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Can multiple myeloma cause unexplained bone breaks about 15 years before other symptoms?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Prescott Valley, AZ

About 15 years ago I got up one morning and did what every other red blooded human does 1st thing in the morning - I headed for the bathroom. I made it about 15 feet, took a step and I went down. It felt like I just had no foot. Turns out I broke both leg bones clean off at the ankle. Now I am waiting for my Bone marrow biopsy with suspected multiple Myeloma. About 6 months ago I developed a swollen lymph node in my neck that has never gone down. Then my kidney doctor discovered protein in my… read more

December 15, 2025
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MyMyelomaTeam

Can myeloma cause unexplained bone breaks 15 years before other symptoms appear?

While myeloma does cause bone weakness and fractures, it's unusual for bone breaks to occur 15 years before other symptoms develop. Myeloma typically progresses more quickly once bone damage begins.

However, some people do have asymptomatic Show Full Answer

Can myeloma cause unexplained bone breaks 15 years before other symptoms appear?

While myeloma does cause bone weakness and fractures, it's unusual for bone breaks to occur 15 years before other symptoms develop. Myeloma typically progresses more quickly once bone damage begins.

However, some people do have asymptomatic or "smoldering" myeloma for a period before symptoms become noticeable. During this time, bone lesions can develop without obvious signs.

Your ankle fracture from 15 years ago may have had a different cause, though it's worth discussing with your healthcare team as part of your complete medical history. Regarding your current symptoms, the combination you're experiencing is concerning for myeloma:

* Elevated light chains in blood
* Protein in urine (proteinuria)
* Swollen lymph node

These align with common myeloma indicators. Light chain myeloma specifically can cause kidney damage, which explains the protein your kidney doctor found. About 40 percent of people with myeloma have kidney damage at diagnosis.

The bone marrow biopsy will be key in confirming whether you have myeloma. This test, along with blood work and imaging, helps doctors make a definitive diagnosis.

Only your healthcare team can assess your specific chances of having myeloma based on all your test results. The biopsy will provide crucial answers about what's happening in your bone marrow.

December 15, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I’ll be thinking about you💕. If you can, and when you are ready, please share your results, so I can keep praying for you.
Paula 🌹

December 16, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thank you Paula. I have had cancer multiple times, but none as serious as this. We have one cancer center in this area with doctors who treat MM. The one I saw did not think I had it with symptoms I described above. Knowing me and my body, I tend to think I do. But certainly would be a blessing if I don't - prayers answered. I guess I will find out soon enough. Either way I did find out I have no immune system. Would have thought the doc would have recommended getting some N95 masks. At least I am smart enough to know I needed them.

December 15, 2025
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

ReeAnn,
I have had symptoms since 2011 or earlier. I am still Smoldering, which is between MGUS, the precursor, and full blown Multiple Myeloma. I have broken 2 ribs with no trauma. With the other 8 ribs, there was some trauma. I have osteoporosis too. This cancer is not like others, you need a MM Specialist who is a Hematologist/Oncologist. If you don’t have one near you, your local cancer doctor can refer you and you might possibly do FaceTime with them. One marrow biopsy and blood work are the first steps. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation has a list of MM Specialists. You can also talk to Counselors there.
HTTPS://www.themmrf.org/
Paula🌹

The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
The MMRF | Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
https://www.themmrf.org/
December 15, 2025

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