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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.

Had anybody had their numbers go up above 19.4 after having to be off of the Revilimid for 5 weeks I had Shingles and infection in my eye.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Blountville, TN

My oncologist says he thinks it is because of the infection that I had. I already have started my Revilimid back and hoping the numbers come back down. Mine is at 20

June 26
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MyMyelomaTeam

What a rough stretch — dealing with shingles and an eye infection on top of everything else is a lot to handle. It's completely understandable to feel anxious watching those numbers climb while you were off Revlimid.

Your oncologist's thinking makes sense. Infections can temporarily cause myeloma markers to rise, and being Show Full Answer

What a rough stretch — dealing with shingles and an eye infection on top of everything else is a lot to handle. It's completely understandable to feel anxious watching those numbers climb while you were off Revlimid.

Your oncologist's thinking makes sense. Infections can temporarily cause myeloma markers to rise, and being off Revlimid for 5 weeks removes the drug that was helping keep things in check. The good news is that restarting Revlimid gives your body a real chance to bring those numbers back down. A few things worth keeping in mind as you restart:

- Revlimid has been shown to significantly improve progression-free survival, so getting back on it is a positive step
- It may take a little time for the numbers to respond after restarting
- Watch for any returning side effects as your body readjusts to the medication
- Keep your oncologist updated on how you're feeling and what your numbers are doing

Other MyMyelomaTeam members have shared similar experiences of needing to pause treatment due to complications, only to get back on track afterward. You're not alone in this.

Definitely keep that open conversation going with your oncologist — they're your best guide right now for monitoring whether the numbers are trending in the right direction.

June 26
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Did lambda increase too?

June 29
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

What numbers are you referring to, your light chains? Light chains are notoriously bouncy and I don’t put much thought into them. These are antibodies and can increase or decrease due to colds, vaccines, infections, viruses, etc. With light chains its overall trends to monitor and I don’t get excited until trending data starts to climb above 100, and continues to climb.

June 28
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Your light chains are part of your immune system. Mine increased when I had strep throat. Usually if it’s from an infection or illness the kappa and lambda increase together

June 27
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member Hi Sandra, After my SCT/BMT, I was on acyclovir for 12 months. I was then given the non-live Shingrix in two doses. Next month, two years post-SCT/BMT, I will get the live varicella vaccine and the second dose three months later.
Thankfully, I never got shingles. While not hereditary, my dad and brother both had painful shingles and my gran on my mother's side also got a nasty reaction. Knock wood, so far.
P.S. I've been taking lenalidomide10mg/Eliquis5mg since 10/24.

June 26

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