Does anyone else have MGUS?

Curcumin is an anti inflammatory substance. Anti inflammatory substances are viewed as anathema by MM and also other cancers. That said, it is controversial and if you decide to take it, consult with a MM oncologist/hematologist - not a pcp and not a "general" oncologist/hematologist. I have read about many issues but have also read positive stories about this substance. The stories were enough to make me think NO but others view it differently.
I have MGUS (IgG lambda); it was diagnosed when I was 59 years old - 23 years ago. My dad had IgA Kappa SMM so I knew what this was about and I was frightened. I think my MM hematologist was also frightened. He ordered blood tests every three months for 17 years - at that time he retired and my6 current MM specialist is not as concerned. I take celebrex and a statin drug (zocor). I have taken zocor since I was 52 years old (although I did not have elevated lipids - long story) and have taken celebrex since 2006-7 (an anti inflammatory) and have never had issues with each. Both drugs are being studied because some investigators believe they can be repurposed for MM. Statins interfere with a rate limiting step for MM and Celebrex is an anti inflammatory. There have been large VA patient studies using statins, which were positive - the conclusion was that patients that took statins had lower rates of progression. Mayo (RST) and the Cleveland Clinic had a clinical trial with celebrex, MGUS and SMM. The doses, however, were low and the results were null. There have also been studies with analogues of Celebrex.
This is a long answer to your question. Again, my advice is to approach Curcumin carefully and get good information to make a decision.

If it helps to know: I was diagnosed with MGUS last week and I presented with anemia as well as other symptoms. So anemia can be a stand alone and not an indicator of MM. Hope that helps.
Keep us updated, I’m interested in what you find out.
All the best,
Amber

Hi Ginger,
That support is really helpful; thanks so much. He just had more CT scans and blood tests so the next step will be to meet with the cancer centre as they deal with the next steps. That doesn't mean he has been told it's myeloma, just that the specialists at the cancer centre will take over from his family doctor. We shall see. He has quite a lot of medical knowledge due to his profession but this is a new one. I am hoping it is MGUS, which would be a much more favourable outcome. It's the anemia that throws me as my understanding is that is not as common with MGUS.
I really appreciate being allowed into this community. Thank you so much.

Hello everyone, I'm a 49 yo f and was diagnosed with MGUS in April 2023. In April 2024 the light-chain ratio was within normal range. Last 6 months I've been suffering with neck pain and a specific painful spot on my spine. I just chalked it up to how I carry stress & my job. This week new pain in shoulder and shooting down my right arm, thought I should go to the Dr. He ordered xrays and I found out yesterday I have a "severe compression fracture on T6" plus some degenerate disc disease, osteophytes...basically arthritis (which is what my dr was looking for) causing a pinched nerve. He was shocked by the xray results. He ordered blood tests including light-chain and I had those done today. Saw my family dr today and she said I have osteoporosis caused by MGUS. She ordered a bone mineral density test which is booked for Wednesday. Do I need to be concerned about MM?

@buckett This is an interesting thing to read. What does your medical team offer for their input on this?
Ginger

MGUS the twists and turns and hopeful.
My MGUS journey (diagnosed Nov, 2024)has taken some interesting turns. The whole body scan, revealed masses on the adrenal glands and sigmoid colon. CT scan of adrenal glands determined benign mass BUT identified aneurysms with arterial dissections in the celiac artery, hepatic artery and splenic artery. Very rare. They thought it was due to a past trauma but I can’t remember anything specific. Repair at this time has more risk than potential benefit. So it’s another, watch it every 6 months for increased enlargement. My colonoscopy is scheduled this coming Thursday.
Last week my EMG confirmed peripheral neuropathy. MGUS related or B12 deficiency? A lab test this past January revealed the low B12 level and I have started B12 shots. Fingers crossed it helps the neuropathy. I know about the correlation of MGUS and neuropathy. Just wondering how many MGUS/neuropathy individuals also have low B12? Diabetes is also related to neuropathy. Does that also correlate to MGUS/neuropathy?
Now the HOPFUL and may have been presented before in this forum but I think it is something to keep an eye on. A study is looking at the potential of Metformin (diabetes agent) slowing the progression of high risk MGUS and SMM towards multiple myeloma. The study is completed and should be released this summer?
A new population study (this is an observational study in contrast to the Metformin study which is a randomized trial) just caught my attention regarding the GLP-1 diabetes agents slowing the progression of MGUS in diabetics.
“Association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use and progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma among patients with diabetes “
In short a 55% reduction in progression.
Would this same benefit be seen in prediabetics. I am one of those. Or even in MGUS individuals without diabetes?

I am 70 years old and I've just been diagnosed with MGUS last October (Oct. 2024). I would like to know if any one dieted or increased exercising to help combat any symptoms, if any. I understand the majority of individuals have no symptoms and can live normal lives. Please enlighten me on how MGUS has affected you.