We received this encouraging email from my brother, Greg, last evening.

Dave,

I am soooooooo relieved and pleased to hear that Irene had positive results today!!!!!!!!

We will continue to pray that the Good Lord will fully heal Irene!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God Bless,
Greg

We received this encouraging email from Cheryl and Norm Peterson last evening!!!

Dear Irene and Dave,
Norm and I were going to get an In and Out Burger when I told him I had to “check on Irene” after the day at UCSF.  I read it through and then read it to him and we feel sooooo grateful that you are in remission!!!!  How great is God!!!!!  How great is your faithfulness!!!!!  You go!!!!!  I have a happy heart tonight.
Goodnight and blessing to you both and I know your road ahead is still long and difficult.  Thank you for letting us know!
Cheryl & Norm

We received this encouraging email from Martha Silva last evening!!!

Dave,

Thanks for calling tonight & confirming what I felt in the spirit.  I was so hoping you had received my email before you heard from the Doctor of the wonderful news of Irene’s remission.  God is so involved in the details!!  I believed that song that was given by the Lord in the dream to James Goll was so powerful.  He sang it over his wife in her darkest moment.  What love he must have had for his wife. Dave, you have demonstrated that same love for Irene.  It is a beautiful thing to witness. 
This is the hour;
This is His Way.
The release of His Power
To Change the Day.
Yes, this is the hour!
This is His way.
The release of His power
That will Change the Day.
Irene,
This morning as I prayed I sang that song for you.  I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to pray for you.
This is the hour,(for you)
This is His Way.(for you)
The release of His Power
To Change the Day.(for you)
Yes, this is the hour!(for you)
This is His way.(for you)
The release of His power
That will Change the Day.(for you)
My how things can change in a day. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Martha

I just read the good news.  Yipeee!!!!  I’m so glad Hugh was gone this evening so that no one but the Lord could see me whooping and dancing around from sheer joy at that beautiful word REMISSION.  I just told a friend who is going through some things about the book and encouraged her to get it.  I will call her and tell her the good news too.  Her kids went to MV and she also worked with me at the dental office for a while so she kind of knows Irene (our little rock star!!).  I will continue to pray as you face the kidney crisis.  God is Faithful. 

Much love,

Jean

Dr. Lloyd Damon (above) had GREAT news today, reporting that the Primary Amyloidosis in Irene’s bloodstream is in remission!!  Yay ....!!!!  And you can see Irene’s very stoic about it .... Hah..!!!

Here’s the rest of the story ....

With the amyloid in remission we can now entertain a conversation about the potential of a kidney transplant.  Because dialysis treatment is still necessary at this time, the vein mapping was completed today and the various options related to that conversation will continue in the near future with Dr. Kumar, Irene’s nephrologist.  UCSF will also be intimately involved in this conversation.

Irene’s chronic nausea is related to the dialysis treatment (renal failure) and the other medications she continues to take .... i.e. blood pressure medication, etc, (9 in all), which ALL report that nausea is a side effect.

Irene will return to UCSF for another outpatient consultation with Dr. Damon on June 26, 2008.

We fortuitously ran into Dr. Russ Cucina on the sidewalk in front of UCSF today!!  Dr. Russ Cucina was one of our most ardent encouragers early on in the process.  Dr. Cucina was one of the attending physicians overseeing much of the process during the most treacherous days.  His many expressions of personal concern for Irene and his deliberate, strategic decisions helped lead the UCSF medical team through some very rough and challenging days ....

We also visited with Nurse’s Cathy Newman & Joe Mcgee of the UCSF Rapid Response Team.  Joe attended Irene when she was in ICU during some very arduous days and nights ....

We ran into 11 Long UCSF Nurse Melissa Rex who also attended Irene during the stem cell transplant hospitalization.

Here’s the rest of the story .... Today, when Irene and I were first entering 11 Long (Oncology Ward) where she was treated for the stem cell transplant, this was the first time that Irene had been back.  As she exited the elevator and began walking down the corridor, she literally lost her breath, emotions gripping her, and she physically retreated momentarily, weakened by the flood of stirring memories.

We greeted the amazing and committed team at the UCSF Blood Center who met Irene for the first time today!!  Lots of hugs!!  This team is quite familiar with Irene after her 45 blood transfusions and the flood of donors on her behalf.  They are giving away as many copies of Irene’s Journey of Faith as they can!!!

J. Scott Bush, of the Vascular Surgical team, performing vein mapping of Irene’s arm.  Scott reported that there is only vein capacity in Irene’s right arm.  Her left arm veins were so overused during the 3 month hospitalization that they are not a candidate for the fistula.

What a day at UCSF .... as we have said before, we could be the poster child for UCSF .... and we’re certainly their goodwill ambassadors!!  It is an amazing place.  We are grateful that the committed UCSF team gives their lives to save lives.

We also pause, giving thanks and all the glory to Almighty God.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dear Dave & Irene,

I read the attached prophetic word today and instantly knew I had to forward it to you. Please know I read your updates daily and pray often for you. I am expecting a miracle for you Irene.

