CancerCompass message board discussion started by Chellybell on 12/16/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3750,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I am a 33-year-old mom who just found out I have MGUS. Nothing else seems to be wrong with me, thankfully, but I am SO scared, especially after doing my research. None of my friends or family seem to really understand the "ticking time bomb" I feel is inside me. Nor do I want to explain. The oncologist gave me a lecture about "sweeping this under the rug" and getting on with it--life, I guess. I am a single mom with no one to take care of my kids but me if anything should happen. I would just love to have someone to talk to. Michelle Chellybell Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT I sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm not really sure what it is but will definitely be an ear for you whenever you need. I am currently caring for my husband who was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer. Please let me know if there is something that I can do. Inazone2 Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Michelle I was diagnosed with MGUS December 2004, when I was 44 years old. I have high IGA. I remember it was really scary in the beginning and I did a lot of research. I am tested every three months and my blood protein levels rose each time. During this period had several bone marrow tests and bone scans. Everything going up. However, I just received my test results in January and my protein levels dropped (only 10 points), but this was significant for me. I have settled down now and my life is finally getting back to normal. For anyone who has this, it is always difficult in the beginning, but as long as you are monitored reguarlly and the numbers are not too high everything will be ok. What type of protein do you have? The level (how high) the protein goes before you really need to be concerned varies by the type of protein. Remember, there are people who have MGUS and never progress to cancer. Hope this helps a little Take care Tammy Tamran Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello, Janeen, Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'm sorry for taking so long to respond--I was hopitalized with meningitis/encephalitis when your message posted, so I missed it completely until today. MGUS is a pre-malignant condition of the bone marrow that turns into multiple myeloma about 25-40% of the time. Since it requires tests every three months, it's hard to escape thinking about it, I guess. To tell the truth, I feel like a whiner about my MGUS condition when I hear of someone, like your husband, who's already facing cancer. How is he doing? Equally important, how are YOU doing? I hope you're finding bits of time to rest in both body and spirit...do you have family support? What is your husband's name? I'd like to pray for both of you by name each day, if that's okay with you. Take Care, Michelle Chellybell Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello there. I;m sitting here searching for information on MGUS and came across this side and saw for the first time that other people struggles with the same as me. Just cant believe it. Excuse my english , I am from Norway. I!m so glad that I found you. I,m 45 years old and my MGUS was found 8 mnds ago. IgM kappa protein. I would like to have contact with you. Noticed that you are app. same ages as me. (I.m married and have 2 boys at 16 and 20.) Feeling of a time bomb represent the fear. . This is the first time I can share my fear with someone who understand what it is like. Hopefully the fear will slow down with time. How are you doing today? Best wishes from me Weronica Fri, 12 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT I'm a 50 year old female and just found out I have Mgus,I need to hear some positive things from people out there with this, also I'm on lexapro a ssri med for depression I just found out that one of the side effects is it effects your platelet count and I was wondering who else is on anykind of ssri and has mgus.please respond, thanik you, cynthia rose Cynthia Rose Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hello,I am 44 years old and just last week diagnosed with Mgus.  I am very scared.  I am 2 time Hodgkins Disease Survivor and in million years, did I ever think that 10 years later I would have Mgus. I never heard of it and never told about it.I am scared, not sure what this means for me. I have to go for a bone marrow biopsy and other lab tests...my doctor and oncologist tell me not to worry.But can't help it, I am worried.Thanks for listening. Patti   Pattin Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Patty,Sorry, this is the first time I've checked the board in quite a while.  Of course you're scared, honey--this is terrifying at first.  It does start to feel normal after a while, though--I've had it for over a year, and have recently notcied that life just took over and I stopped thinking about it so much.Since you posted, I hope you've gotten some results back that have eased your mind.  For the majority of people, MGUS stays MGUS and never turns into anything more than annoyingly regular bloodwork.  Please let me know how you're doing, Patty. Michelle  Chellybell Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Cynthia Rose,I haven't taken any anti-depressants, but I do have the lovely MGUS.  Some positive things...?  I'm still here, still healthy, and my levels are stable.  You may be reassured to look up some of Dr. Robert Kyle's studies--he's with the Mayo Clinic and is the world leader in MGUS studies.  