Multiple myeloma by another name…

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with plasma cell dyscrasia, which I understand is a low grade multiple myeloma, or stage one. The medical report read as follows: “Normocellular marrow (40%) with 3.2% plasma cells, consistent with plasma cell dyscrasia. A population of CD45-negative plasma cells expressing CD38, CD138, and monotypic, cytoplasmic kappa light chains is present at 0.26% of ficolled cells.”

I am almost 70 years of age, have been in remission for 24 years from Wegener’s granulomatosis, and have lived a normal lifestyle during this time. My sed rate at this time is about 50 and I am also anemic (anemia of chronic disease). I would like your comments on this diagnosis. Right now they are not starting treatment. [Read more...]