Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Irene’s nausea loomed large all day and her fatigue was also relentless.  She is grateful, however, that it wasn’t a dialysis day.

With Irene in remission status and passing the one year mark of the stem cell transplant, we were discussing the three most significant and remaining physical challenges; dialysis three days a week, extreme nausea and fatigue.  And, depending on the day of the week, any one of those three could be the greatest challenge.

We believe, however, that God is faithful and that He is love.  His thoughts are ever before us and He will never leave us nor forsake us.  We have GRATEFUL hearts for remarkable blessings that are as measureless as the sand at the sea.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Psalm 139:17-18

The three remaining challenges don’t outweigh His consistent presence in our midst.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Hi Dias Family,

I am glad to hear all is well with Irene’s last appointment and like I told Joci, the jewelry comment is so her mother and I love it!

As I put in the subject line Thinking of the Dias Family which is what I do everyday when I get an update from this blog I have been following (along with Irene’s) and thought it might be something you would enjoy reading — it’s by a mom who I have been purchasing baby items from since Lilie was around 3 years old.  She recently lost a baby during her pregnancy for no known reason, at 37 weeks and then had a still birth.  Much of what she says about understanding and putting trust in God is similar to your web site.  I loved the posting she has now of the the YouTube Video and thought you might enjoy it too.

Take care,
Carin Sutton

Hi Dave and Irene,

I’m so happy to hear about your day at UCSF and the things you learned there.  What a touching blog tonight.

Irene, you are such a classy, faithful woman that we can all learn so much from you.  I check on your site almost every day to see how things are and I say a prayer every time I check in so I feel like we connect in spirit much more than in word.  Dave, thank you for being the most faithful updater and husband.

Cheryl

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.  His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-47, 49-50

When Irene was getting her blood drawn this morning @ UCSF the attending nurse complimented Irene’s jewelry.  Irene quickly responded .... ”I may have a disease but it doesn’t have me ....!!!!!!!”

Dr. Damon’s Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator, Bridget Mazzini, warmly greeted Irene this morning @ UCSF.  Bridget, encouraged by Irene’s progress, shared with Irene that UCSF “gets about a miracle every three years…and you’re one of them.” Bridget further explained that the degree of complexity and severity surrounding Irene’s condition (internal bleeding, etc…) in June of 2007 created a provocative conversation among the medical team about whether or not she would make it through the chemotherapy and stem cell transplant process.  It was an emotional moment for Irene to reflect on that perception.

We call the UCSF medical team “The Dream Team”.  Pictured above is Dr. Ai, who regularly attended Irene during the stem cell transplant process.  Dr. Ai shares Bridget’s sentiments and is obviously very encouraged by Irene’s progress.

We’re forever grateful for Dr. Wei Ai, Dr. Stephen Gluck, Dr. Lloyd Damon, Dr. Russ Cucina, Dr. Lawrence Kaplan, Dr. Catherine Smith and Dr. Rachel Fogarty, and many other UCSF doctors who were personally concerned for Irene’s welfare along the journey.  We’re also deeply grateful for the nursing team and the many other supporting and unnamed HERO’S at UCSF who quietly serve 24/7.

UCSF Medical Center is a “city on a hill” and a beacon of light to the world.  Those many who work there are giving of their lives to save lives.

The photo above shows Irene’s stitches being removed from the Cimino Fistula procedure.  You’ll note that there are TWO surgical wounds.  The wrist wound is where Dr. Eichler first attempted to surgically create the fistula and discovered that the veins in that region would not support the effort.  The fistula procedure was ultimately completed in the middle portion of Irene’s arm.  Irene will see Dr. Eichler as a follow-up on August 18, 2008.

Irene’s appointment with Dr. Damon was very encouraging.  Remission is the defining word.  Another Cappa Light Chain blood test was completed today and the results should be in next week but Dr. Damon expects no surprises.  Irene also had several vaccine shots (tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, meningocoloccal, polio, shingles, pneumococcal) because she has now passed the one year mark (June 15, 2007) since the stem cell transplant.

With Irene remaining in remission, Dr. Damon confirmed that she may now be a possible kidney transplant candidate.  We will now explore this conversation with Irene’s nephrology team.

Irene is not scheduled to see Dr. Damon again until December 18, 2008!!!!!!!!!

Our collective prayer today is a reflection of the following ....

