@bens Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

You're so right, this can all be overwhelming as you learn about a new-to-you condition. First thing i would say, and many may agree with me, is to not go to "Dr. Google", where you may get more confused and intimidated! At the end here i have posted a couple of links for you to peruse that offer solid information.

I was diagnosed in 2017 with MGUS, and due to my overachiever personality [!] it morphed into smoldering multiply myeloma [SMM] in 2018, and from there to multiple myeloma in 2019. The vast majority of people don't take that route, though, and go for years on an MGUS diagnosis, with monitoring every three months. Learn to understand your labwork and the results. Ask your doctor how they can best guide you, what are their thoughts as to your particular situation. For me, I have other health issues that combine to make my situation a bit more challenging to my medical team. Be your own advocate, write your questions down. If possible, have another person there with you who can catch what you miss. While you are processing what the doctor is saying, your mind may miss the next few thoughts. Take note, aske questions, ask for answers to be repeated if necessary. A doctor usually like to see their patients play an active role in their healthcare!

From Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mgus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352362
From John Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/monoclonal-gammopathies

Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you?
Ginger