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General questions and discussion about multiple myeloma (i.e., symptoms, lab results, news, etc.) If unsure where to post, use this discussion area.

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by Dennis on Sun Dec 11, 2016 7:32 pm

Hello All,

Is a rash sometimes a symptom of smoldering myeloma?

Recently, a small dark red rash developed over a third of my abdomen. It does not itch and is not painful. The odd thing is, my eyes, hands, feet and head are very itchy. Rash started about a week ago before the other itching. No changes in soaps, food, etc. Fatigue has increased along with neuropathy pain.

Also, a quick update: MRI of spine, bone skeletal study found no lesions some stenosis, de­generation of lumbar spine with 2 bulging disks. Waiting for results from last week's fat pad biopsy to rule out amyloidosis. Oncologist wants to start monthly infusions of bisphosphonates this month.

Dennis.

Dennis
Name: Dennis
Who do you know with myeloma?: me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2017
Age at diagnosis: 64

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by TerryH on Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:36 pm

So was smoldering myeloma your final diagnosis? It's not clear from your previous postings.

TerryH

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by Dennis on Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:40 pm

TerryH,

Yes, as of October, smoldering myeloma is the final diagnosis. I did receive the fat pad biopsy (Congo red stain) result today and it is negative for amyloidosis. I will be seeing the oncologist again this month (sending me a schedule of some sort), to go over all the test results from the past four months and discuss treatment options, etc. As I stated in my prior post, the doctor wants to start bisphosphonate infusions.

My wife and I do have lots of questions for him. Hopefully, we will leave there with clearer answers. This site has been a tremendous help! Thank You ALL

Dennis
Name: Dennis
Who do you know with myeloma?: me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2017
Age at diagnosis: 64

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by jhorner on Tue Dec 13, 2016 4:12 pm

Hello,

As Multibilly mentioned, a Congo red stain of the marrow or a fat pad biopsy does not definitely rule out amyloidosis. I also agree with his recommendation to follow up at Dana-Farber.

Good Luck,
J

jhorner
Name: Magpie
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2013
Age at diagnosis: 49

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by Dennis on Wed Dec 14, 2016 8:57 am

Good morning J,

Are you saying that amyloidosis is still a possibility even with two negative tests?

I am unable to go to Dana Farber. It is a disappointing reality for us.

Dennis
Name: Dennis
Who do you know with myeloma?: me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2017
Age at diagnosis: 64

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by countrygirl on Wed Dec 14, 2016 5:20 pm

If both your bone marrow biopsy and fat pad biopsy were negative, I think it's unlikely you have amyloidosis. Are you spilling a lot of protein in your urine or having heart issues?

countrygirl
Name: Countrygirl
Who do you know with myeloma?: IgG MGUS
When were you/they diagnosed?: September 2016
Age at diagnosis: 35

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by Dennis on Wed Dec 14, 2016 9:21 pm

countrygirl,

No kidney issues thus far. This past spring I was referred to a cardiologist for a low heart rate. I was told that at some point – a few years – I will need a pacemaker.

Thank you for your response.

Dennis
Name: Dennis
Who do you know with myeloma?: me
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2017
Age at diagnosis: 64

Re: Thought it was CIDP, but is it a plasma cell disorder?

by jhorner on Fri Dec 16, 2016 12:14 pm

Hello Dennis,

It's my understanding from discussions with amyloidosis specialists that the fat pad biopsy will diagnosis amyloid only 75% of the time. Bone marrow biopsy is only 60% sensitive. The only way to diagnosis amyloidosis with certainty is to obtain tissue from the dysfunctional organ, which in your case would be nerves. Sometimes organ-related amyloidosis shows on a PET/CT as well.

Good Luck,
J

jhorner
Name: Magpie
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2013
Age at diagnosis: 49

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