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Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by tray78 on Thu Sep 24, 2015 1:04 pm

Hello,

I am hoping I can get some advice. I apologize in advance for the long post.

I recently had a cervical MRI done due to neck pain, numbness, tingling, etc. This is what the impression was:

Impression:

  1. Multilevel degenerative changes of the cervical spine, most advanced at C5-C6, where there is moderate spinal canal, severe right neural foraminal, and moderate left neural foraminal stenosis.
  2. C4-5 mild spinal canal with moderate right and mild left neural foraminal stenosis.
This makes sense with my symptoms. There was also an addendum and this is what I'm concerned about:

Addendum:

As mentioned in body of report, visualized osseous structure marrow signal is decreased. While findings may be related to marrow reactivation secondary to anemia, other etiologies, including infiltrative process, is not excluded on the basis of this noncontrast examination. Recommend clinical correlation and correlation with CBC. If clinically indicated, contrast enhanced cervical spine MRI may be obtained for further evaluation.

I called my rheumatologist about the results as he ordered the MRI. I asked about the bone marrow. He said it could indicate multiple myeloma. He also said he tested me for multiple myeloma a few months ago and I was fine. But I checked my lab results and the only tests that matched up with multiple myeloma tests was the CBC.

My question is: Does anyone think I should pursue this, or am I overreacting? And what type of doctor would I contact to follow up on the MRI results? Should I ask my rheumatologist for other blood tests indicated for multiple myeloma?

Some background: I have been anemic off and on throughout my life. But in June 2014, I was severely anemic which led to two blood transfusions followed by 2 sessions of IV iron. I also have a rare autoimmune disorder called relapsing polychondritis. It basically attacks cartilage and cartilage-like parts in the body (eyes, heart, lungs, etc.)

Thank you!

tray78

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by Tracy J on Thu Sep 24, 2015 1:36 pm

Hi Tray78,

Did anyone figure out why you were so anemic?

Tracy

Tracy J
Name: Tracy Jalbuena
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
Age at diagnosis: 42

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by tray78 on Thu Sep 24, 2015 2:25 pm

No, there was no explanation for my anemia. I was suffering for months with symptoms of shortness of breath, swollen legs, fatigue, etc. Finally I got smart and switched doctors. He did a CBC and my found my Hgb was 4.5, Hct 19.4 and low WBC, RBC, MCV MCHC. I got a call at 11pm that night and was in the ER for transfusions the following morning.

tray78

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by Cheryl G on Thu Sep 24, 2015 3:43 pm

Hello Tray,

A hemoglobin level of 4.5 ... wow! That is REALLY low. No wonder you needed transfusions and iron.

Ask your current doctor if she/he can do the following blood tests.

Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) - This blood test will check if there is any sign of a "monoclonal protein" in your blood. Only people with multiple myeloma and related disorders -- some of which are more benign than multiple myeloma -- have a monoclonal protein in their blood.

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) - This blood test will report various protein levels in your blood and also give you an estimate of how much monoclonal protein you have in your blood (if you have any). The IFE test I mentioned earlier only tells you whether or not you have a monoclonal protein, not how much.

These tests are not expensive, and they are easy to do. A lot of doctors will first want to do a 24-hour urine test, but the IFE and SPEP give you more direct information.

If your doctor is open to it, and it doesn't cost you too much, it also would be worth doing a third test, called the serum free light chain assay (or "Freelite" assay). It will give you estimates of what are known as "kappa free light chains" and "lambda free light chains" in your blood, and the ratio of those two values. It's helpful to know whether those results are in the normal ranges, or outside the normal ranges.

Do any of your test results report the calcium and creatinine levels in your blood? If so, what are those values, and the units and reference ranges for them?

As i said, your current doctor can order the IFE, SPEP, and free light chain tests. If those tests come back with results that suggest you need help from a specialist, you will want to see a hematologist/oncologist, preferably one that is at a cancer center and specializes in multiple myeloma and similar diseases.

Good luck, and let us know if you have any further questions.

Cheryl G

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by tray78 on Thu Sep 24, 2015 4:13 pm

Thank you so much for your replies Tracy and Cheryl.

Thank you for the list of tests I should ask for. Most info is overwhelming especially being un­familiar with the terms.

I found the results for the creatinine and calcium:

Creatinine - normal range is 0.4-1.1
Feb 25, 2015 - 0.9
Dec 30, 2014 - 0.7
Jun 11, 2014- 0.8

Calcium - normal range is 8.4-10.3
Dec 30, 2014 - 9.2
Jun 11, 2014 - 8.7

Thanks again!

tray78

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by Mister Dana on Thu Sep 24, 2015 10:03 pm

Your muscles constantly secrete creatinine into your blood, and your kidneys constantly remove it. A high level in your blood would suggest that your kidneys aren't working right, so it is good that you have never had an excessive amount. People taking chemo and other meds that can mess with kidney function get their blood creatinine checked frequently. It is routine that you had yours checked.

Mister Dana
Name: Mister Dana
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2013
Age at diagnosis: 66

Re: Should I have more tests done based on MRI results?

by tray78 on Fri Sep 25, 2015 8:18 am

Thanks for the info Mister Dana.

I should have mentioned that I get routine blood work every two months because I'm on methotrexate injections for my relapsing polychondritis.

tray78


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