All my love in Christ,

Martha Silva

From the Desk of Steve Shultz:

For so long, we have received prophecy after prophecy concerning the intention of the LORD to increase HIS Presence on the earth. And yet, more prophecies have been posted, relating that we are about to Finally see a hugely significant manifestation of the healing of people’s bodies—including CANCER healings.

I’m here to tell you it has begun. And not only healings, but SPIRITUAL and EMOTIONAL healings. Even FINANCIAL healings. The “suddenlies of God” are upon us.

We have come through a very intense time period in the Body. Never before have I seen so many believers hurting—both physically and spiritually. But these times of crisis are being suddenly followed up with the Father’s “TIMES OF REFRESHING FROM THE LORD.”

We are now coming into times of REFRESHING. Not all warfare will stop of course, and some of you are just now experiencing some of that warfare. But all of it, be it refreshing or renewed warfare for many of us, it all is UNTO SOMETHING. It’s UNTO GREAT TIMES OF YET MORE REFRESHING.

The Lord gave me a picture concerning most MOVIES that are produced and most stories ever told. And that is this—in almost every story that is well told, just prior to a great breakthrough and resolution of UNSOLVABLE problems—we see that often-expected “darkest before dawn” circumstance come our way.

So is it DARK where you live, either literally or spiritually? Do you no longer feel qualified to minister because you are dry and not very spiritual? The answer is that every Christian must go through days like this. This means:

To the Christian, that means Dawn is close at hand, even at the door.

To Cancer, that means your days are numbered.

To Hopelessness, that means HOPE is on the way. Hold on.

To the downcast or to the brokenhearted, that means, “Lift up your head, because redemption draws nigh.”

To those who have fallen down Seven times, GET UP EIGHT! Your salvation from these many problems is nearer NOW than when you FIRST believed for God to fix them.

I want to live like there’s no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one’s around
I want to sing like nobody’s listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I’m not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

The lyrics of this inspiring Chris Tomlin song have been mentioned on the website in the past.  They are mentioned again because they are compelling and speak so powerfully to the concept of FREEDOM.

Irene’s blood pressure dropped dramatically again this morning during dialysis treatment and she arrived home thoroughly exhausted and rested for the balance of the afternoon.  Her nausea was fierce and she was very, very itchy.  Tomorrow we leave early for a long day at UCSF, consulting with the vascular team related to vein mapping for the fistula procedure as well as that of Dr. Damon, her primary care physician as it relates to the Primary Amyloidosis.

Absolute FREEDOM won’t necessarily come from a “free fall”, a “space walk”, or even a “democratic” political process, but, rather, FREEDOM comes through TRUTH and a relationship with God Himself, who claims that He is TRUTH and “that truth” will set us free.

.... the truth will set you free.
John 8:32b

As the movie title goes, we were “Born Free”, and we long to be FREE indeed, both, of and in this world as well as for all of eternity.  As Irene looks forward to being “freed” of Primary Amyloidosis, she rests in the promises of God in His Word ....

.... if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 8:36

.... and that’s a promise we are counting on.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Irene enjoyed the gift of LIFE today. 

The weather was mild and she was able to do some weeding in the yard.  Earlier in the day she ironed and ran errands.  Later, she “scrap- booked”.  Her nausea remained at a low roar…this is an answer to prayer. 

The nutritionist from the dialysis center called about her recent blood panel results…her phosphorous level continues to be very high.  Another comparative blood panel will be completed at UCSF on Thursday.

Thanks for praying,
Dave

Discouragement.

Pain.

Discomfort.

Questioning.

Loneliness.

Hurt.

Injustice.

These are words I can think of when I think of my mom’s situation.

This is where it can be easy to dwell. This is where Satan wants us to dwell.

Christ came to bring:

Encouragement

Life.

Peace.

Resolution.

Community.

Healing.

Justice.

Hope.

This is where it can be hard to dwell. This is where Jesus wants us to dwell.

There are days when all I can hope for is that Jesus will one day redeem us. When life can feel like a big whirr of nothing, I can reach out in the abyss and find a mighty and outstretched arm to hold on to. No, sometimes His hope cannot be immediately seen in the circumstance. Sometimes blow after blow comes, and we almost forget that we are more than conquerors. But then in the fog of the moment, we hear a voice that reminds us that we can get up, that He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. The power of God is greater than any spiritual stronghold that might try to keep us down. He is always here. The following song has been very encouraging to me lately. It is by Matt Redman.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won’t turn back

I know You are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You”

I love the part that says, “I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on and there will be an end to these troubles…” As we hold on to the promises, as He clings to us and we cling to him, there will be an end to all of our troubles. Who should we fear? God is for us. He is with us. Why are we downcast? Why so disturbed in our hearts? We can put our hope in God. We can praise Him, our Savior and our God (Psalm 42:5).

He doesn’t let go. Not ever.

Quick evening update!

I drove Irene to dialysis this morning and afterward Sue Martinez took her to breakfast at the Red Apple Restaurant in Aptos. 

Later in the afternoon Shirley Churchill graciously worked with Irene with a physiology therapy designed to “wake up” the kidneys. 

