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I was diagnosed with MGUS IgG lambda in June 2023. My abnormal protein band 1 was 1.6 g/dl , was 1.6 in December 2023 and in December 2024 it has increased to 2.0 g/dl. I am a 59 year old female. I have a weakened immune system, Factor V Leiden (genetic clotting disorder) and recently had surgery to repair gluteal tendons after a bone in my femur splintered from my greater trochanter taking my tendons with it.
I am concerned about the increase in my monoclonal values and return to hem/onc in April for retesting and scheduling bone marrow biopsy and CT body scan. I have 4 grandchildren and amazing family but I do not share my concerns because I do not want them to see me as anything less than a vibrant healthy human being. How do you stay positive. I meditate, walk, paint but I am always thinking about how i can get rid of this.
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@donna195
I don’t let my health issues define me. I stay active in my community and enjoy family time when they’re busy schedules will allow. It sounds as though your medical team is on top of it and that they’re scheduling scans and a BMB. That’s a good thing.
When you have chronic health conditions, it’s easy to stay focused on that and not the happy things. But MGUS is not cancer and the risk of progression to cancer is very small. It’s important to keep that in perspective.
I’m sure your family does view you as a vital, healthy person. The truth is that you are a vital person who has some health challenges. That doesn’t take away from your value as a human being. As I age, I am vexed by the aging process and the decline in my physical stamina. I still do the things that bring me joy, but I do them slower and with less frequency. I feel no shame in that.
You wrote that you don’t really discuss your health with your family and while I understand that, I do hope that you have people with whom you can share. It’s great to have other people who know what you’re going through and in whom you can confide.
Like you, I wish I could get rid of the MGUS but unfortunately, it’s sticking around. We will probably die from something totally unrelated, however. So I stay positive by living my life fully, doing as much as I can to stay fully engaged and understanding that my risk from MGUS is very small for progression to blood cancer. I stay connected to other people who have a similar journey through Mayo Clinic Connect. It really helps to know that I’m not alone.
I hope your April appointments are reassuring. Will you let me know how they go?