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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.

I had a STC in 2023. My numbers are trending upward. My protein is a 10.6. Does anyone know if that means Relapse? If so what happens next?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Trenton, TN
November 11, 2025
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

You will need a full work up to determine if you are relapsing. Myeloma panel, bone marrow biopsy and maybe imaging.

November 12, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I've been off treatment for little over a year. Still receiving zometa. My SCT was January 2021.
I'm being monitored quarterly. There's a slight increase in cells. Doc says it's almost none detectable. They're in mo hurry to start any treatment now.
Next appointment is January.
Try not to stress the numbers.
Like stated before me, they don't react to one lab draw. It takes months to get the full picture.
Personally, I like to look at other results such as magnesium, sodium, phosphorus etc, then adjust my diet accordingly.
I don't know how much it helps me physically but I feel better mentally. 😁

Charlie

November 13, 2025
MyMyelomaTeam

Does an upward trend in protein levels at 10.6 mean relapse after a stem cell transplant in 2023?

Rising protein levels can be a sign of relapse, but your doctor will need to look at the complete picture. A relapse is typically diagnosed based on several factors, not just one test result.

Your healthcare team will check Show Full Answer

Does an upward trend in protein levels at 10.6 mean relapse after a stem cell transplant in 2023?

Rising protein levels can be a sign of relapse, but your doctor will need to look at the complete picture. A relapse is typically diagnosed based on several factors, not just one test result.

Your healthcare team will check for:
* Increased M protein or serum-free light chains
* More plasma cells in your bone marrow
* New or growing bone lesions
* Changes in calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
* Kidney function problems
* Anemia (low hemoglobin)

Since your numbers are trending upward, it's important to contact your oncologist right away. They'll likely order additional blood work, possibly urine tests, and imaging to get a full assessment of what's happening. If it is a relapse, what happens next?

Your doctor will reevaluate your treatment plan based on your overall health, which treatments you've already received, and how long you were in remission after your stem cell transplant.

Treatment options may include:
* Restarting your original therapy if remission lasted at least 6-12 months
* Trying a different medication class
* Using newer combination therapies

One MyMyelomaTeam member who has experienced multiple relapses shared: "Sometimes you want to jump out of a treatment quickly because it's causing problems for you, but you learn that you don't want to burn through treatments. As long as it's tamping down the myeloma, you should try your best to stay on it."

The key is staying engaged with your care team, reporting symptoms promptly, and discussing all available options. Many effective treatments exist for relapsed myeloma.

November 11, 2025

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