7.15 p.m…

Greetings this Monday evening!

Dr. Lloyd Damon (the UCSF Amyloid expert) met with us again today and explained that there is still active Amyloid in Irene’s kidneys, liver and stomach/intestinal tract.  This explains many of the ongoing challenges that Irene is still experiencing.  The stem cell transplant was intended to STOP THE PRODUCTION of Amyloid in her bone marrow.  The hope is that the Amyloid will eventually go into remission and it will take a considerable amount of time to do so (probably several months).  A blood test was taken today (exactly one month following the transplant) and the results will be reported in 10 days. The purpose of the blood test is to determine the LEVEL of the Amyloid disease which still exists in her body.  Following the blood test today, UCSF will test Irene for Amyloid every three months.