My 3-Month Evaluation, Part I

Today was the first day of my three-month three-day evaluation (say that ten times fast). For high-dose chemotherapy patients, the purpose of the three-month evaluation is to check the patients health for residual effects from the chemo, and to get a preliminary glimpse on how well the treatment worked.

I arrived at Boston Medical around 11 am. It was a little strange to be back here, standing on the floor which I had come to on a daily basis for nearly two months. I saw the same doctors traveling the hallways. None of the patients on the floor looked familiar. In the amyloid section, all of the beds were stocked with new patients, their caregivers sitting beside them.

My treatment was not as formal as it was when I was discharged 8 weeks ago. I checked in like a regular patient, and had to sit in the common waiting area (where I met a few other amyloid patients). Shortly thereafter, I was sent into a lab for an EKG and to have some blood work performed. Some lunch, and then more waiting. In the afternoon, I met with two doctors who are on the amyloid team, who asked me questions about my health and well-being during the 8 weeks that I was away. Before leaving I headed down to radiology for a chest X-ray, and by 3:30 pm I was done.

---

Wednesday is the big day, as I'll see my nephrologist and get back the results of all of my blood tests.

One of the things that they are checking is my light chain count. Although this does not show amyloid production per se, it is an indicator of amyloid production in my body. We are hoping for a normal ratio of a certain light chain (I'm simplifying here, but you get the point.)

If the ratio is normal, this is a good sign. A normal ratio generally means no more amyloid production, and increases my chances of a diagnosis of complete remission in January.

A note: Remember, there is no cure for amyloidosis, so the doctors go out of their way not to use the term 'cure' with any of their treatments. Instead, they'll use the term 'complete remission' for patients that have had their disease eliminated from their bodies.

However, if the ratio is high or above normal, then we've got a problem. An abnormal ratio usually means that amyloid production is still occurring. Needless to say, that would be really, really bad.

As you can see, Wednesday will be a big day for me. But alas, I must wait. Tomorrow will be a light day. No doctor appointments, but I will need to return some urine and stool samples. Tuesday is also support group meeting day, so I may get to see some old friends. Or perhaps, make new ones.