I actually had the pleasure of speaking to him about my case, and he was able to reassure me, based on my test results, that my chances of moving into myeloma were very small.  His main advice?  To keep my body in outstanding physical condition, through diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration.  He said if the time ever comes, I should be ready to fight as hard as I can and that people in peak condition seem to do quite well.  Hope this lifts your spirits.  Hang in there, Cynthia Rose.  Things will settle down, once you have some time to adjust. Michelle Chellybell Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Tammy,I have IGG lambda, and it's fairly small, thankfully.  How have you been doing this year?Michelle    Chellybell Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Weronica,So sorry for the very late reply.  How have you been adjusting to your MGUS diagnosis?  I also have two children, ages 13 and 17.  If you'd like to talk by email, please let me know.  This goes for anyone here, actually. ;-)  It might be nice to have a friend to share our thoughts with about this subject, but obviously I don't come here to the board very often!Michelle    Chellybell Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/22/2007 Chellybell wrote:Hi, Patty,Sorry, this is the first time I've checked the board in quite a while.  Of course you're scared, honey--this is terrifying at first.  It does start to feel normal after a while, though--I've had it for over a year, and have recently notcied that life just took over and I stopped thinking about it so much.Since you posted, I hope you've gotten some results back that have eased your mind.  For the majority of people, MGUS stays MGUS and never turns into anything more than annoyingly regular bloodwork.  Please let me know how you're doing, Patty. Michelle   Hi Michelle,Thanks for your reply and for your words of encouragement.I did get some good results. I had a bone survey, MRI of my spine and also a bone marrow biopsy.  All are negative for MM and any other malignancy.  No bone lesions - I am relieved.  I am just beginning to cope with the realization of having Mgus.  My oncologist feels strongly based on my lab results that the Mgus will behave itself.    I have a 3 month follow up scheduled, blood work.  I am positive things will remain as they are. I will admit I am anxious but also know I just need time, time to get back on track and learn how to live with Mgus. I am healthy minded person. I live and think healthy - I will continue to smile and breath in and out.  I have a great husband who is always supportive.  I want to live, and I will do whatever I can to do.  Thank you again - All my best wishes to you for your good health and happy life:) Patti   Pattin Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/22/2007 Chellybell wrote:Hi Cynthia Rose,I haven't taken any anti-depressants, but I do have the lovely MGUS.  Some positive things...?  I'm still here, still healthy, and my levels are stable.  You may be reassured to look up some of Dr. Robert Kyle's studies--he's with the Mayo Clinic and is the world leader in MGUS studies.  I actually had the pleasure of speaking to him about my case, and he was able to reassure me, based on my test results, that my chances of moving into myeloma were very small.  His main advice?  To keep my body in outstanding physical condition, through diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration.  He said if the time ever comes, I should be ready to fight as hard as I can and that people in peak condition seem to do quite well.  Hope this lifts your spirits.  Hang in there, Cynthia Rose.  Things will settle down, once you have some time to adjust. Michelle Hi My name is Debbi  I am 52 and I have just been diagnosed with MGUS IMg/ Kappa.I am just on the boderline for having a bone marrow biopsy so we wait another 3 months for the labs.  As with everyone I am scared and worried. Thank you for Dr.Kyles name I will look into his articles.  Which Mayo Clinic is he out of?   Debbi 21 Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi,I have just been diagnosed with MGUS IMg .  My count is 4 times higher than it should be.  You are right I am scared as they tell you that they have to wait to do amything until you have symptom.  All the symptoms are thing that everyone has at one time or another.  I am not sure what to do about health care if I can get any.  Debbi  Debbi 21 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT I am 51 year old woman diagnosed with MGUS after routine physical about 6 months ago.  Doctor gave me many numbers and I wrote them down, but he said only thing to do was have more blood work in 6 months.  Apparently other than this I am healthier than most women my age. (Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?) Freaked and considered my mortality for a while, then forgot about it for a while, but with blood test next Monday I am freaking again.  Doctor said I also am borderline anemic and have a little auto immune thing, but he said he thought they were all related.  I am nearly but not quite in menopause and am wondering if there is any relation to that. Don't have anyone to talk to re this as I do not want to scare my elderly parents and my significant other had his own brush with cancer several years ago so I do not want to bring it up with him either.  And no one else has any idea what I am talking about, including the anesthesiologist when I went for my screening colonoscopy!! Has anyone else been told to stay away from second hand smoke and unnecessary X-rays?  Would appreciate any thoughts and would like to e-mail with any interested.  