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.  His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-47, 49-50

Caminando con Fé

Dave

I am filled with comfort.  I am overflowing with joy in all my affliction.
2 Corinthians 7:4

Irene has this verse written on a 3X5 card and she regularly recites it.

We have an appointment on Thursday @ UCSF with Dr. Lloyd Damon, Irene’s stem cell transplant doctor.  We hope that the stitches from the Cimino Fistula procedure will also be removed.  We’ll give a full report following the consultation.

In the meantime, Irene continues to focus on living each day to its fullest.  She is filled with comfort and overflowing with joy in all of her affliction…and still has a smile on her face.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

I was able to attend the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Sacramento today.  Our good friend, Mark Joseph (www.mjmgroup.com and www.markjoseph.com), was the plenary speaker.  He delivered a stirring and inspiring message.

Irene’s fistula surgical wounds continue to heal very well and we hope the stitches will be removed @ UCSF on Thursday when we see Doctor Damon.  Her dialysis treatment yesterday was cut short due to early warning signs of cramping but she’s had two very good days.  The nausea remains at a low roar.

Thanks for caring.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

I went to Yosemite National Park for the weekend with my dad, Joe, and two brothers, Dan and Greg (in the order seen below) and their two sons, Matt and Joel.  On Friday afternoon we drove to Glacier Point to enjoy the spectacular views.  On Saturday, while my dad remained at base camp, the rest of us trekked to the top of Yosemite Falls, a 3.9 mile 3,000 foot switchback trail with a very steep grade.  It took 6 hours to make the roundtrip trek.

Irene had a very unusual few days.

At dialysis on Friday she had an excruciating cramping episode in her left calf.  She is NOT looking forward to tomorrow’s treatment.

Fires in the region later in the day and over the weekend made national headlines.  Jocelyn is in New York/Connecticut, JoAnna in S. Cal, I was at Yosemite National Park and her two sisters (Carmen & Jane) who normally stay with her were also traveling.  Fortunately, she had a good network of friends in the region.  Shirley Churchill invested 2 hours with Irene on Saturday morning working with her on physiology techniques and Sue Martinez took Irene to lunch.  Phyllis Cauwels and Colleen, Greg’s bride, called Irene to check on her.  Irene also spoke with JoAnna several times.  Jocelyn called from NY, and, had she been home, she would have been under mandatory evacuation because of the fires.  The fires are now 90% contained.

It was a whirlwind weekend.

This coming Thursday Irene will see Dr. Damon at UCSF and the stitches should be removed from the fistula procedure.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

A friend of ours, Megan Igno, is studying to be a nurse. Megan recently wrote a report on Amyloidosis for her biology class and used Irene’s journey as a basis of her report. We include it here for your perusal: Kappa Light-Chain Primary Amyloidosis Associated with End Stage Renal Disease and One Patient’s Journey.

Megan’s work has received kudos even from some of the doctors involved in Irene’s diagnosis and treatment! Thanks to Megan for making us a part of her educational experience!

One of Irene’s favorite artists is CeCe Winans, www.cecewinans.com.

Last Saturday evening it was a JOY to behold Irene dancing with enthusiastic rhythm, JOY and liveliness to the song “It ain’t over” ....!!!!!!!!!  My only regret is not having a video camera on her!!!!!!!

So you got a bad report
And it doesn’t look good to you
Put a praise on your lips
This is what you gotta do
Speak to your situation without hesitation
God gave me this revelation just for you

(bridge 1)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
No matter what you’re going through
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
God’s gonna work it out for you
If you can believe
It ain’t over
Trouble don’t last always
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)

So you gave it all you had
And you still came up short
You been faithful through it all
And you answered the call
Keep your eyes on the prize
Don’t give up the faith
God has a plan for you
That’s why we say

It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Weeping may endure for a night
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Joy’s gonna come, joy’s gonna come
It ain’t over
If you just believe in the morning
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over

(bridge 2)
Whose report will you believe
God has spoken
Will you receive
Oh, it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)

It ain’t over (ooooh yeah)
Said it ain’t over
Saints hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
If you just believe it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)

(bridge 2)

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Listen (It ain’t over)
Said it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Trust me (It ain’t over)
I know for myself it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Oh it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
I believe it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It’s just getting started (It ain’t over)
You gotta believe it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
I believe (I believe He’s got better things for me)
I believe (I believe He’s got better things for me)
I believe (I believee
Tell yourself I believe (I believe He’s got better things for me)

