IgG and IgM antibodies
Antibodies are the guardians of our body: they track down intruders and clear them out. With Waldenström, two are important: IgG and IgM.
IgG
IgG is the most abundant antibody and is shaped like the letter Y. In my case there are far more than normal, because my cancer cells mainly produce IgG. These extra copies are damaged and don't work properly. Healthy IgG remembers which infections you've had before, so it can quickly spot that same culprit later on. If you don't have enough healthy IgG, you're more susceptible to infections.
IgM
IgM is the largest antibody: five Y's joined together, like a wagon wheel. It's the first to arrive at an infection. In most people with Waldenström, it's actually the IgM that's elevated; for me it's different — my disease mainly produces IgG, and my IgM has actually decreased somewhat over the years. With a strongly elevated IgM, the blood can become too thick (hyperviscosity).
The colored bands show the normal reference range (IgG 7–16, IgM 0.4–2.3 g/L). Hover over a point for the exact date and value.