Irene’s recuperating well from her successful kidney transplant.  She’s walking and getting stronger every day.  She’s doing all that’s required on her end: taking her temp and weighing twice a day; ingesting massive amount of meds throughout each day & endeavoring to convalesce.  She rode “shotgun” in the car yesterday for a number of errands; she patiently waited in the car as I hurriedly zig-zagged the grocery store aisles trying to figure out where everything was.

The anti-rejection MEDS have caused some degree of insomnia since departing UCSF.  The first night home she had ZERO hours of sleep; the second night 4+ and last night less than 2 hours.  She spoke with the UCSF transplant team today to discuss and hopefully mitigate the matter with some med tweaks.  She returns to UCSF Tuesday morning for her first of many weekly outpatient visits.

Irene is eternally grateful for the many expressions of support and concern that she’s receiving.  Without question, Faith, Family & Friends have been the defining support system for Irene…in addition to the world-class medical team @ UCSF.  For that, she declares a hearty “THANK YOU”….!

Her biggest concern is obvious: kidney rejection.  However, there are TWO MASSIVE, systemic vicissitudes in play for now; first, no further dialysis treatments are necessary which translates into NOT feeling like she’s been run over by a truck 3 days a week….and second, the 24/7 NAUSEA which she has battled for more than 6+ years is literally NON –EXISTENT.  These are…..………without question….of seismic proportion.

*** The 2 INCH binder that accompanies kidney transplant ***

The Primary Amyloidosis long term prognosis is unknown; we continue to hope that the disease has traveled as far as the East is from the West and will never, ever return.

Irene appreciates your ongoing thoughts and prayers……..her “signature smile” continues 24/7….where her inner JOY and buoyant courage have transcended her adverse & challenging circumstances….on this surreal journey of faith.

Thanks for caring,

Dave