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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: Referred to hematologist / oncologist

by DebbieJ54 on Fri Dec 18, 2015 8:33 am

P.S. Yes, do some research and find a good myeloma specialist. Even if this is just at an MGUS stage, you will want to have someone who is very knowledgeable with this disease.

I am currently in the prep stages for a stem cell transplant - my early numbers were 0.47 g/dl - now down to 0.31 g/dl after 4 cycles of CyBorD. My diagnosis is osteosclerotic myeloma (similar to POEMS syndrome, but without the neuropathy). But since they found many sclerotic lesions in the bone, the disease is considered active and needs full treatment.

It pays to see someone who knows where to look for additional symptoms of this specific disease, which may not be evident in blood work alone. But don't worry, this is a lengthy process - finding out just what it is and what point in the disease you may be at. I have full confidence in my myeloma specialist, he is one of the best in the country.

It is important to feel comfortable in these conversations when decisions are being made. Do research, be pro-active, and please try not to obsess about this. One day at a time ;)

DebbieJ54

Re: Referred to hematologist / oncologist

by NStewart on Fri Dec 18, 2015 3:44 pm

Ginny-

DebbieJ54 has given you some very interesting information. With an MGUS diagnosis based on the FreeLite test and low m-spike level, I would tend to start looking for a myeloma specialist now. A myeloma specialist is an oncologist who treats mostly people with myeloma and does research in myeloma. Most of them are located in large university-affiliated cancer centers.

I would think that some other tests might be advised. I just looked at what you have posted so far, but don't see any CBC or chem screen results. I also would think that a BMB at this point might be advisable. No, they aren't fun, but they do provide good information when considering a diagnosis along the myeloma spectrum. If you truly are MGUS then you can give a sigh of relief since the potential of moving to active myeloma is low. But, you still need to be vigilant.

All the best,
Nancy in Phila

NStewart
Name: Nancy Stewart
Who do you know with myeloma?: self
When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
Age at diagnosis: 60

Re: Referred to hematologist / oncologist

by GinnyD on Sun Dec 20, 2015 10:15 am

Thank you, Debbie. My skeletal survey came back normal, but I really appreciate the info on POEMS. And the support, thank you.

I'm definitely going to seek a new specialist, if for no other reason than how she interrupted our appointment THREE TIMES to take phone calls, and then crossed her arms indignantly at my question over the BMB. I didn't even get to ask the rest of my questions because I was so put off by that.

The search begins after the holiday.

Thanks, everyone.

GinnyD
Name: Ginny
When were you/they diagnosed?: MGUS
Age at diagnosis: 37

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