Myeloma can cause a variety of symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Common symptoms may include bone pain, fatigue, and weakness. Depending on location of the bone involvement, bone pain can be intermittent or constant, localised or radiating, sharp and stabbing or dull and aching.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, and can range from mild to severe in certain cases. Weakness may be experienced, particularly in the arms or legs and can result from bone pain or due to bone density loss caused by the myeloma.
Other symptoms may include: weight loss, easily broken bones, nausea, excessive thirst, constipation and frequent urination.
In addition to the physical symptoms, myeloma can have a considerable impact on one’s mental wellbeing too. Depression is common and feelings of fear, anger, and sadness can also arise. It is important to get the right support, either through healthcare professionals or through a wide range of support organisations, such as the Myeloma UK charity.
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How do people cope with multiple myeloma?
People can cope with multiple myeloma in a number of different ways. One of the most important things is to ensure that you are taking good care of yourself physically, which includes eating well, getting plenty of exercise and rest, and attending follow-up appointments with your doctor on a regular basis.
It is also important to maintain an optimistic, hopeful outlook and take steps to reduce stress levels. Additionally, there are a number of support groups available, both in person and online, that provide a space for people to talk to and support one another.
These support groups, as well as therapists, can provide invaluable emotional and practical support that can be beneficial in helping someone to cope with multiple myeloma. Additionally, medication and dosages can be adjusted and different treatments explored, in order to ensure that the individual is maximizing the effectiveness of their care.
Can you live a normal life with multiple myeloma?
Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with multiple myeloma. Treatment advances in recent years have made it possible for cancer patients to maintain their quality of life and availability of effective therapies and medications have improved the outlook for people with multiple myeloma.
Working with your doctor, you can design a treatment plan that helps you manage your symptoms, stay active and live life to the fullest.
It is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, take prescribed medications, and monitor your symptoms to maintain your quality of life. Additionally, complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage may be beneficial, and you should talk to your doctor about any alternatives you are considering to ensure they are safe.
Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating a balanced diet to maintain health, as these can impact your overall well-being. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, it is possible to live a normal life with multiple myeloma.
Are we close to a cure for myeloma?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for myeloma. Myeloma is an incurable, but treatable, blood cancer. While treatments have improved and overall survival rates have increased in recent years, many myeloma patients still face a challenging course of treatment, side effects, and a potentially shortened lifespan.
However, research into the disease continues, and treatments are improving. Researchers are exploring techniques such as immunotherapy and personalized medicine, which can target specific mutations unique to the individual patient.
Additionally, doctors are more frequently able to create treatment regimens that get myeloma patients into remission, give them a longer disease-free period, and hopefully increase the chances of survival.
So far, a cure for myeloma is still out of reach. However, through continued research, new treatments and a better understanding of this complex disease, we may one day be able to reach a cure. In the meantime, research into myeloma continues, and patients are encouraged to stay positive and seek out available treatments and support.
Can stress worsen multiple myeloma?
Yes, stress can worsen the symptoms of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells of the bone marrow. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off existing diseases or infections, including this cancer.
When the immune system is weakened, it can result in more severe symptoms, a decrease in overall wellbeing and general fatigue. Additionally, research suggests that stress can also alter hormone levels, which can influence the growth of cancer cells in multiple myeloma.
Overall, people with multiple myeloma should try to reduce their levels of stress whenever possible through stress-relieving activities such as exercise or relaxation techniques.
How can I overcome myeloma fatigue?
Myeloma fatigue can be an incredibly disheartening experience, but there are strategies that can help lessen its intensity and effects. It’s important to remember that everybody deals with fatigue differently, so be patient with yourself as you find out what works best for you.
Begin by speaking to your doctor about the best treatment options. They may suggest medications such as steroids and other treatments like radiation, a stem cell transplant, or chemotherapy. Learning to manage stress can also help.
Stress-reducing techniques may include meditation, mindfulness practices, and light physical activity.
Try to establish a regular daily routine and stick to it as best you can. This can include regular bedtimes, waking up at the same time, limiting daytime naps and making time for meals. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to manage fatigue.
Eating a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will nourish your body and help you to have more energy throughout the day. Regular light exercise, such as yoga or walking, can also help relieve fatigue.
Seeking and accepting support from family, friends and your healthcare team is also important. From caregivers to individual and group therapies, there are many resources available to help you manage your fatigue and other side effects of myeloma.
As you find the right balance of treatments and lifestyle management, fatigue can become less of a factor in your daily life.
Does multiple myeloma cause mental issues?
The short answer to this question is no, multiple myeloma does not typically cause mental issues. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. While multiple myeloma generally does not cause mental issues, it is possible that it could indirectly cause mental health problems.
For example, people who are diagnosed with multiple myeloma may experience a variety of physical and emotional changes due to the disease. Additionally, frustration and anxiety may arise due to treatments, hospital visits, and other aspects of dealing with the disease.
Additionally, the emotional and physical toll of multiple myeloma may lead to depression or other mental health issues in some individuals. It is important to note that every person has a different experience of multiple myeloma, so it is important for individuals to seek out support if they are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health issues.