Oh yes, it ain’t over
This is just a test of your faith
(It ain’t over)
Won’t be like this always, just believe
(It ain’t over)
Don’t give in, don’t give up, you can make it, hold on
(It ain’t over)
Cause there’s a blessing in your storm

I believe
(I believe He’s got better things for me)
Speak to yourself
(I believe He’s got better things for me)
Proclaim it
(I believe He’s got better things for me)
Shout it out loud
(I believe He’s got better things for me)
Yes He does

It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)

Clap your hands (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Stomp your feet (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Do your dance (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
You gotta believe it (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Keep praying (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Keep hoping (It ain’t over)
Cause it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
God said it (It ain’t over)
And it ain’t over (It ain’t over)
It ain’t over (It ain’t over)
Yeah yeah yeah (It ain’t over)
Ay, ay, ay ohhhh (It ain’t over)

(It ain’t over)
(It ain’t over)
(It ain’t over)

Download the song or purchase the CD .... dance along with the beat and you’ll learn why it inspires her ....!!!!!

Irene is pictured above @ UCSF in pre-op early this morning.  The procedure went well and the Cimino Fistula is now in her right arm.  The arm is very sore, she’s on a pain reliever, but is resting comfortably at home.

Irene’s smiling and optimistic spirit continues on the amyloid journey because “it ain’t over”.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

As we settle in this evening awaiting the fistula procedure early tomorrow morning, we savored a delicious meal at the infamous Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California.

San Franciscans enjoy eating out. Some say that it is a heritage from the gold seekers who journeyed to California without their families, became accustomed to the good and exotic cookery of the restaurants of San Francisco, and were never again completely satisfied to eat at home.’’ That’s not a quote from one of today’s trendy food magazines. It’s from an article by Salvatore P. Lucia in Atlantic Monthly in 1950.

Lucia goes on to write about the hot restaurants of the time that have since closed — Rijstaffel, the Papagayo Room in the Fairmont Hotel, and Amelio’s. But he also mentions a San Francisco classic that’s still open, Tadich Grill, which he describes as being a place “for the more sophisticated fancier of fish dishes.’’

Tadich Grill isn’t just the oldest restaurant in San Francisco; it’s one of the oldest businesses in California.

In 1849, when California wasn’t even part of the Union, the restaurant began its life as The New World Coffee Stand on the edge of what’s now Commercial Street. It moved several times in the early days until it found a more permanent home — from 1912 to 1967 — at 545 Clay St. It moved to its current address on California Street when Wells Fargo took over the space on Clay.

The “new’’ location looks much like the Clay Street restaurant, according to Bob Buich, one of the owners, who says the restaurant was basically disassembled and recreated in the new space.

Lots of dark wood, including the long bar and lunch counter, highlight the decor and give the space an old-fashioned, clubby feel. Booths are created by wooden panels for more private dining away from the din of the restaurant. White-clothed tables line the walls and Deco-style light fixtures add a warm glow. The open kitchen, so popular at restaurants now, was also recreated from the Clay Street restaurant.

Tadich Grill — one of the most written-about restaurants in San Francisco history — held a special place in the heart of the late Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, too. He wrote of eating the famed Hangtown Fry — scrambled eggs, bacon and oysters — on a cold March day in 1982 and feeling as though time stood still at Tadich Grill. He was right.

Robin Davis is a Chronicle staff critic. Her Dining Out columns can also be read on The Gate at www.sfgate.com.

Even as she anxiously anticipates the procedure tomorrow morning, Irene is still smiling ....

Caminando con Fé

Dave

This is what the LORD says —
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

It may be hard to believe .... but this Father’s Day commemorated Irene’s ONE YEAR stem cell transplant birthday!!!!!  Irene underwent the amyloid stem cell transfusion @ UCSF on June 15, 2007 ....

One year ago following the stem cell transplant (2 days difference to be precise) Irene is now scheduled for a Cimino fistula procedure.  A Cimino fistula is a type of vascular access for hemodialysis. It is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein in the forearm.  Once the graft takes place over the next 2-3 months Irene’s current dialysis catheter in her chest will then be removed with yet another surgical procedure.

Here’s the plan.  We will spend Monday night in San Francisco.  Tom & Janet Williams (Tom is the Chairman of InterWest) have graciously offered their condo to us in preparation for the early Tuesday morning hospital admission (6 a.m.).  The procedure is scheduled at 7.30 a.m.  Irene is expected to be released from UCSF late in the day at which time we will travel home because she has dialysis treatment early Wednesday morning.

