Should you tell your oncologist about new symptoms that have developed since your last visit?
Absolutely, yes. It's really important to be honest with your healthcare team about any new symptoms, concerns, or changes you're experiencing. Your spine and neck pain, neuropathy, and other symptoms could be relevant to Show Full Answer
Should you tell your oncologist about new symptoms that have developed since your last visit?
Absolutely, yes. It's really important to be honest with your healthcare team about any new symptoms, concerns, or changes you're experiencing. Your spine and neck pain, neuropathy, and other symptoms could be relevant to monitoring your MGUS.
MGUS itself usually doesn't cause symptoms, but when it does, symptoms can include:
* Bone pain
* Nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) - numbness, tingling, or weakness
* Unexplained weight loss
* Night sweats
* Tiredness
Since you're experiencing spine and neck pain along with neuropathy, these are definitely worth discussing with your oncologist. A MyMyelomaTeam member shared, "I went from MGUS to SMM in no time. They weren't surprised at all, because I was having serious issues with fractures."
Your doctors monitor MGUS closely to watch for any signs of progression. New symptoms like bone pain and nerve pain are specifically things they look for during follow-ups. Don't wait until June if your symptoms are severe - you can always call the office to discuss whether you should be seen sooner.
Regarding your osteoporosis, people diagnosed with both MGUS and osteoporosis may receive bisphosphonate medication to help maintain bone mineral density, so this is another important topic to discuss with your oncologist.
February 2
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