Satellite Dialysis used the existing chest catheter today because Irene’s forearm fistula still couldn’t be used.  The continued swelling and tenderness still remains from the needle infiltration last week. 

The eventual catheter removal @ UCSF has been postponed until further notice. 

Irene’s nausea was unremitting and the nausea merciless. 

Before retiring this evening, Irene’s final comment was that “His mercies are new every morning”

…as she looks forward to a better tomorrow.

Thanks for caring.
Dave

Without question women are the CROWN JEWEL of God’s creation.

God created Adam first, but examine what happened He did next, which is this .... God created woman.

So, why did God create woman after man?

I’m convinced that after creating man He thought, “I can certainly do better than that!!!”

August 26 is a great day.  It’s great because it’s my mom’s birthday!!  Happy Birthday, Mom…!!!!

My mom’s birthday is reminding me of God’s creation and the role of women and the influence they have on the next generation.  And I’m grateful for the momentous role that women play in our society and the world around us.  Mom has always been a champion for all three of her boys .... i.e. me and my brother’s Greg and Dan.

Irene came home from dialysis having dealt with low blood pressure during the duration of the protocol. What was the result? The treatment was unable to remove the ultimate fluid reduction objective.  Certainly we hope this doesn’t become a trend.  She rested this afternoon and battled the relentless 24/7nausea.

Irene is certainly a jewel.  Her persevering and joyful spirit is convincing testimony of her inner strength.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground- the LORD God formed the man The Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah) it is also the name Adam (see Gen. 2:20). from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin [e] and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

Genesis 2:4b-23

I am REALLY glad that God said that it is not good for man to be alone .... and I’m grateful that He created woman as a suitable helper.

Without question, women are the CROWN JEWEL of God’s creation .... and I am convinced that God’s response after creating man was .... ”I can do better than that”!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Moments after this photo was taken at dialysis this morning Irene experienced an INFILTRATION.

So, what’s an infiltration?  An infiltration occurs when the needle goes through the wall of the fistula.

Obviously, this is NOT good news.

The infiltration occurred approximately one hour into the three hour treatment protocol.  Obviously, use of the fistula was immediately discontinued.

So, what does this mean?

• Irene’s arm is very swollen and sore (she iced it for four hours)
• The catheter will be used for the next treatment while the arm/fistula recovers
• Scheduled removal of the catheter has obviously been delayed for at least two weeks

Irene was VERY nauseated following the treatment and rested for the balance of the day.

While Irene was going through this difficulty, I was at UCSF for a scheduled appointment with Mark Laret, the President/CEO of UCSF. Mr. Laret is very humble, gracious, and a gentleman with a very, very big job .... to lead one of the most prominent tertiary care centers in the world.  Our visit lasted for approximately 45 minutes.  The purpose of the meeting was to express to him our DEEP appreciation for how UCSF carries out its purpose and mission.  Our experience at UCSF, although a challenging journey, makes it easy to be “goodwill ambassadors” ....!!!!  The caring culture they perpetuate is truly a wonder to behold .... and it begins with excellent leadership.  UCSF is a CITY ON A HILL whose beacon of light shines goodwill to all who it touches ....!!!

Thank you for your support on Irene’s Journey of Faith.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Irene’s sister, Jane Smalley, visited Irene today, arriving in her new car!!  They enjoyed mall shopping and had a casual lunch at Chile’s.  Later, they returned to the house savoring the high blue sky and balmy day on the bay.  Irene is grateful for the expressions of love and support she continues to receive from people like the one reading this update.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement
Philemon 1:7a

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Quick Update…….

Irene’s dialysis treatment with the newly installed Cimino Fistula went well.  The technicians encouraged Irene with levity as she endured the first “shot” creating what they call the “button hole” for access.  They used the existing catheter in her chest for the “in” line and the Cimino Fistula in her arm for the “out” line.  In the coming weeks, as the “button hole” with the fistula becomes routine, they will exclusively use the Fistula and will terminate use of the catheter.  At some time in the near future the catheter will be surgically removed.

Irene enjoyed the day and appreciates your continued support on her journey of faith.

Thanks for caring,
Dave

.... he leads me beside quiet waters ....
Psalm 23:2b

Following the early morning dialysis treatment in Watsonville we trekked to San Francisco where Irene’s appointment at UCSF went well.  Dr. Eichler confirmed the Cimino Fistula’s state of readiness and authorized the dialysis center to start using it on Wednesday.  Thanks for your continued prayer cover regarding her chronic discomfort .... i.e., fatigue, nausea and itching.

Irene’s name in the original Hebrew means PEACE, and the photo above recently taken by our friend, Hosanna Loh, who commented, “.... the small lake was surrounded by lush green meadows with pink/purple wildflowers on one side, and tall trees on the other side.”

