[Lin516]

New to multiple myeloma

by Lin516 on Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:04 am

Hello All,

I am 57yo nurse. I became sick last June. I felt vibrations in my body which made me feel sick. I kept looking out rather than within for the source. I've also had one severe bout of shingles with 2 follow-up outbreaks. The fourth time my body just tingled severely so I asked to see a neurologist. He ordered bloodwork (which ultimately pointed to the multiple myeloma) and MRI w/contrast to r/o MS. My labs indicate free kappa light chains. I go to hem/onc next Friday. I'm really happy to have come across this forum. I'm not even officially diagnosed; but am happy to be here and participate in the forum sharing my journey in the hopes that it may help someone else along their journey.

[Ron Harvot]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by Ron Harvot on Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:30 am

Welcome and hope that your diagnosis is just MGUS.

Ron

[Lin516]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by Lin516 on Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:21 pm

Thank-you Ron!

[terryl1]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by terryl1 on Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:05 pm

Hi Lin, welcome to the MB, and, as Ron said, hopefully this is MGUS. Do they have you scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy? They pretty much are the gold standard for diagnosing plasma cell disorders. If you have to have one, IMHO, the thought of them is worse than the reality. I have had four and I was able to go about my business right afterwords. Good luck and keep us posted. Terry L.

[Lin516]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by Lin516 on Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:13 pm

Oh thank-you Terry! I am confident a BMB is in my near future for a confirmed diagnosis. Thankfully, my BUN, Creat. & GFR are normal. I was dreading the biopsy; but at this point I want to get it done, get a diagnosis, and treatment plan. I'm ready to do anything to help me feel "normal" again if even for a while.

[Lin516]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by Lin516 on Mon Apr 01, 2013 4:49 pm

Just received my 24 hour urine results today. I was sent to radiology for skeletal survey & will have BMB tomorrow afternoon. I am trying to read about multiple myeloma and MGUS; but it just seems to go in and filter through like water through sand. Maybe when I get the down/dirty and final DX I can begin to wrap my head around things. In the meantime, I am trying to get adequate rest and healthy food choices. My heart and prayers are with all of you facing a new diagnosis and especially with those of you who take us by the hand walking us through this initial and trying time. Thank-you so much!

I have had three great days with no pain meds so I am happy!

[Multibilly]

Re: New to multiple myeloma

by Multibilly on Mon Apr 01, 2013 7:22 pm

"...like water through sand". I totally recall this feeling as I first starting researching this disease when I was first getting my initial tests. I had to read and re-read articles and then ask lots of folks at the doctor's office and on this forum for explanations in layman terms before I started to "grok" this disease. After a month or so, I finally got to the point where I could start to be my own advocate and challenge doctors regarding next steps, etc.

Wishing you the best of luck on your next tests.