Dr. Zangari thinks I am making progress

The meeting with Dr. Zangari today had been set for 3:00 PM, but I was called this morning to ask me if I would come for an appointment at 1:30.  Before I could accept this change I had to check with Nancy to learn whether she could meet this schedule; she agreed and Emma and I left home around 12:30 because I always am asked to get there 30 minutes early.  The early arrival allows for my vitals to be taken and for a new, to me, nurse, Sara, to review my medications and general health before the Doctor comes in to examine me.

Dr. Zangari looked at all the results from the tests that I underwent on the 18th and the printout of the Dexascan test that I had brought for him, and supplied me with copies of the other tests.  He then told me that everything has remained quite level and low, so low that I would not need to return for a visit with an oncologist until next March.  I will remain on the same treatment schedule and medications that I have followed since February.  They will check my Myeloma markers every 3 months, which will involve a 24-hour urine collection and extensive blood tests, but will not require the intervention of an oncologist unless something unexpected occurs.

This is the printout given to me this afternoon.  It is hard to compare it with earlier ones because the vertical scale is different from time to time.  But it is apparent that the Kappa:Lambda Free Light Chain Ratio has become almost completely flat. 

It is curious that I received a letter in today's mail from the Division of Geriatrics at the Univ.of Utah inviting me to participate in a research study of anemia in old codgers because they have observed that my hemoglobin levels are low.  Perhaps the upper line in this chart tells them that, but I have never before been told anything about me having anemia.

Incidentally, Nancy did show up for the meeting with Dr. Zangari, but she had been babysitting for Tai and Kersten and brought baby Fern with her.  The clinic staff would not let her bring the baby in so we met her in the hall outside.