It’s early Saturday morning… I’m at a nearby Starbucks and JoAnna is still sleeping at Tom and Janet William’s apartment they have so graciously provided for us during this time…we’ll be heading back to UCSF soon…
A couple of hours after the stem cell transplant yesterday Irene was presented with a “Birthday Cake” from the nursing staff of UCSF, celebrating the “First Day of the Rest of Her Life”… It was an emotional moment for all of us…
Irene finally got a private room (at the SPA as she calls it!!) and she actually had an appetite for the first time in two months… despite the chemo and some limited nausea…but ate one-half of a hamburger and some french fries!!!! Afterward she was tired and laid down…
By almost 8 p.m. she was still sleeping soundly!!!
JoAnna and I left a note for her and quietly slipped out of her room…we didn’t hear from her last evening… we suspect she slept through the night… perhaps “coming down” from the emotional “crescendo” of the stem cell transplant being complete… she has been through the ringer the last 6 weeks with the transplant goal finally being achieved… we now obviously hope and pray that the transplant will be successful and she’ll be on the long road of recovery….
Significant challenges still lie ahead because of the renal failure and other potential complications but all of us are up to the challenge… especially Irene who has the hardest job of all…but her gentleness and faithfulness through all of this is incredibly inspiring….
This weekend’s agenda consists of monitoring Irene’s initial blood levels and giving her some much needed rest…
We couldn’t survive the journey without a FAITHFUL LORD, family and friends like you… thank you sooooooo much….!!!!
He lives,
Dave
Prov 3:4-6
Dave,
I join with the “great cloud of witnesses” praying for Irene. I am believing that God is with her, and will touch her life according to his perfect will.
Your update this morning is very encouraging—especially with the birthday cafe to celebrate to the first day of the rest of her life.
I am reminded by that very well know poem “Footprints.” God has not left. I believe that the Lord is very much with you—carrying you through this challenging time.
Bless you, and please give my Lord to Irene.
Wayne Herron (and the Herron family)
I love the summer hair cut! You look great in the picture!!!
Celebrating with you,
Marsha and Kent