Advice

I broke my clavicle back in March and discovered it was due to a plasmacytoma. Additional test were done and I was diagnosed with MM. I did not have any other symptoms associated with this disease. A bone survey showed that there were small lytic lesions in my long bones and most likely represented MM. A bone marrow aspirate showed 4% monoclonal plasma cells using flow cytometric.A special stain showed individual and cluster of kappa clonal plasma cells overall accounting for15-20% of total nucleated cells. My blood work showed the following:

IGA  66 mg/dl

IGG  1325 mg/dl

IGG   36    mg/dl

Protein  7.6  g/dl

Albumin  4.3 g/dl

My M-spike at that time was 0.7 g/dl and it was IGG. I went on Thalomid and Dexamethasome. During May through September my M-spike went to 0.4, 0.2 and  to where it could not be measured. Because of the side effects of the medication, I took myself off because I wanted to see what would happen next with my M-spike. My Doctor, however, suggested that I have a stem cell transplant.

My question is with a very low M-spike and a normal range for IGG, what should my next step be ? My wife wants be to get a second opinion which is fine but I do not want to stay on medication the rest of my life. I even question if I should be treated right now or just monitor the situation.

Any input or advice from someone with more experience with MM  would be appreciated. 

I am just dealing with the same issue with my mother.  If the M spikes are low, the best you can do is monitor the condition- three or six month checkups to make sure your protein levels and your antiglobulins (the igg's and others) are not being elevated.  Hopefully they will not go up and you will have to be checked on a regular basis for the rest of your life- it's a nuisance, but better than being diagnosed with MM.  I wish you the best of luck and health. 

 

Thank you for your respose. I went to the Doctor Friday and my numbers stayed the same as the prior month. Right now, it is just a wait and see. Good luck to both you and your mother.