.... he leads me beside quiet waters ....
Psalm 23:2b

Irene Lake @ Rocky Mountain National Park is very appropriately named.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

It’s not how we start the race…but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Irene has an appointment at UCSF tomorrow (Monday) to evaluate the readiness of the Cimino Fistula.  In recent days the blood flow through the Fistula region has become more intense and appears to be functioning more efficiently.  As soon as UCSF gives the green light then the dialysis will use this entry point rather than the existing catheter in her chest.  The catheter at some point in the near future will be surgically removed.  Stay tuned ....

The Olympics are a joy to watch and they’re definitely inspiring.  The competition and determination of the human spirit is gloriously manifested in the global competition as well as the many personal stories that accompany the games.

And the GOAL OF LIFE, metaphorically, is to STRONGLY finish the race.  Irene is running the “race of life” STRONGLY and in such a way as to win the ultimate prize.  And what is that ultimate prize?

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Irene is remaining focused on the ultimate prize of life .... the author and finisher of her faith, Jesus Christ, who promises eternal life and Heaven where there is no pain, no suffering, no nausea and no chronic fatigue to battle, so, despite her daily challenges, she ....

.... runs with perseverance the race marked out ....
Hebrews 12:1b

.... and she’s still smiling on the long and arduous journey.

It’s not how we start the race .... but, rather, how we finish that counts.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

The Saddleback Showdown
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/15/influential-pastor-to-host-faith-forum/

We’ve heard it said that it’s already been a long and arduous campaign season.  Candidates become weary and worn on the campaign trail but trudge on.  Irene is on a brutal trail herself, the Primary Amyloidosis Showdown for over a year.  She is harassed by nausea and fatigue 24/7 but trudges on.  Unfortunately, an election date in November won’t settle the uphill battle.

We long for good governance.  We long for political stability, and we long for the presidential candidates to openly declare their positions at the Saddleback Showdown.  We long for clarity and understanding.

Stay tuned for live coverage on your local Fox News Channel on Saturday, August 16, @ 5 pm Pacific Time.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Storytelling is a very powerful communication technique and there are four primary metaphors that God uses to challenge and help us understand his ways.

Farming

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

Matthew 13:2b-9

Fishing

“.... the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

Matthew 13:47-51a

Athletics

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24

Military

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.” Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Matthew 8:8-10

Irene continues to “sow the good seed” on the Amyloid journey.  She is a “fisher of men” by drawing people closer to God because of her faithful testimony.  She is running in such a way as to “win the prize” and she is spiritually prepared for battle.

Candidly, there are times when the Amyloid journey, which is quickly approaching 18 months, can be compared to fighting a 15 round boxing match .... except that it feels like the 18th round .... with an unknown number of rounds still ahead.  The tiring body craves relief from the battle and longs for victory.  Because “training” was planned for an intense 15 rounds .... not 18 and beyond, existing physical, spiritual and emotional resources are depleted and reserves are counted on to backfill the present need.  An extreme fatigue factor begins to settle in on a variety of fronts .... and all relative synonyms apply .... exhaustion, languidness, languor, lassitude, or listlessness.

However, we’re revived by the Word ....

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

Fight the good fight of faith.
1 Timothy 6:12

Do not become weary in well doing.
Galatians 6:9

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:20

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Storytelling and metaphors are powerful communication techniques.  They magnify a message like a megaphone to the heart .... and as the bell rings for the “next round” of the tumultuous match .... we yearn for restoration from Almighty God and His Word.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

From The Valley of Vision

Puritan Prayers and Devotions

My Dear Lord,
I can but tell thee that thou knowest
I long for nothing but thyself,
Nothing but holiness,
Nothing but union with thy will.
Though has given me these desires,
And thou alone canst give me the thing desired.
My soul longs for communion with thee,
For mortification of indwelling corruption
Especially spiritual pride.
How precious it is
To have a tender sense and clear apprehension
Of the mystery of godliness,
Of true holiness!
What a blessedness to be like thee
As much as it is possible for a creature
To be like its Creator!
Lord, give me more of thy likeness;
Enlarge my soul to contain fullness of holiness;
Engage me to live more for thee.
Help me to be less pleased with my spiritual
Experiences,
And when I feel at ease after sweet communings,
Teach me it is far too little I know and do.
Blessed Lord,
Let me climb up near to thee,
And love, and long, and plead, and wrestle
With thee,
And pant for deliverance from the body of sin,
For my heart is wandering and lifeless
And my soul mourns to think it should ever
Lose sight of its Beloved.
Wrap my life in divine love,
And keep me ever desiring thee,
Always humble and resigned to thy will,
More fixed on thyself,
That I may be more fitted for doing
and suffering.

With heightened security because of the terror risks, most ACCESS to the floor of the Congressional House of Representatives is reserved for elected Congress and Senate Members (and their staff) who convene during an official judicial session.

