The document discusses the author's experience living with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). Key details include: - The author was diagnosed with MGUS after a routine blood test showed abnormal protein levels. This condition affects about 1% of people over 50. - MGUS carries a small risk (about 2% per year) of progressing to multiple myeloma or other blood cancers if protein levels continue rising. The author must undergo regular testing and monitoring. - While concerning, the author tries not to let MGUS dominate their life. With treatments, myeloma patients now often live 6-10 years after diagnosis, compared to a quick death sentence in the past.

1. Living with a Time Bomb
We had always been extremely close; in fact, she was like my second mother. You'll find all kinds of
information there about the latest treatment for the disease, along with a support group and other
invaluable resources.
An update
On my last visit to the hematologist/oncologist, my MGUS numbers had shot up. I've already had my
cry, and now I feel somewhat better. Raised levels of these proteins are seen in patients with
multiple myeloma and lymphoma. He was very patient and informative. They fight invading bacteria
and viruses. If it continues to rise, my doctor will perform a bone marrow biopsy. At the time, I was
49. I suggest visiting the International Myeloma Foundation's website at http://myeloma.org/ and the
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at http://www.multiplemyeloma.org/. Amazingly, as soon as
I've received good reports, my numbers return to normal. Since those blood tests were good, I didn't
have to have the bone marrow biopsy.
I did, however, have to have a complete skeletal survey. With this in mind, you can probably
understand why I was pretty much "freaking out."
I was able to see the oncologist-hematologist about ten days after I learned about my MGUS. Then
I'm a basket case. I have zofran lawsuit las vegas about a 2% chance a year of the MGUS
progressing into cancer. My physician was going to schedule a bone marrow biopsy but decided to
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/zofran do some more intense blood tests before ordering the
procedure. My oncologist said the number would have to be 10% for a dignosis of MM. Other
experts disagree, however. She lived just down the street from us, and when I was a kid, I stayed
with her while my mom worked. Even so, she lasted less than a year. When I got the lab reports from
my doctor's office to forward to Social Security for an entirely different condition, the numbers were
highlighted in yellow, and a note at the bottom of the page read, "Refer to oncologist/hematologist."
Of course, I was alarmed. Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming! I sincerely appreciate all of
your comments!
. My blood pressure is usually about 130 over 70, but when I go in to see the oncologist for my test
results, it always shoots up. Since my MGUS numbers have been rising, I now have to see my
specialist every three months instead of every six months. The particular protein they found in my
blood is related to multiple myeloma.
In July of 2000, my aunt was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. So if I live until I'm 76, I'll have a 50-
50 chance - I'm 51 now. I have severe arthritis, so maybe that's why I have the MGUS. He said that
1% of the population over the age of 50 have the condition. I just returned home from my six-month
blood study, and the MGUS level was up. I choose to believe the first group. They found 5-10%
plasma cells. I told the nurse I didn't have to worry about multiple myeloma - I'd die from a stroke
first. Her daughter lived there and was a health care professional, so my aunt was able to see the
best myeloma doctors right away. It has been as high as 180/110. I guess the frustrating part is that
nothing can be done about the MGUS until or unless it develops into multiple myeloma. Never heard
of it? Neither had I until it was discovered on a routine blood test. They're just "watching it."
I try hard not to even think about the MGUS, and I do a pretty good job of that except for when it's
time for the tests. This was just a series of x-rays to look at my bones for any lesions or "holes."

2. Fortunately, none were found. Even if the worst happens, and your MGUS develops into multiple
myeloma, MM isn't the quick death sentence it was just a few years ago. My doctor has several MM
patients who have been diagnosed for six years, and my daughter, a nurse, sees a patient who's had
myeloma for ten years.
If you have MGUS, I know the range of emotions you're going through or have gone through.
I have MGUS - monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. Just goes to show you how
detrimental stress can be!
I have to have blood tests every six months, and a 24-hour urine test once a year. You're not alone. I
called the doctor and the staff refused to tell me anything, I couldn't get in to see the physician for
over a week. Aunt Tinkie went to Atlanta for the latest treatments. With new treatments and
technologies, multiple myeloma victims are living longer and better quality lives. I also learned that
my MGUS might never develop into multiple myeloma. All I can do is pray. I was pretty upset, but he
said my plasma cell numbers might never increase. Sometimes I feel as if I have a ticking time bomb
inside that's just waiting to explode. Either way, there's nothing I can do about it, so worrying will
only make me feel worse.
If you've been diagnosed with MGUS, try not to let it rule your life. I really hate having MGUS.
Latest Update
I had a bone marrow biopsy/marrow aspiration in April, 2011. I'm not going to let this dominate my
life.
Some experts say that MGUS can be caused by lupus, inflammation, or even from severe arthritis.
When one of these proteins gets "out of whack" and starts cloning itself, it's called monoclonal
gammopathy. I did what most people do - I got on the internet and researched, learning everything I
could about MGUS.
I found out that white blood cells called plasma cells make proteins called immunoglobulins that
function as antibodies. I realize that's easier to say than do