Irene’s walk through the valley of the shadow of death has been, and continues to be very real.  However, her faith and confidence in God stifles the fear factor.

I offer the following high level overview timeline for perspective related to Irene’s journey.

Feb 2007
A routine physical discovers Irene has high cholesterol with a reading in excess of 400; weeks later the level exceeds 500.

March
Symptoms exasperate including two blood clots, edema, irregular heartbeat, loss of protein from the blood into the urine, severe fatigue and nausea.

April
She was admitted to Dominican Hospital/CHW, in Santa Cruz for about 1 week.  Ultimately diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrotic_syndrome

May
Hospitalized again at Dominican Hospital for two weeks and then transferred to UCSF where she was diagnosed with Primary Amyloidosis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyloidosis

June
Chemotherapy, two detached retinas from steroid treatment; stem cell transplant on June 15; two trips to ICU, one Code Blue, 45 blood transfusions, dialysis initiated, skin turned black; loss of finger and toenails.

July
Discharged on July 20, 2007

July — Feb
Home recovery, chronic nausea and dialysis 3 days a week

March 2008
Remission pronounced; nausea continues; still in dialysis three days a week; home recovery continues

Nausea notwithstanding, Irene was on the move all day …. from running errands this morning, getting through her to-do list around the house and enjoying the flower garden.

God makes known the path of life; His Presence does bring fullness of joy …. even through the valley of the shadow of death facing the colossal enemy, Primary Amyloidosis.

Caminando con Fé

Dave