2008 Father’s Day pix ....

It’s been quite a year .... and we look forward with wholehearted trust and confidence to whatever God has in store, knowing that He always has our best interests in mind and directs us according to His purposes .... even along the amyloid journey.

This is what the LORD says &mdash:
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Happy Father’s Day weekend, Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You’re the greatest, Dad…thanks for your support all these years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I add the following Father’s Day proclamation saluting all dads!!!

President’s Father’s Day Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Fatherhood is one of life’s most challenging yet fulfilling endeavors. On Father’s Day, we honor America’s fathers and express our appreciation for all they do to help build a strong foundation for our children and our Nation. We also reaffirm our commitment to supporting fathers and encouraging responsible fatherhood in our society.

Fathers have indispensable roles to play in the lives of their children: provider, protector, nurturer, teacher, and friend. Every caring father unconditionally loves his sons and daughters and strives for the best for his children in the future. In seeking to give their children the opportunity to succeed, fathers offer needed strength, guidance, and discipline.

Fathers teach their children many basic things in life: how to read a book, throw a ball, tie a necktie, ride a bike, or drive a car. More importantly, they also help instill time-honored values in their children, such as hard work, respect, honesty, and good citizenship. Through their words, actions, and sacrifices, fathers play an important role in shaping the characters of their sons and daughters.

The time and attention that a father gives to a child is irreplaceable—there is no substitute for the involvement and commitment of a responsible father. Not only are fathers essential to the healthy development of children, they also influence the strength of families and the stability of communities.

For this reason, our Government is working to help fathers succeed in this challenging, but life-affirming, role. Over the last 2 years, my Administration has taken important steps to promote responsible fatherhood and encourage community-based initiatives that help them fulfill their important roles. We are working to provide funds for healthy marriage and parenting education and for community mentoring programs to help fathers become more engaged and involved in their children’s lives.

This Father’s Day, we recognize the many fathers who are heroes and role models for their children, and we encourage more men to fulfill this responsibility by loving their sons and daughters with all their heart and demonstrating this love daily. By working together to encourage America’s fathers, we can strengthen our society and help ensure the well-being of all our children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 15, 2003, as Father’s Day. I encourage all Americans to express love, admiration, and thanks to their fathers for their contributions to our lives and to society. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local governments and citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH

On this Father’s Day weekend, 2008, we pause and give thanks to our loving Heavenly Father, whose outstretched arms on the cross reconcile us and who alone shepherds our lives on this earth.

We also hope our behavior is honoring to our Heavenly Father and that He, too, has a Happy Father’s Day.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Dear ones,

As I lay by the pool listening to the kids laugh and yell and goof off I am so reminded of God’s love showing himself true through children. No care in the world for them at the moment.  I am so thankful that God gave us Connor and Sabrina. I can not imagine my life without them in it. It has been hot here lately by today it is a perfect Californa day. Irene your attitude and courage always inspire me. I am thankful to have a beautiful person like you to mirror. Thank you Dave for all the love and commitment you show to your wife. In a world where so little care is shown it is so awesome to watch you. Dave, I also want to thank you from the depth of my heart for being a consistent great friend to Devin over the years. Happy Father’s Day.

Veronica

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27

WASHINGTON — Tim Russert was big wherever he went — in politics, in television, in writing — and even in a suit.

Russert, the hard-hitting but big-hearted moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” died at work Friday at age 58 of a reported heart attack.

Russert, who also was in charge of NBC News’ Washington bureau, is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, and his son, Luke.

A noticeably shaken Tom Brokaw made the announcement live from New York on the NBC network, saying his colleague collapsed and died early Friday afternoon in the network’s bureau in Washington.

After driving herself to and from dialysis today, Irene was busy around the house enjoying the cool, foggy weather and anticipating visits from Jocelyn & JoAnna this Father’s Day weekend.  Irene’s nausea remained at a low roar and the fatigue shadowed her all day.

The sudden and tragic death of accomplished journalist Tim Russert reminds us that our lives are transitory and that we’re merely sojourners on this planet.  It accentuates that we are to PLAN as if we’re going to live forever but LIVE as if it’s our last day .... with JOY and PURPOSE serving Him who breathes life into us.

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Luke 12:25

Caminando con Fé

Dave

Four Life-Changing Prayers

[I ask] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Ephesians 1:17-19a

[May the Father] grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

[I ask] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Colossians 1:9b-12