A historic event took place today as citizens (including me) were invited to the floor of the House for a third day of an “unofficial” session in order to observe an unprecedented protest by the Republican Party.  Members had “prayed and pledged” into the unofficial session and were calling for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow them to vote on a comprehensive energy plan to relieve high fuel costs affecting most Americans.  Several Congressman and Senators emphatically communicated that there is bi-partisan support for this plan.  The only problem was this: House Speaker Pelosi had adjourned the Congress for summer session three days ago and literally turned off the chamber lights, microphones and cameras. It’s certainly a provocative news item ....

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/republicans-pro.html

Irene was out of the house early this morning and had her foot bath treatment at Dr. Buford McCharen’s office.  He continues to graciously extend this service to Irene which is designed to remove toxins from her system.  She continues to graciously endure the relentless 24/7 nausea and fatigue.

Whether or not the House of Representatives reconvenes to pass an energy relief bill or not, I believe our country does need a comprehensive energy policy which includes the following ....

• Conservation
• Alternative Fuel development
• Domestic drilling

Okay, enough on politics and now off my bully pulpit ....

We don’t need to wait for a crisis to have unique ACCESS to God the Father.  That access is granted by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Son, where his payment was made in full, on our behalf, at the cross of Calvary.  Jesus grants us ACCESS to our Heavenly Father .... anytime, anywhere, for any reason.

And, in the meantime, I do hope that we get relief at the pump very soon!

Caminando con Fé

Dave

“Americans came to liberate, not to conquer, to restore freedom and to end tyranny.”
Chiseled in stone @ the World War II Memorial

Irene had a relaxing and restful day enjoying the high blue sky and panoramic bay views from the house with Carmen, Jane and Arie.  Although physically challenged with the ongoing amyloid related issues, Irene’s spirit remains free and faithful in the Lord’s provision.

Visiting the U.S. Capitol is always humbling and deeply emotional.  It’s where freedom rings and patriotism reigns.  Between meetings I have bicycled and savored all of the Capitol Mall memorials and landmark institutions represented in the area.  The United States of America, behind Israel, in my humble opinion, and for many reasons, is the most inspiring nation on the planet.

I am proud to be a citizen of the U.S.A. .... and equally proud of the stone chiseled words at the World War II Memorial .... where “Americans came to liberate, not to conquer, to restore freedom and to end tyranny.”

Jesus came into this world not to conquer but to liberate, to restore freedom and to end tyranny.  However, His Kingdom is not of this world for His purposes were to free us from the SPIRITUAL BONDAGE of sin’s stronghold.

For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.
John 12:47b

I am thankful for being saved by Jesus and a member of His eternal Kingdom; permanently liberated and freed from the oppression and tyranny of sin.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Is that Irene waving at us from inside the fish tank…?

Today Irene went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with sisters Jane and Carmen.  Arie, Carmen’s granddaughter, also accompanied them.  They enjoyed a hardy seafood lunch at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing and ate dinner at the Whole Enchilada on the way home.  Irene’s nausea remained at a tolerable low roar and her energy was good enough to enjoy the entire day.

Although the top photo is not Irene waving at us from inside the fish tank, it does sums up the fun-filled day she had at the aquarium.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

This evening, former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, autographed a bookmark of Irene’s Journey of Faith with the following, “To Irene, you are in my prayers, your friend, Newt Gingrich”.  I can hardly wait to get it into Irene’s hands!!

Irene is enjoying several days with her sisters, Carmen & Jane, as I travel to Washington DC attending several business meetings.  Carmen and Jane always breathe life into Irene!!

Irene and I have always valued Newt’s keen political insights and his deep knowledge of U.S. history and politics.  I ran into Newt this evening at the DC Coast Restaurant and introduced myself knowing that we share several common relationships.  He was very friendly and gracious.  You can read more about Newt’s work at www.newt.org.

We’re grateful for the army of prayer warriors, which now adds Newt, who prayerfully intercede on Irene’s behalf.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33b

…do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12

Scripture is abundantly clear that we should not be surprised but, rather, to expect troubles, trials and suffering.  So the question is .... how do we trust God in the midst of such ordeals .... especially if and/or when they’re drawn out over an extended period of time?

Irene’s stem cell transplant/chemo therapy treatment dates back to June of 2007.  To date (13+ months), her fingernails have not grown back, although progress is finally being made on her ring finger and pinky.  All of the fingernails on her right hand remain as the thumb, index and middle finger are portrayed in the photos.  Fortunately, however, her toenails have returned!!!  Irene’s face, hands and feet still have darker skin than the rest of her body but are ever so slowly returning to her natural olive complexion.

We can only trust God in the midst of our troubles, trials and suffering to the extent that we KNOW him and have EXPERIENCE with him.  Knowledge and experience teaches us that God is trustworthy even in our darkest hours.  Knowledge and experience teach us that He is FAITHFUL and that he manifests his presence to us during those very challenging times.  In Jesus Christ we overcome whatever comes our way .... even, in Irene’s case, the colossal challenge of Primary Amyloidosis.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b

Caminando con Fé

Dave