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

"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

“The most fortunate of us frequently meet with calamities which may greatly afflict us. And to fortify our minds against the attacks of these misfortunes should be one of the principal studies and endeavors in our lives.” -- Thomas Jefferson

Irene’s cast was removed today so what did she do to celebrate? She shopped at Beverly’s and Safeway… then vacuumed the house… and prepared dinner for me. She will not be denied…!!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes.”

Charles R. Swindoll

Irene personifies Chuck Swindoll’s quote.  She had a horrific day yesterday/last evening with the nausea RAGING and chronic wrist pain THROBBING.

However, what did she do this morning?  Off to Safeway, DRIVING for the first time since the compound fracture… then off to Watsonville for errands which included a stop at Home Depot for flowers which she planted in her Wisteria Garden this afternoon.

She’s certainly like the Timex Watch… that takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’...!!!

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”

Charles R. Swindoll

4.30 a.m.

For those of you faithfully following Irene’s journey you’ve noticed that there has not been an update for awhile.  I was in Europe representing the Board of Trustees of http://www.apu.edu.  JoAnna traveled with me. 

It was an amazing trip…much of which is highlighted on Facebook.  Irene’s sisters Carmen and Jane were overnight with her;  Jocelyn and Jordan pitched in with vigor and many others also “stepped up” providing transportation, calls and encouragement.  Thank you. 

The doctor confirmed last week that Irene’s wrist is healing nicely.  Her signature smile continues;  she’s certainly living above her circumstances…an amazing testimony of God’s grace and presence in the midst of it all.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

Irene’s follow-up appointment for her wrist fracture went well.  The cast has kept the injured area protected and there’s absolutely “no movement” which will definitely foster the healing process. She returns to the doctor again next week.  The cast will remain for 6 weeks from the injury date.

Thanks for caring.

Dave

A late breaking report….!!!

5 p.m….

I just got off the telephone with UCSF.  Irene’s Primary Amyloidosis blood test results are as follows:

Kappa 46.3
Landa 65.8
Ratio: .7

Interpretation?  The results are BETTER than last time!  The Amyloid remains in REMISSION...!!! 

Certainly a silver lining in what has been a pretty rough week for Irene!

Thanks for caring,
Dave

7 a.m.

Thanks for checking in.  Irene had a very rough night...not getting any sleep at all despite the Vicodin.  The wrist pain, nausea and inability to find a comfortable place to rest has been an ongoing challenge.

We’re hoping that relief will come later today when she’s scheduled for the CASTING.  Perhaps the wrist splint is causing some of her discomfort. 

Thanks for caring,
Dave