I was told Monday that my M-Spike was 0.3, all other bloodwork was normal. My symptoms are fatigue, numbness in one toe on my left foot, and my pupils dilate unevenly. I have psoriasis and I'm 36. I see a hematologist tomorrow.
I am very nervous. I just had my 4th child, he's 4 months. The last thing I want to worry about is cancer.
Forums
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
I am trying to make some sense of my recent blood work, with previous doctors ( I have been trying to find a doctor I am comfortable with).
The M protein was labeled as such ... seems that in a recent 24-hour urine test, it shows 11% M-spike. I was used to my serum M protein being 1.0 and don't understand 11%.
Also, in 3 months my free kappa/lambda ratio went from 13 to 16. It should be below 1. When should I be worried?
Recent (difference center) tests showed elevated kappa Light chains, value was approximately 130. Can't find any related value from this new blood test.
I have a consultation with the doctor tomorrow, I am not happy with this supposed great new cancer center.
The M protein was labeled as such ... seems that in a recent 24-hour urine test, it shows 11% M-spike. I was used to my serum M protein being 1.0 and don't understand 11%.
Also, in 3 months my free kappa/lambda ratio went from 13 to 16. It should be below 1. When should I be worried?
Recent (difference center) tests showed elevated kappa Light chains, value was approximately 130. Can't find any related value from this new blood test.
I have a consultation with the doctor tomorrow, I am not happy with this supposed great new cancer center.
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
In my blood test report, what do I look for? How is M protein labeled as?
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ethomas - Name: Emmanouel Thomas AKA Amo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Yes
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 14, 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
I was looking for some info regarding some upcoming tests, and now this worries me. I had an M-protein value of 8.7.
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novalachance
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
Obviously this was from previous values of 3 - 4, which were being monitored. However, tests have revealed no answers over time.
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novalachance
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
What are the units for your M-protein level? Are they g/L or g/dL?
In all the postings above, the M-spike of 1 that everyone is referring to is an M-spike of 1 g/dL. Units of g/dL are what are most commonly used in the U.S. for M-spike measurement.
Outside the U.S., however, M-spikes (M-protein levels, monoclonal protein levels, paraprotein levels -- they all mean the same thing) are usually measured in g/L. A U.S. M-spike of 1 g/dL is equivalent to an M-spike of 10 g/L. You multiply U.S. M-spikes by 10 to get the equivalent in g/L, and divide g/L results by 10 to get g/dL.
In all the postings above, the M-spike of 1 that everyone is referring to is an M-spike of 1 g/dL. Units of g/dL are what are most commonly used in the U.S. for M-spike measurement.
Outside the U.S., however, M-spikes (M-protein levels, monoclonal protein levels, paraprotein levels -- they all mean the same thing) are usually measured in g/L. A U.S. M-spike of 1 g/dL is equivalent to an M-spike of 10 g/L. You multiply U.S. M-spikes by 10 to get the equivalent in g/L, and divide g/L results by 10 to get g/dL.
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Jonah
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
My M protein seems frightening. It has crept up in three years from 3 to 12.2. How afraid should I be?
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niswonger
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
Hello, Nis:
As Jonah had mentioned in the previous post on this thread, it depend on the units (where you live, and where is the lab that you use to get your blood tests).
If you are at 12.2 g/L, which equals 1.2 g/dL (g/dL are the typical US units), you are probably OK for now, but you need to follow up (say every 3 months).
If you are at 12.2 g/dL (which equals 122 g/L), that is very, very high, and you need to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
In either case, try not to get scared. If you only have an M-spike and no (or very few) symptoms, you are probably in decent shape as long as the condition is being addressed.
Good luck
As Jonah had mentioned in the previous post on this thread, it depend on the units (where you live, and where is the lab that you use to get your blood tests).
If you are at 12.2 g/L, which equals 1.2 g/dL (g/dL are the typical US units), you are probably OK for now, but you need to follow up (say every 3 months).
If you are at 12.2 g/dL (which equals 122 g/L), that is very, very high, and you need to get it looked at sooner rather than later.
In either case, try not to get scared. If you only have an M-spike and no (or very few) symptoms, you are probably in decent shape as long as the condition is being addressed.
Good luck
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
Diane,
I am 54 and was diagnosed in May with 2 spikes. Get a biopsy. My good versus bad cell count is 30/70. I am going in January and February for heavy dose chemo and a bone marrow transplant.
I didn't have any symptoms and still don't other than now aching bones. I've always been very healthy and active and work 7 days a week, so no slug. It's nothing to look forward to, but get checked. Mine is pill therapy right now and I feel good. I'm far from anxious for my curtain call early next year, but it'll be ok. I'm here if I can help you. It's a scary thing. You'll be ok.
I am 54 and was diagnosed in May with 2 spikes. Get a biopsy. My good versus bad cell count is 30/70. I am going in January and February for heavy dose chemo and a bone marrow transplant.
I didn't have any symptoms and still don't other than now aching bones. I've always been very healthy and active and work 7 days a week, so no slug. It's nothing to look forward to, but get checked. Mine is pill therapy right now and I feel good. I'm far from anxious for my curtain call early next year, but it'll be ok. I'm here if I can help you. It's a scary thing. You'll be ok.
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mikele
Re: What does a value of 1 mean for M protein?
My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January of 2014 after losing the ability to walk second to a tumor on T-8, which caused three compression fractures. He had 6 rounds of chemo in 2014 and a stem cell transplant in August of 2014. Since then his protein levels have been trace or zero and he is walking again and has been doing great.
This past week his oncologist said his protein went to 0.6. She is starting him on dexamethasone 20 mg once a week. We are concerned that this may be a trend of increasing protein.
Is this a usual course 2 years post stem cell transplant? Do we have cause to be concerned about a trend or can this be controlled and go back to trace?
He is also taking Revlimid every day at 5 mg.
Thank you.
This past week his oncologist said his protein went to 0.6. She is starting him on dexamethasone 20 mg once a week. We are concerned that this may be a trend of increasing protein.
Is this a usual course 2 years post stem cell transplant? Do we have cause to be concerned about a trend or can this be controlled and go back to trace?
He is also taking Revlimid every day at 5 mg.
Thank you.
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Abbie
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