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I have just been diagnosed, although no one is excited at this point. I had 14 lymph glands removed in 1968 and had a low Red Cell Count all my life. No radiation, chemo etc. Believe it or not I will be 92 in March. I have been told to come back in 6 months and not to be concerned???
Georgina
Replies to "I have just been diagnosed, although no one is excited at this point. I had 14..."
Welcome Gina, it does seem odd to watch and wait but as Ginger noted, that’s what we do. Your Oncologist/hematologist will draw blood every 3 to 6 months and compare the results with your previous draws. If there is a change in the trajectory there will be a discussion about treatment.
I was anxious at first, but I find that only makes me feel bad so I have learned to chill and trust the process. I was diagnosed about two years ago and my numbers are pretty stable. Statistically, very few people with MGUS progress to smoldering or full Multiple Myeloma.
I try to keep my glass half full instead of half empty and focus on the good news that every three months I get a full check-up of the blood that keeps me going.
Hang in there. Live each day.
Patty
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@gina5009 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you read through the posts here, you will discover that the majority of us are told the same thing you have been told. It is a "watch and wait" situation. And, we learn to not let this diagnosis be a big stumbling block to living our best life. Patients often go many years with no progression to another level, and quarterly or semi-annual bloodwork is done for the monitoring.
Ginger