Blessings to you Dias Family.  Todd just sent me the link to your website; the Lord put it on my heart to pray for you on my way to work today.  Ordinarily, I pray simply that His will be done.  Today was different: I prayed for a miracle for you, Irene, and that through it, the Lord would be glorified. 

I keep a post-in note on my computer monitor that says, “Don’t tell God how big your storm is; tell the storm how big your God is.”

In the fullness of His love,

Carrie & Todd

Wow!  Your faithfulness in this trial is so very encouraging!  I will keep your family in prayer as you make this journey—as you feel God’s huge arms wrapped around you in His unfailing, constant love!  May you experience the peace that surpasses all understanding, remembering that you are loved and cared for by a Heavenly Father who is bigger than all obstacles!  God’s grace to you! 
Darlene Anderson

Dave and Irene,
I have been out of the loop for awhile. No computer on a nice beach vacation with family. Devin read me yessterday’ e-mail. We were rejoicing with you. Each day has been towards healing. We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. We continue to pray for the nausea to go away and for the kidney’s to wake up. Thank you for the great example of being a FDF.

Love,

The Eckhardt’s

4 p.m. ...

Often, I like to “zoom out” and look at the BIG picture…and have been thinking about all that Irene has experienced since April of this year ...

Here is a high level view of her journey…

• Hospitalized for 12 weeks (CHW-Dominican and UCSF)
• Initially diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome (2 blood clots, severe edema, high cholesterol, loss of protein from blood)
• Ultimately diagnosed with Primary Amyloidosis
• One Bone marrow biopsy
• One Kidney biopsy
• Several CAT scans
• Chemo therapy
• One Stem cell transplant
• Two emergency trips to ICU
• Bone pain so significant, that even under heavy sedation, the blood pressure arm cuff, when inflated, would cause excruciating pain
• An unusual and very significant amount of internal bleeding
• Approximately 45 blood transfusions
• One Code Blue
• 2 detached retinas from steroids used in treatment protocol (still has blurred vision)
• Several X Rays & ULTRA Sounds
• Her skin has turned very dark, almost black, from chemo therapy and a medicine rash
• Skin biopsy in multiple body locations
• Experiencing chronic nausea
• Has high levels of bilirubin
• Had a “Quinton” placement in her neck (temporary blood port for dialysis)
• Has a Tesio placement in upper chest (permanent blood port for dialysis)
• In dialysis 3 days a week because of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Amyloid is in the following organs: kidneys, liver, stomach & intestines
• Weight loss: 28 pounds

As I slowly peruse each bullet point, over and over again, I shake my head in wonder and amazement…because I was (and am currently) there, helplessly watching Irene through each one of those challenging episodes.  Through it all, I NEVER heard one word of complaint.  In her darkest hour of significant internal bleeding, pain and discomfort, her gentle voice would simply utter, “Lord, please help me get through this…”

Is this humanly possible?  My short and humble answer is no, it’s not.  It is only possible by an ever abiding and growing trust in God through it all…even in the most trying of circumstances.  It’s only possible with the Holy Spirit enabling and sustaining Irene through it.

I also think about the attitude Irene has “post-hospitalization” experience…despite the challenges still confronting her she’s not bitter, not angry, not cynical, not impatient… still manifesting the fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self control…

She’s an amazing testimony of FAITHFULNESS…

Our UCSF visit today was very encouraging!!  Irene’s bilirubin count is 4.4 as compared to 8.7 two weeks ago.  It was 14.6 when she was discharged from UCSF so it’s definitely moving in the right direction!  Her platelets are stable at 103… down from 120 two weeks but of little concern to the medical team.  Her red blood cells were down so she was given 2 units of blood.  Her greatest challenge now is waiting for the kidneys to “wake up” and her nausea to subside.

As I look at the big picture, it’s easy for me to see the Hand of God upon Irene, indwelling and empowering her each day.  Both of us are grateful for your significant role as prayer intercessors, supporting her everyday as we await her complete healing and restoration!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Dias Family,
Looking through your website I was so encouraged by the memories of childhood friends and the faithfulness of our Father in Heaven.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3: 14-19

My heart and prayers are with you during this time.

Love, Laura Wayne

Irene and Dave, I have been keeping up with your journey and have been inspired and instructed by your faith!  I share with you something that has sustained me ... through both the “crashing waves” times and the “buzzing insect worry” times.

Multi-colored trials ... Multi-colored grace!

He has grace for every trial, strength for every weakness,
joy for every sorrow, and He never runs out!

His grace is great enough to meet the great things ...
The crashing waves that overwhelm the soul,
The roaring winds that leave us stunned and breathless,
The sudden storms beyond our life’s control.
His grace is great enough to meet the small things ..
The little pin-prick troubles that annoy,

The insect worries, buzzing and persistent,
The sqeaking wheels that grate upon our joy.

