time as we contemplate Irene’s SECOND Stem Cell Transplant Birthday.

http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/P855/

Irene endures today by the grace of God, answered prayer by a multitude of people, combined with the AMAZING UCSF Medical Team.

I’ve been slowly scrolling and reading through various pages of Irene’s website as I cogitate on the 2+ year journey…

        http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/P660/
        http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/P570/
        http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/P480/
        http://www.irenedias.com/index.php/P390/

Yes, we realize that she faithfully perseveres the following:

• 3 days a week of dialysis treatment — Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s she leaves the house at 1 pm and returns near 6 pm
• Inveterate fatigue — Irene wakes up on most days feeling depleted rather than rejuvenated because she doesn’t sleep well through the night; another classic symptom of kidney failure.
• Unremitting nausea — Since June of 2007 and ever constant, it comes in random WAVES, oftentimes a tolerable 4-5 on a scale of 1-10 but on dialysis days the “tide” can rise to 10

.... and we remain hopeful for an eventual kidney transplant donor.

What is even more amazing is that Irene endures the journey with JOY.  For those of you who visit this website regularly, you personally witness her signature smile.  For those who have interaction with her, her optimistic countenance and poise is ever present.  This doesn’t mean she’s happy about her circumstances but she faces them with inner STRENGTH and PEACE that she appropriates into her life through faith in Christ.

Consider it pure joy, my Brethren, when you face trials of many kinds
James 1:2

Irene truly exemplifies that verse ....!!!

We’re grateful to Dr. Alan Buchwald, of Santa Cruz, who was an early CHAMPION for Irene during her admission at Dominican Hospital/CHW and was instrumental in getting her admitted to UCSF.

Don Thomas, friend and confidant, also successfully petitioned UCSF to admit Irene after a previous medical team had dismissed her symptoms as kidney failure “only” and recommended discharge from the hospital, advising her to return for treatment as an outpatient three months later.

Two days of testing as an inpatient at UCSF revealed the disturbing and challenging diagnosis: Primary Amyloidosis.

We’re grateful for all of you who prayerfully intercede on Irene’s behalf.

We’re also grateful for our faithful friend and webmaster, Frank Johnson, who caringly attends IreneDias.com.

Yes, Irene’s journey of faith is a colossal MARATHON and the test of endurance is still underway as we await the next epoch to unfold.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews: 12:1b

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Thanks for checking in…!!!

We just received word from UCSF that Irene’s amyloid values are the following:

*  KAPPA LT CHAIN, FREE 51.9
*  LAMBDA LT CHAIN, FREE 42.3
Ratio: 1.23

Three months ago the values were the following:

*  KAPPA LT CHAIN 44.1
*  LAMBDA LT CHAIN 34.9
Ratio: 1.26

While the “raw” values are slightly elevated, the value ratios are within what is being interpreted as remission status.   

From a historical perspective, following are the RAW historical values without the ratio:

June 2007, 652 (stem cell transplant date)

July 2007, 78.5

October 2007, 33.1

February 2008, 56.7

March 2008, 39.4

May 2008, 39.4

December 2008, 37.2

March 2009, 44.1

June 2009, 51.9

Thanks for caring,
Dave

6.30 p.m…

Quick update…

Irene is resting comfortably this evening after a long and exhausting day which included the colonoscopy early this morning and dialysis all afternoon. 

We hope to have the colonoscopy results within two weeks. 

The nausea is hovering in the tolerable 5 range on a 1-10 scale.

We are expecting the Amyloid blood test results from UCSF later this week.

Thanks for checking in,
Dave

David and his father, Steve Giganti, made an impromptu visit this afternoon. 

In the U.S. Army, David graduated Number 9 in a class of 600.  He is now training for Green Beret and Special Forces status.  It’s physically and mentally arduous, and only those with an IQ close to genius level even qualify.

Photographed above is David in training.  He is now Airborne Qualified.

Irene is in the middle of 24 hour cleansing fast in preparation for the colonoscopy which is scheduled for tomorrow.  She is blessed by David’s faith, energy and zeal for life.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

More than 800 people participated and $150,000 was raised at the 2009 CityView Plaza Kidney Walk in San Jose, CA.

The morning started with a wonderful SURPRISE when we met Annie Foyle for the first time.

Annie works for the California School for the Blind (CSB), http://www.csb-cde.ca.gov.  Annie introduced herself when we were walking toward the registration area and explained that she volunteered for today’s event after reading about it on Irene’s website.  Wow…!!  It became a tearful moment for Irene when she learned that Annie was the one who facilitated two blood drives through the CSB on her behalf when the need was so critically important.

Thank you, Annie…!!!!!!!  J J

Here’s a related update from March 9, 2008.

It was humbling for Irene to realize once again just how many people have been advocating and praying for her behind the scenes…even those that she hasn’t ever met…!!! 

Irene is deeply grateful for all who financially supported the KIDNEY WALK on her behalf!

Woo Hoo ....!!!! 

Irene’s quote immediately following the journey…. “.... I could do this again ....!”

Caminando con Fé and hoping for a new KIDNEY!

Dave

A beautiful day on the Monterey Bay ....

