My understanding of Waldenstroms and amyloidosis is that it is a genetic disease that strikes primarily in people's age in the 60s. My wife developed it at 68. That blood borne disease then compromises the immune system. That then creates a fertile area in the body where other cancers can grow. In my wife's case she had six tumors in her head.Chemo and light radiation helped, but the area behind her head was very aggressive and she passed after 3 months. My paramount concern now is that if it is a genetic disease, how can my my family and well as other family members be tested for it. If they are, what is the best treatment for my family. The Waldenstrom Foundation may also have useful information there about this insidious disease. Not to upset anyone, but I was told Waldenstrom is an incurable disease. I believe if we garner our families support to battle back this disease, we can then have a cure which is our ultimate goal.