Multi-colored trials ... Multi-colored grace!
(by E. Richard Lee, in Windows of Hope)

I pray that you both and the girls will sense His grace-filled arms sustaining you for each day’s walk toward your restored health, Irene. 

Much love, Marilyn (Schulz)

Hi Dave,

THANK YOU for informing us of Irene’s illness.  Please know that we will pray for all of you as you journey with the Lord through this season.  It was assuring to read about your family’s dependence on our Lord and it’s an encouragement to us all that you are seeing God’s Hand at work in Irene’s life and in yours.

You have two beautiful daughters who I know are blessing you with their courage and faith.  I loved seeing their pictures and enjoyed seeing all of you in the pictures.  The memories of our time in Merced were quickly renewed and Irene’s sweet, gentle nature was remembered.  I know the Lord is near.  “But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (Ps. 73:28).

May you be strengthened each day by our loving Father and may Irene feel the prayers of those who remember and love her.

Blessings,
Betty Lou & Steve

8 p.m…

Do you know God by NAME? 

We can only trust him to the extent that we really know him. 

Here are the “I am” NAMES and TITLES of Christ: 

“I am the bread of life” John 6.35
“I am the light of the world” John 8.12
“I am from above” John 8:23
“I am the gate” John 10:7
“I am the door” John 10:9
“I am the good shepherd” John 10:11
“I am the Son of God” John 10:36
“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:25
“I am the true vine” John 15:1

Each NAME reveals a facet of God’s magnificent and infinite qualities, His steadfast promises and a proven history of His amazing faithfulness.  Among the myriad of other names and titles of Christ are some of my favorites:

•  Advocate, 1 John 2:1
•  Arm of the Lord, Isa. 51:9; 53:1
•  Author of life, Acts 3:15
•  Cornerstone, Psalm 118:22
•  Sun of Righteousness, Mal 4:2

This is the God in whose NAME we trust on this incredible journey…

After an early morning dialysis treatment, Irene rested comfortably and held down a light lunch and dinner!!!  Though still tummy sensitive, her nausea has subsided, at least for today!!!  Yah…!!!   

We leave early tomorrow morning for UCSF outpatient clinic services.  We’ll learn her current blood counts and anticipate a transfusion because Irene’s energy level is so very low.  I hope to report the medical team findings tomorrow evening.

Thank you for your continued concern and prayer support!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

The “Mystery Spot” in Santa Cruz is a tourist destination where millions of people have visited and have tried to figure out the reason for the earthly contortion which has confounded scientists for years because the laws of physics and gravity cease to exist.  Theories abound, but no one can really understand the reason for the phenomenon ....



Irene and I spoke again this morning about the complex mystery surrounding this journey .... one with lots of questions and one that neither one of us would have ever anticipated ....





Scripture is very clear that:

“A man (or woman’s) steps are directed by the Lord.  How can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24

We do believe that God orders our days.  Our human nature, however, wants to KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and CONTROL the process and outcome of our lives.  Perhaps one of the reasons we behave this way is due to our own personal insecurities.  Our correct response, then, is to be recklessly SURRENDERED to Him, understanding that He is in control and has our best interest in mind.

We’re learning afresh that in many ways, life is a complex mystery.  We are commanded to simply TRUST and OBEY our Lord and Savior and look to scripture for encouragement and inspiration:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

We are also confident of this, that the mystery, now shrouded in a veil, will be revealed to us when we see God face to face in eternity ....

Caminando con Fé

Dave

7 p.m. ....

It was a beautiful day on the Monterey Bay and Irene was able get outside for a short time to admire the high blue sky and feel the 70 degree ocean breeze.

If we have a recurring theme recently it’s been one of learning “patience”. 

Reporting Irene’s ongoing challenge with nausea as a prayer request seems so very redundant.  But we will continue to do so.  We’re not sure what the expected “norm” is for people who have gone through this type of treatment.  I’m not sure if we will ever know because Primary Amyloidosis is such a rare disease and there isn’t a lot of empirical data available. 

The “nausea” that Irene has goes beyond the icky feeling that most of us experience and are familiar with.  She’s unable to lie on her stomach at all, anytime, anywhere, even when she’s not feeling nauseous.  So when she is nauseous, it’s EXTREMELY uncomfortable … especially because it’s been going on for months.  The UCSF nursing staff would tell us that experiencing CHRONIC NAUSEA, like Irene is experiencing, is worse than pain.  The last two NIGHTS have been especially uncomfortable for her.

As a noun, Dictionary.com defines AFFLICTION as the following:

• a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
• a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
• a cause of great suffering and distress

Given all that she has and is going through, I would say that Irene qualifies under all three sub points of the definition. 

Scripture teaches us that we are to “be joyful in hope, patient in AFFLICTION, faithful in prayer” (Romans 8:12).

Irene personifies that Romans verse and both of us continue to have grateful hearts for LIFE itself.  I marvel that she is still so gentle, smiling and will have no part of any kind of pity party!  We joyfully hope, however, that this “season of affliction” will quickly pass!!!