Thanks! Optimist1 Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/10/2007 Optimist1 wrote:I am 51 year old woman diagnosed with MGUS after routine physical about 6 months ago.  Doctor gave me many numbers and I wrote them down, but he said only thing to do was have more blood work in 6 months.  Apparently other than this I am healthier than most women my age. (Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?) Freaked and considered my mortality for a while, then forgot about it for a while, but with blood test next Monday I am freaking again.  Doctor said I also am borderline anemic and have a little auto immune thing, but he said he thought they were all related.  I am nearly but not quite in menopause and am wondering if there is any relation to that. Don't have anyone to talk to re this as I do not want to scare my elderly parents and my significant other had his own brush with cancer several years ago so I do not want to bring it up with him either.  And no one else has any idea what I am talking about, including the anesthesiologist when I went for my screening colonoscopy!! Has anyone else been told to stay away from second hand smoke and unnecessary X-rays?  Would appreciate any thoughts and would like to e-mail with any interested.  Thanks! Hello Optimist1:I read your email today and my thoughts are very close to yours. I was diagnosed with Mgus in March of this year after a routine physical.  I have posted on this site previous to your email.  I can begin by telling you that I as well relate to how you feel, being freaked by all this.  I have a follow up tomorrow with my oncologist and am as you describe - not ready for it.  I go back and forth, scared, not scared and back as you describe. Each one of us has a challenge and for whatever reason, Mgus has become a part of ours.  I have faith in what I have and that is a chance to live.  I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma twice, prior to Mgus.  It's all clear to me that I can fight and survive, but it's not easy.My advice and support to you is take a deep breath each day and see what it is that gives you hope.  Find strength by holding on to this.  Have faith in your doctors and pray for them as well.  And most of all have faith in yourself.I have support from my husband, family friends but it comes and goes truthfully.   There is an alone feeling in Mgus I have found.  But there is also strength in that. It can be tiring I have to say to be the strength behind the fear but it is I have found what gets me through. In addition, staying active, eating healthy and getting quality sleep is what we need.  Manage stress if you can.  This is a hard one I have found. Mgus in and of itself is stressfull.   I get tired and this is my greatest concern as far as symptoms go.  I understand your concern, wanting to distinquish your symptoms, anemia..and is it menaupause. My advice is to keep your doctors informed of your symptoms and ask questions.  I found this site to very helpful and informative.  I am sending best wishes to you for good health and happiness. I hope I was helpful.  Thank you for reaching out to all of us.  Patti    Pattin Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for your thoughts, Patti, and I hope your doctor visit went well.  I am being optimistic, but I think philosophically as well.  Everything that lives eventually has to face its own mortality, and now I have to face it more closely.  So I will go from six months to six months (hopefully) and will make sure I do everything that is important to me.  Reading some of what Dr. Kyle wrote, it seems there are a lot of people with MGUS out there, and many of them do not know it.  I am ambivalent about whether it was a good thing that my doctor told me about it, since there is nothing to be done but watch it.  But it is never bad to assess your goals and hopes for your life's journey and make sure that you are doing the things that are most important to you.  I will try harder to exercise each day and eat right and stay healthy!! Best of luck to all!! Optimist1 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hello.  I'm 34 yrs old and they are telling me I probably have MGUS.  I recently was tested for autoimmune diseases because the SED rate (inflammation levels) in my body are way too high and have been that way for years.  Upon investigating, they found a poorly defined band in the serum and urine (something about a M-Protein) and it's reactive with IGG and IGA (whatever that means).  They sent me to a Heamatologist/Oncologist and they are doing more blood work along with a 24 hr urinalysis.  Can anyone give me more insight to this issue.  I'm 34 with two children (4 and 2) and my two year isn't in good health himself.  So, as you can tell I'm scared because I want to be healthy to take care of my kids.  I also have soft tissue rheumatism. Daughtergrneyes Sun, 02 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi MichelleMy name is Debbie and I was diagnosed with MGUS 18 months ago. I am 43.  My consultant said the same thing and that I shouldn't worry about the transgression to other things because it might not happen.  It's ok to just say it, going through the worrying is another thing when you've got this.  I am a lot better than I was.  I went into a big black hole and everyone just said 'it'll be ok' and 'it might not even happen!' so I know how you feel.  Like you, it's just me and my child - I have a daughter who is 8 and she means the world to me and leaving her would be the worst thing imaginable.I would be happy to keep in touch for support.Take care and look forward to talking again.Love Debbie Debbie G Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Cynthia RoseI'm Debbie and I have got MGUS (diagnosed 18 months ago).  