A type of cancer, multiple myeloma is a serious disease affecting the plasma cells and bone marrow. It can therefore also spread to affect other areas of the body. Myeloma has three stages, and the 3rd stage is the most severe, of which sufferers are expected to have around 29 months if they are not to survive. People can often reach stage 3 through relapsed myeloma; the cure is not always a permanent solution as the disease can recur.
A sufferer of multiple myeloma has reached the third stage when the level of the protein beta 2 macroglobulin in their body is more than 5.5 mg per litre. This can also be recognised with symptoms of anaemia, bone damage (due to the deteriation of the bone marrow), and high levels of calcium in the body. Urine samples can also identify myeloma through the results which they show.
Symptoms of the disease can be quite painful, and if this is the case the patient will often be referred for palliative treatment which can relieve some of the associated pain and ease the discomfort of the sufferer. However, treatment must be ongoing as the results are likely to only be temporary whilst the disease remains present. Bone damage especially can be quite painful and radiotherapy can be used to treat this, although if the damage is recurring the treatment can only be used a limited number of times.
The high levels of calcium and the overall effects of myeloma can also lead to kidney damage. This can result in feeling sick, losing your appetite, becoming dehydrated as well as other symptoms. You should alert your doctor of this should you experience these symptoms, and ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as much as possible.
Suffering or seeing a close one suffer from multiple myeloma is a distressing time, however it is important to remember to stay strong and positive, and if symptoms worsen or new ones appear, to alert your doctor immediately.
A sufferer of multiple myeloma has reached the third stage when the level of the protein beta 2 macroglobulin in their body is more than 5.5 mg per litre. This can also be recognised with symptoms of anaemia, bone damage (due to the deteriation of the bone marrow), and high levels of calcium in the body. Urine samples can also identify myeloma through the results which they show.
Symptoms of the disease can be quite painful, and if this is the case the patient will often be referred for palliative treatment which can relieve some of the associated pain and ease the discomfort of the sufferer. However, treatment must be ongoing as the results are likely to only be temporary whilst the disease remains present. Bone damage especially can be quite painful and radiotherapy can be used to treat this, although if the damage is recurring the treatment can only be used a limited number of times.
The high levels of calcium and the overall effects of myeloma can also lead to kidney damage. This can result in feeling sick, losing your appetite, becoming dehydrated as well as other symptoms. You should alert your doctor of this should you experience these symptoms, and ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as much as possible.
Suffering or seeing a close one suffer from multiple myeloma is a distressing time, however it is important to remember to stay strong and positive, and if symptoms worsen or new ones appear, to alert your doctor immediately.