In the meantime, we recognize that we’re on a long journey and must be patient.

We will accept TODAY for what it is and look forward to a better tomorrow!!!

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m. ....

What you see below is a high resolution digital photo of Irene’s eye taken at UCSF on June 12, 2007, where she was being treated for TWO detached retinas which occurred because of steroids related to the treatment of Primary Amyloidosis. 

Now consider this:

“The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9

It’s hard to imagine that God’s EYES are actively going to and fro throughout the whole earth, right now, in real time, to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  But it is true.  This is a very encouraging verse, especially when I think of Irene’s commitment to the Lordship of Christ!!!

God himself PROMISES to STRENGTHEN Irene because she is fully committed to Him.  He promises to strengthen everyone who is fully committed to Him.

Irene had her usual three hour Friday morning dialysis treatment.  She was nauseated most of the day and wasn’t able to eat much food but we’re hoping tomorrow will be better!!

We can see her skin tone beginning to SLOWLY return to its natural olive complexion, mostly right now on her arms and legs.  The rest of her body still has a long way to go, but we’re definitely seeing signs that it’s moving in the right direction!!  We also hope this is indicative of her bilirubin rate trending downward.  We will know more on Tuesday at the UCSF out patient clinic.

We have grateful hearts and we’re full of joy, because we know that God’s eyes are upon Irene.  He will personally strengthen her because she is fully committed to Him.

Caminando con Fé
Dave

8 p.m…

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thes 5:18

Is it possible to be joyful and thank God in all circumstances while in the midst of significant and “real time” challenges…like facing Primary Amyloidosis?

Scripture is either true or it’s not. So here are the questions:

• Is it true in Irene’s experience?

• Is it true in our collective family experience?

My humble answer is this:

The mystery of the ever abiding Holy Spirit combined with much intercessory prayer, (probably by the person reading this update), and the truth of God’s Word is enabling our family to appropriate the above verse into our lives at this time…we are truly JOYFUL and giving THANKS in all circumstances. Notice that we’re not grateful FOR the circumstances, but we’re grateful IN and despite the circumstances.




Certainly, this is not to minimize the HUGE emotional swings that will at times grip and overwhelm each of us. And there are many times when it's not easy. But we’re grateful for God’s Spirit which sustains us and manifests himself to us in joy and thankfulness.

This morning a long time friend from Merced, Vicki Shewey, whose family is vacationing this week in Aptos, visited Irene. It had been several years since they had seen each other so they had LOTS to catch up on…!!

Gracious Sue Martinez again spent several hours with Irene this afternoon as I spent the entire day in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Valley area working… it was refreshing to briefly see some of the incredibly supportive InterWest team in our Capital Division office today…

Irene had mild nausea today, was unable to ingest much food, but remains very emotionally and spiritually upbeat!!! She’s up and walking about but not necessarily what we would define as “Jack La Lane” energized…

We continue to rejoice in the favor of God upon us TODAY… and are very grateful for the many expressions of concern and support that continue to be shared with us in so many ways…

Caminando con Fé
Dave

Way to go Irene! Keep eating, but don’t overdo it in the kitchen. Your getting stronger and you have a multitude of cheerleaders jumping up and down with each progression. Dave, us women can only grin at your confusion in the market as we think of our own husbands filling in for us. We will pray that each day gets better.

Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Love, Betty

It is so wonderful to read about Irene’s progress!  To picture her being able to prepare food in her own kitchen is the ultimate in heartwarming!

We continue to pray for God’s strength to work in Irene, for His energy to powerfully supply her with all that she needs each day, and also for continued ability to enjoy nourishment, that it would be a treat to eat!

Thank you so much for your faithful testimony in the face of so much, for all the ways you have encouraged all of those around you.

Love,

Steve and Sue Azevedo

8 p.m…

“I hope that nobody is watching me”, I thought to myself as I literally ZIG ZAGGED down the grocery aisles from one end of Safeway to the other.  “This is absolutely embarrassing” was another grim thought I had as I gazed at the short, hand-written list in front of me and acted as though I knew where I was going… You would certainly think that by the time I was 49 years old that I would have figured out the layout of a grocery store!!  Irene had simply asked me to get a few things to fill the pantry and frig…and she wasn’t even here to point out which way to turn… 

And so it is with some of my “newer” responsibilities… I am learning to spell “grocery store” and other “things” that I have taken for granted over the last 27+ years!!!!   

Irene had an exceptional day and we’re rejoicing!  Irene’s good friend, Sue Martinez, picked Irene up from dialysis treatment and spent some time with her today as I worked in the Silicon Valley area…  She was also able to keep food down and her energy level was generally up.  We certainly hope this trend continues!!

So, Irene is now in the kitchen preparing meatballs for a meal tomorrow evening… it’s good to see her up…even though she may be moving slowly… and I will confusingly ZIG ZAG the aisles of Safeway for her anytime!!

Thanks for caring!

Caminando con Fé
Dave