MGUS

i’ve had one 18 yrs This year the doctor denoted it has disappeared from the blood tests Can a tiny Mague disappear after 18 yrs ?

@ladyrose74 now this is something that I was not aware of… Evidently there’s such a thing as a “transient M protein“ which seems to be associated with low levels of the M paraprotein cases.
https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/140/Supplement%201/2338/491379/Transient-M-Proteins-Epidemiology-Causes-and-the
Have you asked your hem/onc physician about this? What does he or she think?

@ladyrose74 and Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Connect! What an exciting development for you! Do let us know what you find out.

There are different types of MGUS. They don't all progress to MM. For instance, IgM MGUS rarely develops in to MM but more often into WM. I've seen papers claiming the chances are between 0.5% to 1.5% /year. There is also a stage where it is determined to be Smoldering MM or WM. I've seen studies showing that having a low BMI is better than high BMI at slowing progression.

@dtrgran59 I'm 71 and have had IgA Kappa MGUS for 9 year; my approx. risk of progression is 9% based on 1%/year and bloodwork. I am asymptomatic. My bone marrow biopsy last summer yielded 15% plasma cells, which should be SMM, but plasma cells are sticky and they may have hit a plasma concentration. My oncologist says still MGUS. I eat healthy (mostly FODMAP), get enough exercise, am normal weight, avoid stress, do fun stuff, and take about 10 gm/day of bioavailable turmeric (Qunol brand but there are others). The curcumin in turmeric slows growth of the deranged plasma cells, at least based on published research. Hopefully the MM research will continue and not be cut like other research; MGUS is a waiting game so many of us are hoping if MM hits us it will be after new research and treatments are through clinical trials.

@kayabbott
Good morning. I am also 71 and diagnosed with IGM MGUS in 2021. My BMB was normal and my light chains are normal. I have been taking the Qunol Enhanced Absorption Turmeric on and off for several years which really helps my degenerative discs in my lower back. I have read studies that turmeric, milk thistle and even green and black tea can inhibit absorption of iron and my ferritin level did drop from 50 to 25 with no iron storage in the BMB. Did your BMB show the same? My hematologist stated that it’s not uncommon to find no iron storage in women. Has your iron ever been affected by the high dose of Turmeric? Two encouraging signs on my last blood work. My IGG is now in the normal range (IGA still too low) and my M-spike moved down from .4 to .2 now back down to levels 2 years ago. However, because my IGM is in the 700+ range and is continuing to climb about a hundred points a year, my hematologist is concerned that Waldenstrom’s is on the horizon. I recently increased the Qunol dosage from 1500 mg to 2000 mg and will keep increasing it slowly. I have had to start taking iron supplements which seem to be working as my ferritin was 36 on my last test. Thank you in advance for your input.

Hello @1oldsoul, glad that your ferritin is 36 now and your other numbers are improving. My Heme levels are unchanged with nine 2000 mg/day turmeric and one of another brand (lipids plus piperine help absorption). I haven't had my ferritin levels checked (iron stored in liver and other organs) but my total iron transfer and other blood work from March are normal range; they haven't changed since I started turmeric several years ago. Iron wasn't tested in my BMB. It does suck trying to subdue MGUS. My kappa levels are still rising, but the curve is less sharp; maybe the natural trend or affected by turmeric/stress control/diet/whatever. It does seem like so many things are out of our control, particularly apparent when one ages. I try to escape into books, woodworking, weights, and other interests.

I have smoldering MM. I had a year of low ferritin so iron deficient. My hematologist ordered two iron infusions due to the consistent low ferritin. The last ferritin before the infusion was 36. Unknown if it will help, it’s too soon to know, but I can tell you my feet are warm finally!