I was disgnised last year with Smouldering Myeloma & been gaving regular blood tests every 3 month. My latest results have shown an increase in my calcium to 2.64 (from 2.46) which has made the team want another test in 4 weeks to see if its still same level. Whilst I wait for test & results, I’m just seeing what this might mean, including, is it the advancement to MM & if so what will they likely do next?
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Hello there @AFrank, welcome back to the forum. May I ask how things have been since diagnosis?
Sounds like your haematology team are keeping on top of blood testing which is great. Only 4 weeks apart means they’re checking carefully, maybe to see if an infection has caused any changes? I’ve had that happen before where my blood cell numbers spiked due to a virus.
We forum members can’t answer medical queries as each of us have such unique health histories, even if we share the same diagnosis. However, do reach out to others around the forum using the search box at the top, maybe searching for myeloma or smouldering myeloma (‘SM’). Then you can reach out to other forum members in different threads adding an @ before their username.
If you haven’t seen it @AFrank here’s the great Blood Cancer UK about SM: Smouldering myeloma | Blood Cancer UK
This BCUK information about myeloma symptoms might be reassuring and useful too: Myeloma symptoms | Blood Cancer UK
And if there’s medical questions or other resources you’d like to talk about with an expert, do give the lovely Blood Cancer UK nurses a call. Their free number is 0808 2080 888.
Hope that helps a little @AFrank, let us know how it goes.
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Things have got easier with the regular bloods but still doesn’t stop when waiting for results (2 weeks). Thank you for your response, just wondering what could be next steps if calcium levels stay high or increase but I’ll wait for consultation.
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Hello @AFrank
Thank you for your post.
We are sorry to hear that you are concerned about progression to Multiple Myeloma and can understand it may be concerning to see a rise in your calcium levels. It sounds reassuring that the team are going to repeat this test and are being vigilant with monitoring.
I can see @Duncan has posted a helpful reply and explained that we are unable to provide individualised medical advice, however it’s important to know that diagnosis of myeloma is not usually given from one specific test. The team will look at the context of this blood test in combination with your medical history, symptoms, scans and other blood results.
If you’re concerned while waiting, it may be a good idea to speak with your clinical nurse specialist or haematology team, as they’re best placed to advise you. Hopefully the repeat test will provide some reassurance and clearer answers.
If you’d like to talk through any of this with one of our nurses you can get in touch on 0808 2080 888 or support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Please do let us know how you get on.
Warm wishes,
Emma (support services nurse)
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Hi there
It’s great to see your team are monitoring your bloods.
The slow rise in calcium looks like that is being monitored well.
Are you having bone pain more than you usually would and/or new pain worsening.
If so mention this to your team.
There is a system called CRAB that consultants use
C calcium levels
R renal
A anaemia
B bone pain
They will also look at paraprotein and light chains
You may be asked to have a scan
Everything together gives the bigger picture
You may just be monitored closely
Your team are best placed to see where you are at and where you are going
Write down any questions that come to mind and take them with you to your next appointment
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