Hi everyone,
Well here I am, diagnosed last week. The doctor said he was pretty sure I had MGUS according to my blood work. He had x-rays done and more blood work. I returned today, he's saying I have smoldering multiple myeloma now.
The thing is my blood work didn't change hardly at all. My IgG is 2272 mg/dl, which is down slightly from last month of 2777 mg/dl. X-ray of bones was clear, blood work for kidney, liver all came back good. My other results are below.
Kappa Free Light Chains 3.42 (0.33 - 1.94 mg/dL)
Lambda Free Light Chains 1.33 (0.57 - 2.63 mg/dL)
Kap/Lam Free Lt Chain Ratio 2.57 (0.26 - 1.65)
The doctor (oncologist) said based on the IgG it is smoldering myeloma. I'm scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy next week. The doctor refuses to give me anything to allow me to sleep during the procedure, although with much pressure from me, he did give me an Ativan (lorazepam) to take the morning of to calm my nerves.
Any input is very much appreciated.
Forums
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
-
Dippydoo - Name: DippyDoo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/9/2017
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Hi Dippydoo,
I wouldn't worry about the bone marrow biopsy. I've had two of them, from two different clinicians at the cancer center here, and neither bothered me. I did feel some pressure, but I would not call it painful. I was a bit sore for a couple of days afterward, but no more sore than I would have been if I had exercised a bit too much. The procedure doesn't take very long, maybe 15 minutes, and most of that is waiting for the lidocaine (or whatever they use) to take effect.
I can't guarantee that it will be as easy for you as it was for me, but I would predict the worrying about it will be worse than the actual event. (At least that is what often happens to me.) My advice is when you are on the table, just try to relax as much as you can by whatever method you use to relax, and think of something else. It will be over fast, and plan on giving yourself a treat afterward. I use ice cream cones to reward myself!
Incidentally, you will be very glad you had this done, because it will give you (and your doc) really good information about where you stand.
I wouldn't worry about the bone marrow biopsy. I've had two of them, from two different clinicians at the cancer center here, and neither bothered me. I did feel some pressure, but I would not call it painful. I was a bit sore for a couple of days afterward, but no more sore than I would have been if I had exercised a bit too much. The procedure doesn't take very long, maybe 15 minutes, and most of that is waiting for the lidocaine (or whatever they use) to take effect.
I can't guarantee that it will be as easy for you as it was for me, but I would predict the worrying about it will be worse than the actual event. (At least that is what often happens to me.) My advice is when you are on the table, just try to relax as much as you can by whatever method you use to relax, and think of something else. It will be over fast, and plan on giving yourself a treat afterward. I use ice cream cones to reward myself!
Incidentally, you will be very glad you had this done, because it will give you (and your doc) really good information about where you stand.
-
bodumene - Name: bodumene
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: January, 2017
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
I only had Ativan for my biopsy and that was all that I needed. That said, the onc who did my biopsy said that she always goes heavy on the lidocaine, so I'm sure that helped somewhat.
I was very sore for a few days afterward and then only mildly sore for a few more days after that. Overall, the soreness was nothing that required me to alter my daily activities.
I was very sore for a few days afterward and then only mildly sore for a few more days after that. Overall, the soreness was nothing that required me to alter my daily activities.
-
FingersCrossed - Name: FingersCrossed
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2014 (Smoldering)
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Thank you for your kind words. I'm going to try my best not to worry about the bone marrow biopsy, it will only make it worse. Besides, I'm sure I have had worse done, 
i.e., tooth extractions, shots down spine for pain, etc.
Thanks everyone, Hope all are well today!
i.e., tooth extractions, shots down spine for pain, etc.Thanks everyone, Hope all are well today!
-
Dippydoo - Name: DippyDoo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/9/2017
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Hi Dippydoo,
I've only had one biopsy done. I wasn't offered any pre-meds; just casually asked if I was OK with 'procedures'! Everyone is different, but most people agree that the anxiety felt beforehand is wasted energy. Because, like everything we dread in life, the event never matches our fearful expectations. If there is pain, I can guarantee it won't last long.
Hope your results are favourable.
Regards
Colm
I've only had one biopsy done. I wasn't offered any pre-meds; just casually asked if I was OK with 'procedures'! Everyone is different, but most people agree that the anxiety felt beforehand is wasted energy. Because, like everything we dread in life, the event never matches our fearful expectations. If there is pain, I can guarantee it won't last long.
Hope your results are favourable.
Regards
Colm
-
Colm - Name: Colm
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: smoldering April 2016
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Hello,
I want to tell you I had a bone marrow biopsy recently and I was anxiously waiting for the horrible pain I had been warned about. I had nothing that bad. I had a great nurse holding my hand and telling me to take deep breaths (like childbirth).
You can feel it when they are going in deep, but it was not unbearable to deal with. I was nervous waiting outside for the procedure. On the other side of the wall someone else was getting done!
That's my experience; hope it helps.
Cheers,
Carol.
I want to tell you I had a bone marrow biopsy recently and I was anxiously waiting for the horrible pain I had been warned about. I had nothing that bad. I had a great nurse holding my hand and telling me to take deep breaths (like childbirth).
You can feel it when they are going in deep, but it was not unbearable to deal with. I was nervous waiting outside for the procedure. On the other side of the wall someone else was getting done!
That's my experience; hope it helps.
Cheers,
Carol.
-
cazzamac - Name: cazzamac
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2016.
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Thank you all for your stories, they do help me to be more comfortable about it. A few more days and it will be over! And I will be giving my story to someone who is having it done for the first time. 
-
Dippydoo - Name: DippyDoo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/9/2017
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Is it MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma?
Had the bone marrow biopsy this morning. Not at bad as expected, but it was unpleasant to say the least. Now praying for good results!
-
Dippydoo - Name: DippyDoo
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2/9/2017
- Age at diagnosis: 49
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Do I Have Multiple Myeloma?