7.30 p.m.

Thanks for checking in…!!!

Irene went to her orthopedic specialist today.  He said that her wrist isn’t where he had hoped it would be at this stage.  He went on to say that her wrist should be at 80% and that it’s no where near that number.  (The break was June 29). Dialysis may be slowing down the healing process.  She’ll be pursuing hand therapy in the coming weeks to see if that will expidite the process.  Although slow, at least Irene’s wrist is healing and moving in the right direction!

We had a relaxing dinner this evening at Palapas, http://palapasrestaurant.com/, in Seascape with Tom and Bonnie Crawford of Pismo Beach. 

Thanks for caring,
Dave

Thanks for checking in.

Irene’s nausea has reared it’s ugly head…and is especially potent following today’s dialysis treatment.  She’s also extremely fatigued and hoping for a better tomorrow.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what he can do for me
No great success to show
No glory of my own
yet in my weakness he is there to let me know

[CHORUS:]
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in his power the weak becomes strong
His strength is perfect
His strength is perfect

We can only know the power that he holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength it must begin
When ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again

Hello, Irene and Dave!

You have been on my mind and in my prayers. I’m sure there’s some excitement with the upcoming wedding and Joanna’s new venture. Praying for strength and relief from nausea. Know that you are loved!

Dave Dravecky http://www.endurance.org, pitching for the San Francisco Giants Baseball team.  Dravecky was a rising star until suddenly stricken with life altering cancer, ending his high hopes and baseball career.

After an enjoyable weekend (didn’t she look great in the photo?), Irene’s home this evening from dialysis, challenged by a POUNDING headache and nausea in the 9+ range on a 1-10 scale.  She’s COLD under a blanket even though the room is very WARM.

She practices ENDURANCE and, like Dave Dravecky, inspires us everyday.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

Despite 24/7 nausea for more than three years, her healing wrist which still aches, and three days a week of kidney dialysis, Irene’s determined to live above her circumstances.  In this photo she’s busy preparing the ring bearer’s pillow for Jocelyn and Jordan’s upcoming wedding on September 18th.

Thanks for caring,

Dave

7 p.m.

Thanks for checking in…!!!

Irene’s dialysis schedule has changed.  She now leaves the house around 10.30 a.m. with a scheduled start time of 11.30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  She hopes to be home on those days by 3 p.m.  This time slot works well; the biggest benefit is that she won’t have to drive home in the winter months when it’s dark close to 5 p.m. 

Irene’s wrist continues to be well on its way to healing.  Her blood test results today were outstanding;  smiling faces in all categories…!!! 

The nausea continues to come in waves…the amyloid remains in remission.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

8 p.m.

Thanks for checking in…!!!

Irene had a rough day at dialysis but deeply appreciates all of the cards, calls and well wishes for her BIRTHDAY!

The nausea is raging but she’s gracious as usual…

Hoping for a strong recovery… and better tomorrow.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

Irene’s birthday is Monday, August 16th, but celebrating on a dialysis day just didn’t seem as much fun as doing it today!!

We had a delicious lunch at the Santa Cruz Harbor followed by a rich, home made birthday cake for dessert made by JoAnna and opening gifts at the house ... it was great to relax and celebrate LIFE together ... a beautiful day on the Monterey Bay ...!!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave

“Poise: the ability to be ill at ease inconspicuously.”
— Earl Wilson

“God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.”  — Reggie White

“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man (or woman) that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow” — Thomas Paine

“Bare heights of loneliness…a wilderness whose burning winds sweep over glowing sands, what are they to HIM? Even there He can refresh us, even there He can renew us.” 
— Amy Carmichael

“Subdue your heart to match your circumstances.”
— Joni Eareckson Tada

“Sometimes God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.” 
— Joni Eareckson Tada

“Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desparate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching.”
— Joni Eareckson Tada