SAT in Multiple Myeloma

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. This test is taken by students in the United States who are preparing to attend college. It tests their aptitude in reading, writing, and math. Well, living with multiple myeloma can sometimes feel like the SAT! Let’s take this apart to see how someone dealing with multiple myeloma must figure things out when diagnosed.

I’ve always said it can be complex figuring out this disease, as it is a quite complex cancer. Can you get through all the reading to understand this cancer? Sometimes, you may feel like you need some kind of degree when you hear people try to break down the intricacies of it all. Though there are complexities, it is quite imperative to work through trying to understand it all. Once you gain a clear picture of the disease, you can truly make some sound decisions on how to move forward.

Reading and writing about multiple myeloma

Okay, so on this intense exam, many of us must be familiar with the acronym CRAB, which is usually used in describing the most common symptoms of myeloma. Let us begin:

C stands for increased calcium levels.

R stands for renal problems.

A stands for anemia. Myeloma disease usually puts a huge hold on iron levels.

B stands for bone lesions. This would mean any evidence of lesions/holes in areas like the spine, pelvis, and sternum.

The assessment of CRAB can help to explain if and when treatment should be considered. Did you know the meaning of CRAB?¹

The math of multiple myeloma

The benchmarks of CRAB often use the indicators > and <. Comprehending the symbols and getting the gist of test results brings us to the math part of this aptitude exam. I still have all the paperwork from my lab workups. In the beginning, it was very confusing to understand the math of it all. In some cases, things may have been explained to us in the beginning. Even down the line, some of the test results can get beyond puzzling.

For example, when greater than (>) and less than (<) signs are used, well, that doesn’t make my comprehension better! Now, we have to remember which sign is which. I can comfortably say that getting results that linger over or under the numbers we want gave my hearts a pitter-patter. When the numbers come back and fall within an acceptable ratio, well, that is usually a comforting thing.

Do you pass the assessment of multiple myeloma ratios? Whether it’s the understanding where you fall within the spectrum of this disease, or if you are in the asymptomatic or symptomatic range, it really takes a lot of work to grasp it all.

Do we really understand multiple myeloma?

Okay, so how did you do on the SAT of multiple myeloma? Does it matter? For students taking the SAT, it’s all about getting that decent score that allows for acceptance into your school of interest or getting grants. As for passing this multiple myeloma test, it’s a matter of understanding rather than simply reacting. A poor read may get you stressed, but knowing the terms and options allows for a clearer understanding of how to move forward.

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile….when you feel like it