In June 2014 I was seen in the ER for an auto accident. At the time of x-ray, 3 lesions were discovered – 1 at my C2 & C3 and a fracture with lesion at my C6. My labs look good; however, I was encouraged to get an MRI immediately and myeloma was mentioned in the report.
On my MRI it was stated possible bone cyst but further evaluation was needed such as biopsy. As of today, no one has even taken the time to look into anything further than the MVA. I have noticed from getting copies of my medical records, my labs have changed a bit although still in the normal range and each mentions multiple calcium spots in various parts of the body.
My platelet count has decreased from 450+ to just over 325, my WBC and RBC counts are lower each time and have been diagnosed with hypercalcemia and malignant hypertension.
In January 2015 I had my C5/6 fused due to the fracture and ruptured disk. I continue to have pain (some days are worse than others) and fatigue (which is getting worse).
Prior to the fusion while under going chiropractic care, the radiologist for my chiropractor stated NO ULTRASOUND therapy as he was not confident enough the lesions were cysts.
Can you have multiple bone lesions and normal labs? If so, how does one get a doctor to take this serious before things really start to decline, or does one have to decline in numbers before tests are ordered?
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Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
Welcome to the forum, Cynthia.
There are a lot of test results that I could ask about in response to your question, but let me focus on three particularly important tests. Have you had any or all of the following three tests done:
1. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
2. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)
3. Serum free light chain assay
If you have had one or more of these tests done, could you share with us the results of the tests? Please be sure to include either the units of the test results (g/dL, mg/L, etc.) and/or the "reference" or "normal" ranges for the test results. These are necessary because different labs use different units.
There are a lot of test results that I could ask about in response to your question, but let me focus on three particularly important tests. Have you had any or all of the following three tests done:
1. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
2. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)
3. Serum free light chain assay
If you have had one or more of these tests done, could you share with us the results of the tests? Please be sure to include either the units of the test results (g/dL, mg/L, etc.) and/or the "reference" or "normal" ranges for the test results. These are necessary because different labs use different units.
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
That is the problem. I have NONE of the tests for myeloma ran. Just routine labs which are showing the decreases. All the doctors when I ask say in time. Right now they are concentrating on the MVA injury and such.
When I asked an ER doctor what the lesions were, she very nonchalantly commented "Cancer," then walked away and came back with great concern and offered me anything I need for pain and offered my husband whatever he needed food, drink wise ...
I am concerned as the pain is at times so intense. I am so tired I cannot function at the end of my day, and reading "myeloma" in your medical paperwork is scary.
How do you locate a doctor who will look into the ER doctor's concerns and further with normal labs (only slight decrease in numbers but still in normal range)?
When I asked an ER doctor what the lesions were, she very nonchalantly commented "Cancer," then walked away and came back with great concern and offered me anything I need for pain and offered my husband whatever he needed food, drink wise ...
I am concerned as the pain is at times so intense. I am so tired I cannot function at the end of my day, and reading "myeloma" in your medical paperwork is scary.
How do you locate a doctor who will look into the ER doctor's concerns and further with normal labs (only slight decrease in numbers but still in normal range)?
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CynthiaK
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
Cynthia, what country do you live in?
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Little Monkey - Name: Little Monkey
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
CynthiaK,
Do you have a primary care doctor? This is the perfect type of concern to bring to a primary care doctor.
Tracy
Do you have a primary care doctor? This is the perfect type of concern to bring to a primary care doctor.
Tracy
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Tracy J - Name: Tracy Jalbuena
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 42
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
I live in the Oklahoma in the US, and no not at this time. I lost my doctor when I went around him for further testing on another medical issue. He apparently did not like me second guessing his diagnosis.
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CynthiaK
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
Cynthia,
Regardless of any bad blood between you and your doctor, a hospital or doctor's office is legally required to turn over all of your medical records, including ALL copies of lab tests, radiologist reports, etc. They are your your property, after all.
Just contact the hospital and ask for the records office, or call the doctor's office where the tests were drawn and request copies from the support personnel there.
BTW, it is my experience that it is fairly rare for a doctor to get disgruntled over a patient seeking a second opinion, especially when cancer might be in play. Many on this forum have had a second or third opinion with no love lost between the original doctor and the patient.
Regardless of any bad blood between you and your doctor, a hospital or doctor's office is legally required to turn over all of your medical records, including ALL copies of lab tests, radiologist reports, etc. They are your your property, after all.
Just contact the hospital and ask for the records office, or call the doctor's office where the tests were drawn and request copies from the support personnel there.
BTW, it is my experience that it is fairly rare for a doctor to get disgruntled over a patient seeking a second opinion, especially when cancer might be in play. Many on this forum have had a second or third opinion with no love lost between the original doctor and the patient.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
I second Multibilly, in the realm of cancer, I've seen doctors, specialists even, suggest a second opinion with a colleague at a facility in a neighbouring city, just for good measure and an independent view.
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Little Monkey - Name: Little Monkey
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
Most doctors welcome their patients to seeking other opinions, however, my doctor at the time of my MVA did not like being second guessed and refused to see me for the MVA care or anything afterwards.
I go to see a new doctor tomorrow in regards to the possibility of the bone lesions, pain, fatigue, etc. having anything to do with possible myeloma ... so here is to a new beginning and discovery.
I will keep everyone posted.
I go to see a new doctor tomorrow in regards to the possibility of the bone lesions, pain, fatigue, etc. having anything to do with possible myeloma ... so here is to a new beginning and discovery.
I will keep everyone posted.
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CynthiaK
Re: Multiple bone lesions - normal blood tests
Cynthia, what type of doctor is this new one you are seeing tomorrow?
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Little Monkey - Name: Little Monkey
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Father-stage 1 multiple myeloma
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March/April of 2015
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