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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Diagnosis

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
chepstow gwent uk

My wife and i have just had a meeting with my haematologist who told us the chemo is not working,and i have 2 options open to me.First there is another course of chemo which is fraught with side effects,but if it works it could give me 3 to 5 years more.The other option is do nothing and all i would get is about 6 months.I really don't know what to do for the best.Obviously i want to live as long as i can,on the other hand there is my wife to consider.We are going to hsve to have some long… read more

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February 2
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Good question

February 3
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Tell us what you are on now that is not working and what are they proposing. If I can be so bold.

February 2
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I’m so sorry for the news. I can so relate to your wife. My husband exhausted all his treatments and was told there was nothing left for him to try. It is very heartbreaking and it is life shattering. If your wife needs to talk or you need to talk I’m here for both of you.

July 31
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

To diagnose multiple myeloma, doctors use a combination of tests and evaluations. Here are the key steps involved:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination
- Detailed questions about symptoms (e.g., fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections).
- Family history of myeloma or blood cell disorders.
- Exposure to Show Full Answer

To diagnose multiple myeloma, doctors use a combination of tests and evaluations. Here are the key steps involved:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
- Detailed questions about symptoms (e.g., fatigue, bone pain, frequent infections).
- Family history of myeloma or blood cell disorders.
- Exposure to chemicals or radiation.
- Physical exam to check for signs like anemia, bone pain, weight loss, neuropathy, or edema.

2. Blood and Urine Tests:
- Blood Tests: Can reveal anemia, high calcium levels, elevated creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, low albumin levels, and elevated beta-2 microglobulin levels.
- Urine Tests: Can provide evidence pointing to multiple myeloma.

3. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy:
- Collection of liquid and solid bone marrow samples, usually from the hip bone.
- Analysis of bone marrow tissue to assess abnormal plasma cells.
- Cytogenetic studies to examine genes and chromosomes of the cells.

4. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and PET scans to determine lesions or damage in bones or soft tissues.

5. Diagnostic Criteria:
- Evidence from tests such as cancer cells in bone marrow, kidney dysfunction, abnormal proteins in blood, low red blood cell levels, and imaging scans showing tumors.
- Signs of organ damage like hypercalcemia, decreased kidney function, anemia, and bone lesions.

6. Staging:
- Blood work to assess serum albumin levels, beta macroglobulin levels, serum light chain assay, and serum protein electrophoresis.
- Urine electrophoresis.
- Bone marrow examination and cytogenetic study.
- Imaging techniques like PET scans.

These steps help confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent and stage of multiple myeloma, guiding treatment options.

July 31

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