Fact 8: Regular Monitoring is Essential
WM’s chronic nature necessitates regular monitoring. It isn’t about being overly cautious; it’s about preempting potential issues, gauging treatment effectiveness, and ensuring the best quality of life for patients.
Blood tests play a pivotal role in WM surveillance. Given the disease’s impact on blood viscosity and its influence on various organs, regular blood work provides insights into disease progression or regression. Monitoring levels of IgM, hemoglobin, and platelets can dictate if treatments are effective or if modifications are needed.
While blood tests offer a wealth of information, imaging modalities like CT scans or MRIs provide a holistic view. They help visualize organ enlargement, detect lymph node involvement, and offer clarity on disease spread, if any.
While medical tests are indispensable, paying heed to one’s physical and emotional well-being is just as crucial. Regular check-ups should encompass discussions about fatigue, pain, mood fluctuations, and any other changes, however minor they might seem.(8)
