We had a sobering consultation at UCSF with Dr. Damon today.

By way of background, Irene’s amyloid “value” was at 652 when she had the stem cell transplant on June 15th.  In October that value had dropped to 33 with a target value of 0 which would equal remission.  On December 3rd another blood draw was completed with test results today revealing a value of 63.

Obviously, the amyloid value has almost doubled in Irene’s bloodstream since October and is trending in the wrong direction.

Dr. Damon had another blood draw taken today to test the amyloid value.  He also ordered a urine sample to measure the protein escaping her urinary tract.  Test results will be learned in about two weeks.  The obvious purpose is to trend the amyloid with a third validation date.

If the amyloid trend continues upward, Irene will be immediately started on another chemotherapy regime, taking one tablet orally once a week.  With more chemo, the chronic nausea will be even more caustic but this is the recommendation in potentially mitigating the mounting adversity.

This is not the news we were hoping for but as Irene quietly commented on the drive home, “My prayer all day has been to accept whatever news I’m told. I am not without hope; I still trust Him to completely heal me.”  She remains courageous and inspiring.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men ....
Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Sobering consultations like the one today remind us that amyloid is a daunting, formidable foe and that we are made for eternity.

Caminando con Fé

Dave