The Facts About Multiple Myeloma And What You Can Do To Help It

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the cells that lie within the bone marrow.  The symptoms of this illness can come in the form of back or bone pain, bleeding problems, tiredness, shortness or breath, fatigue, anemia, and increase susceptibility to infection.  Unexplained fractures can also be a warning sign of multiple myeloma.

Since multiple myeloma affects the bone marrow and blood cells anemia is a side effect of this type of cancer.  Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells and therefore does not contain enough oxygen.  Since oxygen is a requirement for the proper function of all tissues and organs within the body anemia begins to cause the body to slow down hence making the individual more tired and susceptible to invasion by foreign bodies.

The bleeding that can occur in those with multiple myeloma may occur on the outside or inside of the body.  When the bleeding is external most people can adjust to this and can get the bleeding stopped.  However, those who are bleeding internally may not even be aware of it making it a little more difficult to address.  It is important to take care when you have MM because it is very easy to injure yourself.

Bone pain is by far one of the most debilitating side effects of multiple myeloma and relates more to the metastases of the disease then the disease itself with spread that goes to the breast, prostate, and lung.  Unfortunately, severe bone pain is reported in more than 65% of those who have this illness.

Multiple myeloma treatment is designed to help the person manage their symptoms.  There are a variety of medications that can help including drugs such as melphalan and thalidomide and those who have multiple myeloma should drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration and to ensure that the kidneys maintain proper function.  X-ray tests that use contrast dye should be avoided.

The complications of multiple myeloma include more severe issues such as kidney failure, pneumonia, and paralysis from tumor or spinal cord compression.  It is important that if you have been diagnosed with MM that you contact your doctor if you experience any decrease of urine output or if you develop an infection, numbness, loss of movement, or any loss of sensation.

And while your physician can help you to control your symptoms and monitor changes and can set you up for chemotherapy or transplant.  Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for multiple myeloma.