We were at UCSF by 9 am this morning where they drew blood for several tests and Irene met her oncologist, Dr. Lloyd Damon.  Dr. Damon strongly believes that Irene remains in remission and that she should continue pursuing the kidney transplant.  He seems almost giddy and elated at Irene’s health and well being, despite the waves of nausea that roll her way.  He wants to see her again in three months.

Irene’s holding the nausea at bay .... Ha Ha ....

It’s a blue sky and fair weather day on the Monterey Bay .... and we’ll take this kind of report from UCSF any day ....!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave

We received a telephone call this evening from my Aunt Carmel Ferreria who lives in Atwater, CA.  She alerted us to an urgent need and request for prayer.

Alec Martinez, who is three years old, has undergone five surgeries facing a malignant brain tumor.  He’s had surgeries in Portland, Oregon and St. Jude’s Hospital, Tennessee.  The last surgery left him a quadriplegic although he’s lucid and communicates with his eyes.  His mind is still very sharp.  His aunt, Ellie Martinez, whom I spoke with this evening, shared that Alec’s is maintaining an amazing attitude and is a “trooper” given all that he’s been confronting.

Today, the medical team delivered this late breaking and horrific news: Alec has been given 2 months to live.

On top of this dire situation, Alec’s mother, Vananh Martinez, is facing a life threatening challenge herself, having been recently diagnosed with ovarian, stomach and colon cancer.

You can read part of their story here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexandermartinez/mystory

Please prayerfully intercede for this family and the horrendous ordeal they are facing.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

We pray God’s Healing Hand and grace is upon Alec and Vananh, knowing that Jesus is faithful.

Dave & Irene

8.30 p.m.

Irene’s nausea settled down today; it’s hovering around 3 on a 1-10 scale...!!! 

Irene spent most of the afternoon in the Wisteria Garden tending to flowers and spray painted our front porch garden bench BLACK.  It really accents the house...!!!

As we were getting into the spa this evening the weather was spectacular and peculiar: with temperature in the 56 degree range it was sprinkling rain overhead, foggy to the west, and a brilliant, visible sun setting on the horizon....what a combination of micro-climates at one location...!!!

Thanks for checking in...and for caring,
Dave

7.15 p.m.

Thanks for checking in…!!!

Irene just arrived home from dialysis and the nausea is about an 8+ on a 1-10 scale.

Aside from the usual weekly routine of M, W, F dialysis, this is what Irene has coming up soon…

*  Thursday, June 4, quarterly UCSF amyloid blood test and examination with Dr. Lloyd Damon.

*  Saturday, June 6, 5k Kidney Walk fundraiser in San Jose

*  Monday, June 8, colonoscopy, which is the final hurdle to formally being placed on the kidney transplant list

Thanks for caring,
Dave

My dear Irene and Dave ... saw Joanna last week at APU and was so very sorry to learn of the nausea escalating.

As we’ve talked, I know what it means to stand beside the one afflicted with such waves ... it is not easy moccasins for either side of the equation :-(.

We “wave-riders” like to live in David’s territory ... Psalm 107:

“They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; their soul melted away in their misery.

They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.
He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.

Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.”

Praying you know His haven today.  You are loved!

According to Wikipedia ....

A wave is a disturbance that propagates through space and time, usually with transference of energy. A mechanical wave is that which propagates through a medium due to the restoring forces it produces upon deformation. There also exist waves capable of traveling through vacuum, including electromagnetic radiation and probably gravitational radiation. Waves travel and transfer energy from one point to another, often with little or no permanent displacement of the particles of the medium (that is, with little or no associated mass transport); they consist instead of oscillations around almost fixed locations.

I’ve often used the WAVE metaphor as it relates to Irene’s experience with chronic, 24/7 nausea since June of 2007.  We’re now using a 1-10 scale for me to better comprehend how debilitating the unrelenting nausea is at any particular moment.

WAVES are illustrative of Irene’s nausea experience.  There are smaller waves, like a ripple, and there are colossal waves like the tidal wave.  Irene’s nausea comes in random WAVES .... but the OCEAN OF NAUSEA is ever present, and the waves persist like a rising and lowering tide.

How she courageously faces this challenge with a buoyant attitude, strong faith and a smiling face are inarguable evidences of His enabling Holy Spirit.

Wikepedia’s WAVE description is very apropos: A wave is a disturbance that propagates through space and time, usually with transference of energy.

Irene’s experience with NAUSEA certainly fits that description but after facing it for nearly two years it is also in a category of its own.  It’s difficult to truly grasp the reality of what Irene deals with 24/7.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians 1:15-23

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Thanks for checking in...!!! 

Today, Irene and I attended the memorial service in honor of Ben Bernstein at the Marin Country Club.  About 120 people celebrated Ben’s courageous spirit, recalling his great sense of humor and fervor for life.  Irene and I met Ben and his bride, Deb, many months ago at UCSF where we learned that Ben was battling Primary Amyloidosis.

Irene has been significantly challenged by an inflamed escalation of nausea for the last few days.  It is so fierce that she telephoned the kidney dialysis center late this afternoon to see what they might recommend to mitigate the unyielding discomfort.  The nausea comes in WAVES, vacillating between 6 - 9+ on a 1 - 10 scale.

We’re hoping for relief soon.

Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy
Psalm 126:5-6a

Thanks for caring,
Dave