Irene is very grateful for the encouraging and uplifting well wishes from so many!!  Your cards, calls, emails and well wishes are gladly received as she continues treatment as a patient at UCSF.

Irene is now resting comfortably, having just undergone the Quinton catheter installation in her neck and her second stem cell shot.  It was quite a procedure, similar to a full blown surgery.  As you’ll remember, this is preparation for the stem cell harvesting which comes soon.

The White Blood Cells are increasing dramatically.  This is GREAT news!  We were first informed that the collection had achieved the levels for the harvest to begin sooner than expected, perhaps even tomorrow.  However, that information has been modified and it looks like they are taking a more conservative position and the harvest will begin either Thursday or Friday, perhaps one day ahead of schedule.  We were also told she would probably experience signficant pain in the large bone masses of her body from the shots, but thankfully, she hasn’t experienced any such pain and/or discomfort yet.  Yeah!!

Irene’s vision is SLOWLY improving.  We are so grateful.  Her right eye is almost back to normal; the left eye is still blurry.  This is very encouraging news!!!  Rejoice with us!

Irene is still on the blood thinning medication and the edema continues.  She is right on the border of perhaps requiring dialysis, which may occur for a short period of time. 

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support!  It means so much to all of us!

Dave

Hey Mrs. Dias,
My dad told us tonight about this blog and I wanted to write to you right away. I was so sorry to hear about your sickness, but I am so thankful that we have a God who is all powerful and can handle anything! I am and will be praying for you and your family!
In Him,
Lauren Ball

Dear Irene and Dave,

We want you to know that you are deeply loved and that we are praying without ceasing for you.  Ever since we’ve learned of all that has been going on with you Irene, we’ve been in a state of continual prayer and are asking the Lord to give you healing.  Veronica and I both commented on your amazing smile when we visited with you the other day.  Your confidence and trust in the Lord shine through… as it always has.  You are such a wonderful lady; one who has shined and reflected the glory of our Lord to all that are around you.  You’re a great example.  We’re trusting God for great things. 

With love, Devin and Veronica

Dave & Irene,
We really enjoyed visiting with you over the weekend.  It reminded me of “old times” when you lived in Merced.  I want to tell you that we love you both dearly.  We are praying and believing daily, that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will do a miraculous work in Irene for HIS Praise, Honor and Glory.  As you know, Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose for them.” Well, all of us know (and we can see by your peace in this trial) that you and Irene love and trust the Lord; so we know, that God has both of you in the palm of HIS hand.

Dear Irene and Dave,

Just a note to say to you remain in our hearts and prayers and you begin your treatment. We pray for a miraculous recovery, one in which will allow you to give testimony to our Great Physician and Savior. You two have been amazing friends and provided great support to our family and many others around the country. We trust you can sense this outpouring of love and support from your earthly friends and the peace and love from our Father above.

We love you guys and look with anticipation of your healing as you walk through this challenging journey.

Love,

Paul and Clarice Williams

Irene,

So glad you are under God’s watchful eye as well as the skilled and watchful eyes of those He has assigned to help you.  I say assigned because we all know one of the purposes in your current struggle is to let those eyes and those of others nearby be tuned in to your daily and overall victories in the walk of faith and persistance that you now find yourself in.
It continues to be such a blessing just to KNOW your family from our encounters at Walk Thru..............

Continuing prayers from us,

Terry and Jill Winch

Irene and Dave,

Our office is praying for you, knowing the Lord is wakling with you and He is able to sustain and bring healing, according to His will.

Neil

Irene- I just wanted to tell you that we love you. Our prayers are with you.

Irene and Dave, I was so happy to read that today is the day towards healing. In my quiet time in Phillipians I read this verse and thought of the both of you and our conversations of the “what really matters in life”.

Phillipians 3:7-8
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my LORD.

Praying hard!! He has conquered the grave.

Veronica

Dear Irene and Dave,
Just read the update.....you know how we are praying! I would rather be chatting on the phone or sitting with you at Starbucks, but we can look forward to that later.  We are asking God to do exceedingly above all we ask or even think on your behalf.  God IS Able.
Until next time, We Love You, Phyllis and jack

Irene and Dave--

We’ll be praying Hebrews 13:20-21 for you:

20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21EQUIP you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Your faith and courage are an inspiration for all of us, and I know it is because He is equipping you as we speak.

Toby Meisenheimer

I have prayed several times for Irene the past couple of weeks. I’m believing the Word (IS 53:5) for her complete healing.

Dave:

I continue to pray.  Thomas Watson, one of the puritans once said, “Prayer as it comes from the saint is weak and languid; but when the arrow of a saint’s prayer is put into the bow of Christ’s intercession, it pierces the throne of grace.”

I’m praying to that Christ on your and Irene’s behalf.

Blessings.

Irene and Dave,
You are amazing and you are loved!  It is truly an inspiration to see your pictures and read the messages of so many wishing you well and praying for your healing.  I add mine to those—prayers for constant healing, for your continued inner peace as you face this daunting process and for those who are caring for you and administering your treatment.  Thank you for your humble spirit, Irene—I learn from you and your incredible courage, joy, faith and patience.  Both of you are wrapped in care and love from many, many well wishers and faithful friends.  Thanks for your updates, Dave and for your example of courage and love.

Cheryl

Today the approval came from the insurance carrier for the stem cell transplant.  That’s a big victory because the process usually takes several weeks!!!!  The first injection to build up the bone marrow begins this evening.  This is the first of 4 daily injections. 

Irene continues to have blurred vision in both eyes.  She has 2 detached retinas from steroid treatment last week. The medical team hopes that as the steroids leave the body that the vision should self correct.  They will monitor her vision over the next several weeks.

Irene’s bed is waiting in Oncology.....

Irene’s spirits are strong .... She is ready for the road ahead .... Thank you for your support!!!!!!!!