I have 1Gg Kappa paraprotein.  I am also on an anti-depressant called Cipralex (10mg).  I have no other symptoms although I do get tired but not sure if that's got anything to do with that. I'm 43 years of age.  It seems that people are being diagnosed with MGUS a lot younger.Hope things are going well for you.Best wishes, Debbie  Debbie G Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi My name is Darcy, I am 46 years old female. I was diagnosed with MGUS in April 2007. I have read thru this thread and I feel or have felt everything all of you have written about.. I am a single mother, one is an adult now which gives me comfort that if I should become ill my son will take care of his little brother and baby sisiter.. my other son is 15 and I have a 6 year old daughter.I understand about the ticking bomb feeling . I feel it everyday, like most of you it's not constant but it's there . Like I'll be walking down the street and see a grandmother with her grandchildren and think Wow! i might never have that , or an older mother and  grown daughter out to lunch laughing and think my little girl will never have this.. It's scary and the people around me just don't get it .. they say what I would say to them I suppose, if the stories were turned like you can't think that way there coming up with new cures all the time ...but it really doesn't matter  because they just don't understand the terror of it all . I am so glad that I have found this group to talk with women who understand  what it really feels like to hold this the fear inside you everyday . darcy6179 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT I sometimes wonder if the reasin for that is simply that people are having more test at there disposal , or rather their doctors...it might be that everyone had it at an early age but that it wasn't found until late in years..the only reason i found out was becasue i have had pain in my back for years and went ot an ruematologist who wanted only to  rule out everything else b4 he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia...that is when he found the spike of protien in my blood... And the saga started from thier... darcy6179 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT BELOW IS SOME RESEARCH I CAME ACROSSEDO N THE INTERNET.. Signs and symptomsMost people with MGUS (approximately 4 out of 5) remain well and never develop any symptoms related to it.Sometimes, MGUS can be associated with non-cancerous conditions such as inflammation, arthritis or infection.There is a risk that a small number of people with MGUS might go on to develop cancers affecting the blood after a few years. These include myeloma, lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia, and amyloidosis.Possible symptoms of these cancers might be: feeling very tired; repeated coughs; colds and other infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; swollen lymph glands; pain; night sweats; and weight loss.  darcy6179 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT It is time for my annual blood test and I usually do a search on MGUS because it is on my mind. I found this website and read the posts of people who are newly diagnosed. I wanted to give comfort.I was diagnosed with MGUS at the age of 37. Within a two year time span, I had blood tests every 3 months and two bone marrow biopsies. The diagnosis remained MGUS thank goodness. I can completely relate to everyone who is trying to deal with the initial shock.It is now ten years later. As I mentioned above, I go in every year for a blood test. It is only at this time that I experience a bit of anxiety.My prayers are with you. jfocallag Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT hi, my name is vicky and i have just come across your site this evening (christmas night) and found it very comforting to know that what i am feeling is normal after being diagnosed with mgus/igm paraprotein. I put the two because they haven't as yet finished all tests. As with many of you this was found due to routine blood tests because of a patch of feeling unwell. I have a a igm paraprotein which means if it were to develop into anything it would be waldenstroms. I am 45 years of age with 2 boys aged 5 and 9 and pray that this thing will not developinto anything more than it is now. Its a strange feeling having this thing just hanging over you, yet i try to get on with my life as most of you say without thinking about it but on special days like today you just hope that you will be around for many more. anyway don't want to sound morbid as I am very happy and truly love life. I think just a little scared at present as had my first bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow scan 2 weeks ago...still  not heard as yet and hope the old saying no news good news rings true.All stay positive and keep well happy xmas to you all. god bless. vici xxx vici 369 Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dear michelleThis is my first time on this sight so please forgive me if im struggling !Your message was inspiring to me, my partner Gary has been on a roller coaster of a ride since being told he has Myeloma two and a half years ago. He is 46, and nothing adds up as the only thing he has that has remained stable is a high igg paraprotine but on all his notes the hospital has put Mgus ! The fact you have been stable for so long is giving me some hope THANK YOU. GillyB Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Just over two years ago,I was 42, I was diagnosed with mgus, at first the doctor thought I had bone cancer and only had a short time to