Irene’s nausea remained a low roar today. 

Thanks for praying!
Dave

What is your favorite day of the year?

For me, it’s the first day of Daylight Savings Time, year after year!!!!  The notion of experiencing LONGER EVENINGS of daylight for the next several months is invigorating to my soul .... !!!!!

So, today is my favorite day of the year!!!

Irene had a relatively good day.  She and JoAnna were able to spend more time together before we ushered JoAnna back to SJC for her flight to Ontario.  Irene is fatigued and nauseated, but she was able to get several things done around the house and enjoyed being outside in the garden for part of the afternoon .... and she loved the longer evening with sunlight!!! 

We’ve got a trip to UCSF coming up this Thursday which includes a consultation with the vascular surgical team for replacement of Irene’s “Tesio” (currently the port in her chest) with a more permanent dialysis port referred to as a fistula.  The fistula will be in her arm and will not be functional for about three months following the procedure. This allows time for the vein and artery to graft together.  It appears that the fistula procedure is necessary because the “Tesio” has a “crimp” in its line and won’t last forever.  UCSF will probably recommend a date for the procedure when we meet with them on Thursday.

Easter is in two weeks and some people might be surprised to learn that Easter is not my favorite day of the year.  And so, you ask, why isn’t it?  It’s because, in my humble opinion, we should celebrate Easter and Christmas, EVERY DAY of the year.  We should celebrate Christ’s birth, death and resurrection everyday.  We should celebrate and worship the source of our breath, the source of our purpose and the source of our eternal security 24/7.  According to Jesus, He should remain first in all that we do.

Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness ....
Matthew 6:33a

Every day of LIFE is more than we deserve.  Consider this .... whether your favorite day of the year is this one or not, and whether or not we have long or short evenings, He should be first in our lives and is worthy of our worship!!!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dear Dave and Irene,

As our thoughts and prayers often rest with the two of you, we wanted to share this verse:

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33:22, NLT

He indeed is our HOPE, THE HOPE.

With much love, Debby and Sam Estes

On Friday, March 7, 2008, we wrote on the theme of ENCOURAGEMENT and share the following email received on Saturday, March 8, 2008. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did…

Hello Dave, Irene, and Family,

I am Annie Foyle who works at the Calif. School for the Blind and have been organizing our UCSF direct donation blood drives - the last few in honor of Irene.

Many months ago, I called Jean at UCSF blood center and asked if there was someone we could do the blood drives in honor of. She gave me Irene's first name. At that time, "Irene" was just a name and I was thankful that there was someone who could benefit from our blood drives. That has all changed since Jean gave me a copy of Irene's Journey of Faith!! Irene - you are now more than a name to me - you are an amazing woman who loves the Lord and lives for Him - and gives Him glory throughout your challenges and struggles. You are my Sister in Christ. Wow and Praise the Lord!!! Thank you for your example and thank you to your family for writing and publishing this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and just passed in on to one of my Sisters who is going through a challenging medical situation with her daughter. Reading this book I kept thanking the Lord that he has allowed me to help you - not even knowing who you were or that you were a believer and follower of Christ. I feel that I "know" your family after reading this book and have continued learning of your journey from the website. It would be an honor to meet you if the opportunity allowed itself.

We are doing another blood drive in honor of Irene on April 18th at the school in Fremont. If you have any friends and/or family that would like to come donate, please let them know they are more than welcome. They can call or email me (510) 794-3842 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and I'll sign them up.

I will continue to keep you all in prayer for God's grace, strength, comfort, and guidance. I will pray that you hear encouraging news on March 13th! May He continue to use you to reach others for Christ.

Thanks for your encouraging words, stories, and scripture references.

Happy Anniversary Dave and Irene

Happy Birthday JoAnna

In His Love,
Annie

The website for the California School for the Blind is http://www.csb-cde.ca.gov/

A beautiful day on the Monterey Bay ....

Irene and JoAnna were out early this morning, making the shopping rounds at several stores.  While they were out, I was able to get in a long bike ride.  Irene relaxed this afternoon before celebrating JoAnna’s 24th birthday at Café Cruz for dinner.

Irene is fatigued and very nauseated but continues to defy the challenge by engaging each day to its fullest with hope and optimism and a smile!!!

We are .... walking with faith,

Dave

ENCOURAGEMENT is defined as “somebody who or something that gives somebody hope, confidence, or courage.”

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry ....
Psalm 10:17

Last night JoAnna arrived for the weekend to help us celebrate her 24th birthday which is tomorrow (March 8)!  JoAnna’s ENCOURAGING presence at the house has really given lift to Irene’s spirits!!  Her nausea remained at a low roar but she remains determined with an extra amount of gumption today!

Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people.
Acts 20:1b-2a

ENCOURAGEMENT is perhaps one of the most important words in the dictionary and one of the most significant things we can do for someone else.  Encouragement leads to HOPE which has greatly sustained Irene on her journey of faith.

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry ....
Psalm 10:17

We’re grateful that God gives us hope, confidence and encouragement primarily through people, His Word and His ever abiding Holy Spirit.

Caminando con Fé

Dave