How do you help someone with myeloma?
Helping someone with myeloma can be a difficult but ultimately rewarding process. It is essential to start by educating yourself on the disease itself and the treatment options. It can also be helpful to understand the lifestyle changes that may happen as a result of living with myeloma and the social and emotional issues that may come with the diagnosis.
It is important to encourage your loved one to communicate with their healthcare provider and to take an active role in making decisions about their care. The more informed your loved one is, the more empowered and confident they will be in making decisions about their care.
It is important to provide emotional support for them. This can include simply listening, being a companion and providing encouragement. Additionally, you can provide practical help like helping them get to appointments, assist with activities of daily living, running errands, and offering to spend time together.
It can also be beneficial to offer emotional and practical support to the rest of your loved one’s family, including their caregivers. Some may find it helpful to join a local myeloma support group in order to meet people going through similar experiences and to access resources.
Finally, it is essential to be aware of available financial resources which could help with the expenses associated with treating myeloma. For example, programs such as Part D of Medicare could provide assistance for prescription drug costs.
Overall, helping someone with myeloma can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is important to be understanding, supportive, and most of all, to be a good listener.
What benefits can I get if I have myeloma?
If you have been diagnosed with myeloma, the most important benefit you can receive is proper care and treatment. Your healthcare team can provide information about treatments, medications, and lifestyle modifications that can help manage your symptoms.
Receiving appropriate care can help alleviate some of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with myeloma and provide you with better quality of life.
Other possible benefits of having myeloma depend on your individual situation. Financial assistance can be provided through government programs like Medicare or Social Security Disability, as well as private health insurers.
These funds can help cover the costs of your medical expenses, medications, and other treatments. Additionally, if you are unable to work due to your condition, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Support groups are another possible benefit of having myeloma. Joining a myeloma support group can provide you with information, resources, and emotional support from other individuals going through the same experiences.
Additionally, support from family and friends is also important for people with myeloma.
Finally, having a positive attitude and finding ways to keep your mind and body active are key components of managing myeloma. Arranging for activities like yoga, meditation, or art classes can help reduce stress and make living with myeloma more manageable.
If you need help with finding resources, your healthcare team will be able to provide more information on how to make the most of your situation.
What foods should you avoid if you have myeloma?
Foods to avoid if you have myeloma include those that are high in fat and salt as well as processed food. Foods to particularly avoid include red meat, processed meats, fried foods, and processed snacks such as chips and crackers.
Foods with high sugar content, such as candy and sugary beverages like soda, should also be avoided. Finally, it is important to limit your intake of alcohol, as it can interact with some medications used to treat myeloma.
It is best to speak with your doctor or a dietitian about which foods are best to eat and which should be avoided when managing myeloma.
What helps multiple myeloma pain?
Multiple myeloma pain can be managed through various treatments. Working with your healthcare team to help identify the pain, potential triggers, and the best treatment options is important. Pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiates, and corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
In addition to medications, other treatments may be recommended to help with pain relief, such as radiation therapy, cryotherapy, nerve blocks, and acupuncture. It is important to note that some of these treatments may add to an already existing burden of fatigue and make pain management more difficult if not monitored properly.
Along with medical treatments, self-care measures such as massage therapy, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and exercise can help to reduce discomfort and improve overall quality of life. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended when managing chronic pain associated with multiple myeloma.
What is the most common cause of death in multiple myeloma?
The most common cause of death in multiple myeloma is complications from the cancer itself. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in a type of immune cell known as a plasma cell, which is found in the bone marrow.
As these cancer cells grow, they can damage bone and interfere with the production of normal blood cells, leading to anemia, infections, and other complications. Eventually, the cancer can cause organ damage and weakened bones and can be fatal.
Complications from multiple myeloma can include blood clots and kidney failure, as well as other organ damage. In addition, high levels of calcium in the blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia, can also cause kidney failure or cardiac arrest.
These complications can increase with the progression of the cancer and may be fatal if they are left untreated.
What is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma?
The most common initial symptom of multiple myeloma is a feeling of weakness or fatigue, which can be attributed to the anemia caused by a low red blood cell count. Other early signs may include frequent infections, bone pain, nerve pain, confusion or difficulty with memory, difficulty swallowing, increased thirst, increased urination, and unexplained weight loss.
If a person notices any of these signs, they should seek medical advice without delay.
What conditions are mistaken for myeloma?
Especially if the diagnosis is made without a complete medical evaluation. These include other types of blood cancers, chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and non-cancerous conditions such as monoclonal gammopathies.
Other conditions that can be misdiagnosed as myeloma include reactive plasmacytosis, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, and plasmacytic lymphoma. In particular, a condition known as smoldering myeloma can present similar symptoms, but is a much less serious and more easily treated condition.
Additionally, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can also be misdiagnosed, as they share a lot of symptoms with myeloma. A thorough medical evaluation is therefore essential for a correct diagnosis and correct treatment for myeloma or whatever condition is causing the symptoms.