live, but after extensive tests, I was told I had mgus, my dotors still can't believe the diagnoses as my paraprotein level was 23. At first I was annoyed that I had to go every three months for blood tests, but have realized that I at least have a heads up, if it does turn into anything more sinister. I have three children, 13, 10 and 8, our lives were quite normal dealing with knowing that at any time it might change. Then 6 weeks ago, my life turned upside down, my beloved husband, who has been my strength through all this, had a massive heart attack one morning and was taken from our family. He was my life and now I have to deal with all this alone, I don't know what I will do, if this does turn into cancer, my children have had to deal with the worst thing that could happen and they all know that mum could also get very ill. This is the worst time of my life and tomorrow I have my next check up, part of me wants it to be fine, and part of me doesn't. I am wondering if there is someone else in a similar situation, if so, tell me how you cope with each day.Nessy nessy Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT i just found this message board today.  when i read your message my heart sanked.  i cannot image all that you must and have gone through.  just know that i will be praying much for you.in the meantime i pray that you will enjoy the sunshine in life...i was diagnosed with IGg lambda mgus june of 2007.  i was taken aback. my family was so glad that it was not multiple myeloma but i could not explain the sock i felt with know that the paraprotein was in my blood.  to date i am doing well and every now & then i experience what some call the thought of the "walking time bomb" within me.  then i look at my children 27, 22, & 12 and realize i need to fight as hard as i possibly can.  i look forward to hearing from you. momtoocool Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT hi tammy and michellei was diagnosed june of 2007 at the age of 49 with IGg lambda mgus.  even though i know the possibility of it turning into multiple myeloma is small...i still get concerned at times.  during the time of my diagnosis it was discovered that i also have two nodules within my thyroid (small) & a renal mass. initially it was thought that the renal mass was a cyst.  but after a six month check up via ultra sound the cyst was ruled out and now that it has grown in size it is believed to be a mass.  had a mri and will see the dr this thursday for a better diagnosis.  it is situations like this that often make me wonder if all of these "things" are indeed connected.  i remain prayerful and hopefu. i have come to realize that stress only increases my symptoms (tiredness, confusion, etc). so i am trying to practice good physical, mental, and emotional health in an attempt to live.this is the first time that i have been able to really express how i feel.  thank you for letting me talk.crystal momtoocool Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi to all.  Have not posted here for a while, as I have been more active in the Yahoo MGUS group, which I recommend if you have not found it.  There are some good suggestions for things you can do to be well.  Not to change the MGUS, but keep you all around well. I have now had this diagnosis (IgG lambda, kappa light chains (whatever they are)) for about a year.  My M spike is a bit higher than last year, and now actually I have two of them.  So I will go to see a hematologist.  And my thyroid is also acting up, so I will go to see an endocrinologist.  But the truth is that if I were not having regular physicals I would know none of this, cause I feel fine. Though I also now know that I have a bit of a compromised immune system, which explains lots of niggling things I have had my entire life.  All niggling, fortunately!My doctor says it is more likely that I will reach age 90 than that he will. (So I am wondering what is wrong with him!!) Be well, think positive and best wishes to all!!  Optimist1 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/6/2008 Optimist1 wrote:Hi to all.  Have not posted here for a while, as I have been more active in the Yahoo MGUS group, which I recommend if you have not found it.  There are some good suggestions for things you can do to be well.  Not to change the MGUS, but keep you all around well. I have now had this diagnosis (IgG lambda, kappa light chains (whatever they are)) for about a year.  My M spike is a bit higher than last year, and now actually I have two of them.  So I will go to see a hematologist.  And my thyroid is also acting up, so I will go to see an endocrinologist.  But the truth is that if I were not having regular physicals I would know none of this, cause I feel fine. Though I also now know that I have a bit of a compromised immune system, which explains lots of niggling things I have had my entire life.  All niggling, fortunately!My doctor says it is more likely that I will reach age 90 than that he will. (So I am wondering what is wrong with him!!) Be well, think positive and best wishes to all!! Hi,I just found this group. Its nice to read about others that feel the same as I do. I was diaognosed with MGUS last year. It took almost 4 months for them to confirm that I didnt have active Multiple Myleoma which was gruling to have to wait for the results. But I do agree that it is like living with a dagger over your head, at least in the beginning. I am 45 and have one daughter who is 25 and one who is 11 which as I was going thru it prayed that I would be around long enough to raise my younger one. I have Sjogrens Syndrome too which complicates things. All stress related stuff affects both diseases; how do you live with absolutley no stress?But one year later I only think about it when I am close to having my blood drawn or I hear of someone having cancer. I have the Light Chain, a high M Protien..and was at 3-4% at my last test. After living with an auto immune disease for the past 12 years I am learing to manage my addition. I went to a MM meeting with a friend who is in stage 4 MM, I will not return. Best wishes to you all, thank you for sharing your stories.  