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rhody89 avatar

Should I be worried about my MGUS diagnosis and my M Spike rising?

Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Sep 27 2:08pm | Replies (16)
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Profile picture for wesleym @wesleym

First: the first, second, third and last person to whom you should ask that type of question is your doctor. If that doctor is not a hematologist/oncologist, get one. While hardly dire, this is not a situation for Amateur Hour.

Second: while the presence of any monoclonal protein is an abnormal finding, an M-spike of .5 alone does not diagnose anything specific. A number of other tests are in order: FLC (free light chains), 24-hour urine, CBC, metabolic panel, perhaps a BMB (bone marrow biopsy). If you have not done so already, consult a hem/onc.

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Patty, Volunteer Mentor | @pmm | Sep 26 9:41am

@wesleym, sally4910
There are so many variables when determining the significance of our lab results that we don’t offer advice to our fellow MGUS travelers. Coexisting conditions, age and significant symptoms are important considerations. So making health predictions based upon the blood analysis if others isn’t productive. It’s comforting, however, to hear the stories of others and to learn of the resilience of humans and the tenacity of science. The gains that have been made in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma in the past 10-15 years are amazing. My hem/onc doc always reminds me that if my numbers ever do tank, it’s all treatable.
I also enjoy hearing about the stories of the members of this forum. Some have improved their health through diet, supplements and mental health exercises to reduce stress. I learn from them. It may not work in exactly the same way for me or it may not even be something I want to try, but I run it by my doctor and sometimes I try it.
I don’t rely on the information to make my own health decisions, I always talk to my doctor who I consider my partner in my own journey. Does that make sense?

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