[sunnybrisbane]

Jump in protein count

by sunnybrisbane on Wed Aug 19, 2015 3:54 am

Sorry if this has been posted before, but couldn't find anything.

I'm concerned about my protein count, which jumped from 7 g/L (0.7 g/dL) to 14 g/L (1.4 g/dL) in one month. Previously it had been creeping up month my month to 8, then it dropped to 7 last month, but jumped by 7 this month to 14.

Any one else had this kind of response?

I find I now to have a Portacath inserted to receive Velcade, dex, and cyclophosphamide once per week. How do others cope with this?

I'm feeling very depressed about the sudden jump and would appreciate feed back. Thanks heaps.

[Multibilly]

Re: Jump in protein count

by Multibilly on Wed Aug 19, 2015 7:52 am

Sunnybrisbane:

What did your free light chains and involved immunoglobulin level do in the past 3 tests? Did they also jump unexpectedly sometime during this period? Free light chains tend to be an earlier predictor of a change than an M-spike because they turn over faster than do the immunoglobuins. Were you using the same laboratory for your tests during this time?

In any case, one data point doesn't make a trend and this could just be a testing anomaly. Like my specialist likes to say: "If you don't like your labs, just repeat them".

[Ian]

Re: Jump in protein count

by Ian on Wed Aug 19, 2015 7:59 am

Cheers Sunnybrisbane,

Most of the postings in this forum refer to the protein count, or protein level, using the term "M-spike", which is phrase usually used in the States to describe a myeloma patient's monoclonal protein level. So you will find lots of discussions in the forum about your topic if you type the word "spike" into the forum search box.

Before you draw any conclusions based on your latest test results, you really should do as Multibilly has suggested, and wait until your next monthly test result. The latest result may be off. This is even more possible if your myeloma type is IgA, since monoclonal protein mea­sure­ment in patients with IgA myeloma is less reliable than in patients with IgG myeloma.

Do you also have your free light chains tested every month, along with your protein level? If so, what has been happening with them. (If you post your free light chain results, be sure to say whether they are from a blood test or a urine test, and include the units.)

If your next set of test results also show a protein level of 14, then I believe that, unfortunately, you will have met the criteria for both disease progression and relapse. So you may want to start thinking about having a discussion with your doctor about what your next treatment op­tions might be. That kind of discussion is generally a good idea anyway, since it can help, at least a little bit, in reducing uncertainty and stress.

There's a discussion here in the forum about the definitions of disease progression and re­lapse. It can get technical at times, but it may be helpful to you.

"What exactly is the definition of relapse?" (started Dec 16, 2014)

Hopefully, your next set of results will show that things are back to where they were previously. Good luck!

[sunnybrisbane]

Re: Jump in protein count

by sunnybrisbane on Wed Aug 19, 2015 9:56 pm

Thank you all for your quick replies.

I had a second blood test the day that I posted and am still awaiting that result. I do not get all the data from my specialist. When I have my monthly Zometa / IgG infusions, I also get a printed breakdown of my other blood results such as red, white, platelets and urine results etc. Any 'M-spike' (I'll use that term for further searches) and other results do not come through for about 2 days and I don't get a copy of those as I'm not there.

I have a great oncologist / stem cell specialist - so haven't worried before, as I do know that he is good and very quick to respond to changes. Also, things may be done a bit differently here in Australia.

Thanks again