AL Amyloidosis Treatment in India

Krishna Patel, a 58-year-old accountant and...

Krishna Patel, a 58-year-old accountant and father of two, had always been the picture of health. Over the past year, he began experiencing profound fatigue, a persistent tingling in his hands and feet, and alarming swelling in his ankles. His primary care doctor initially suspected a heart issue, but an echocardiogram showed thickened heart walls. Referred to a cardiologist and then a hematologist, a series of blood tests and a fat pad biopsy confirmed the devastating diagnosis: AL Amyloidosis, with light chains from his bone marrow damaging his heart. His doctor, Dr. Evans, recommended an aggressive treatment plan starting with chemotherapy (CyBorD regimen) to target the abnormal plasma cells, followed by a potential stem cell transplant. The chemotherapy was grueling; Krishna battled nausea, fatigue, and a deep fear of the unknown. The emotional toll was immense, he worried about being a burden to his family and not seeing his grandchildren grow up. After six cycles, his light chain levels dropped significantly. While not cured, his heart function stabilized, the swelling subsided, and the neuropathy improved. The emotional journey shifted from despair to cautious hope. He now manages his condition as a chronic illness, cherishing each day with renewed gratitude and participating in a support group to help others on the same path.