judieo Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have Celiac disease so I go to Celiac.com and read the articles.  I found this one and thought some of you may be interested."In another publication from the database at PubMed.gov (Gut. 1976 Sep;17(9):735-9.), a study that showed that when a patient with MGUS and Celiac Disease was put on a gluten-free diet the monoclonal proteins entirely disappeared by the end of 3 years! Hence you can imagine what big news this is to all the MGUS patients, on the various online MGUS forums. Here is the suggestion that Celiacs might avoid becoming MGUS patients, that MGUS patients might perhaps avoid progression to multiple myeloma, and that multiple myeloma patients might have halted or slower progression of their disease, simply by being on a gluten-free diet! This is indeed big news!"  For more info go to Celiac.com, or ask a qualified physician.Some of you have talked about autoimmune diseases.  I don't know if you have been check for Celiac disease or not but it is the most common autoimmune disease.  I have had it for over 21 years and was just diagnosed last summer.  Doctors think it is rare but 1 in 133 people actually have it, and 97% of the people are undiagnosed.  Being undiagnosed does cause cancers, vitamin deficiencies, and many other complications. If you have MGUS it would be worth being checked for Celiac especially if a gluten free diet can halt or slow the progression of MGUS. Carrie68 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/22/2007 Chellybell wrote:Hi Cynthia Rose,I haven't taken any anti-depressants, but Ido have the lovely MGUS.  Some positive things...?  I'm stillhere, still healthy, and my levels are stable.  You may bereassured to look up some of Dr. Robert Kyle's studies--he's with theMayo Clinic and is the world leader in MGUS studies.  I actuallyhad the pleasure of speaking to him about my case, and he was able toreassure me, based on my test results, that my chances of moving intomyeloma were very small.  His main advice?  To keep my bodyin outstanding physical condition, through diet, exercise, sleep, andhydration.  He said if the time ever comes, I should be ready tofight as hard as I can and that people in peak condition seem to doquite well.  Hope this lifts your spirits.  Hang in there,Cynthia Rose.  Things will settle down, once you have some time toadjust. MichelleHello Michelle, Where could I find information on Dr. Robert Kyle's work?  thanks, bonnie   sewingBonnie Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi. I found this message on line when doing some research. I know this is years after the fact but I am curious to see how you are doing. I am 45 and just diagnosed with MGUS and was feeling the same way that you were mentioning in your message. I would love to hear from you and about your situation and if you have come to deal with MGUS and how. I wish you well and looking forward to hearing from you. - Jillian Jillyfromthehilly Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 12/16/2005 Chellybell wrote:I am a 33-year-old mom who just found out I have MGUS. Nothing else seems to be wrong with me, thankfully, but I am SO scared, especially after doing my research. None of my friends or family seem to really understand the "ticking time bomb" I feel is inside me. Nor do I want to explain. The oncologist gave me a lecture about "sweeping this under the rug" and getting on with it--life, I guess. I am a single mom with no one to take care of my kids but me if anything should happen. I would just love to have someone to talk to. Michelle  You don't need to be very concerned & allow yourself to get overly  distressed about this. MGUS affects many of we women (who also      tend  to get the majority of the inflammatory arthritides - diseases like   lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis & other inflammatory diseases ) AND along with disease severity you CAN get what's called   an M spike on a serum or urine protein electrophoresis gel test. This M spike corresponds to a protein that yes - IT  IS found in patients with Multiple Myeloma ( a form of cancer)  BUT for many of us we only have     a small -  or half "M-spike".  This spike of OURS might be due to the severity of another "disease process" while having nothing to do with cancer at all. It is true that 1 out of 10 persons who has MGUS goes on   to develop Multiple Myeloma, but this leaves a great many of us who will never have to deal with that!!   I've had this bizarre diagnosis for 3         or 4 years now & while it was unnerving at first - now - I look at it more as just a marker showing up because the inflammation associated with  my rheumatoid arthritis UNFORTUNATELY for me, is very active. As for me, I no longer look at MGUS as the onset of cancer. (multiple myeloma or any other  kind)  I hope this eases your mind somewhat about this diagnosis. It might be a kind of red flag about an inflammatory illness you are already aware of.  If not, at least now you know that the medical specialty you MAY need to turn to is rheumatology so that you can be diagnosed & treated properly.  barbw141fl Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT