← Return to Multiple Myeloma: why do light chain fluctuate?

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@merrle

Hi Meg, I have MM had and an about 19 months out from auto stem cell transplant. Just wanted to affirm that like you, prior to diagnosis.” I was never like this,” meaning I did not get stressed out by every little thing. I do think it’s a way of adapting to a new and life-threatening situation and is positive rather than pathological in someway. So keep asking those questions! your original question about fluctuating Light chains is one I have asked as well, although mine referred to serum light chains rather than urine. Apparently, they can fluctuate a bit with hydration level or in response to more routine immune system challenges, like what occur after an immunization. I get very stressed and perseverative when they do pop up a bit, I think it is the return of active myeloma and I’m always given a wait and see message from the Oncology team. I have found regular discussions with palliative care team to be very helpful in navigating the realities of moving forward with truly living in the context of a potentially life-threatening illness. I wish you the best on your transplant, for what it’s worth I returned to work at about 10 weeks after although I was somewhat limited in energy in cognition. I have had a couple of routine viruses in the last year and a half where I have taken longer to recover then I would have normally, but other than that life is good, after not being able to walk either, I am reasonably active, and able to do what I want to do in my life. Just wanted to be another voice of reassurance that things can and do go well for people with multiple myeloma and that you can be one of them. best wishes and a big hug.

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Replies to "Hi Meg, I have MM had and an about 19 months out from auto stem cell..."

Thanks for your reply! I appreciate your "voice of reassurance," as you say - I sure need all I can get, especially as I prepare for the transplant and all the unknowns ahead. It's true that some of this is attitude adjustment - settling in to the fact that this is a lifelong condition.

I'm so encouraged to hear that you went back to work after 10 weeks! I truly hope I'll be able to follow in your footsteps. I find not working to be very difficult. I'm used to the structure of life that is planned out by calendar, as I guess most people are!

Thanks again for chiming in!!!
Meg