What in the world is Multiple Myeloma?!

I know it’s been a while since I have talked about the different types of blood cancers. Thus far I have only covered Leukemia and today I am going to talk about Multiple Myeloma. Did you know that MM is not only a blood cancer but can cause problems for the bones? The bone can become so weak that everyday activities such as walking, lifting, or sneezing can cause a fracture.

MM is a cancer of the plasma cells, which are made from B cells, the white blood cells that are present in the bone marrow. Healthy plasma cells are a part of the immune system. Healthy plasma cells are a part of the immune system and makes proteins called antibodies. MM develops when plasma cells have mutated. MM is a relatively a rare blood cancer but it seems as though more people are getting diagnosed with the diseases especially younger people. When I say younger I am speaking people under the age of 50 because it generally occurs in adults over 50. As mentioned I was 32 when I was diagnosed and the youngest that I know, which was a survivor story on my blog was under 18. It typically affects more men than women but being a part of many facebook groups it seems as though statistics are changing. Obviously some updated studies need to be conducted. Doctors are not sure the cause of MM.  Researchers have studied the DNA of plasma cells and have found that almost all people have a genetic abnormality in their plasma cell.  

Some signs and symptoms of MM include:

Bone pain, fatigue, weakness due to low blood count (anemia), and frequent infections due to weakened immune system. Doctors use the acronym CRAB to describe the symptoms.

Calcium elevation

Renal insufficiency(kidney)

Anemia (low red blood cell counts)

Bone abnormalities (lesions)

Out of these symptoms, bone pain is typically the most common. The pain is usually constant pain and worsened by movement. MM can be a debilitating disease that causes damage to the bones. There is a chemical called cytokine that dissolve the bone and inhibits cells that form bone. As a result of this is lytic lesions can form and bone thinning (osteoporosis). The bone can become so weak that everyday activities such as walking, lifting, or sneezing can cause a fracture. It can even be so debilitating that some people can't even walk anymore. In addition, people affected with MM may fatigue more easily and feel weak. This typically comes from the anemia due to the low red blood cells.

Unlike most cancers, MM has only 3 stages, with 3 being the highest of course. Chemotherapy and radiation aren’t the only therapies that a patient with MM may receive. Based on your stage your doctor will go over with you what options are best for you. Make sure you do your own research and ask questions. When you are initially diagnosed it can be overwhelming and you may not remember everything. So I will pass on a suggestion that was giving to me, record your conversation so you can refer to it later. Some of the therapies that your doctor may suggest is a high dose chemo, auto or allo stem cell transplant (there will be more details about this in another post), and clinical trials.

After regular chemo and the transplant, there is still need for maintenance therapy. Some ongoing maintenance therapies are Revlimid, Velcade, etc. How long you will be on this medication is up to your doctor and your situation. It may be 2 years, 3, or indefinite. MM isn’t curable but it is treatable; therefore, the maintenance drug helps with keeping the relapse at bay. There are a lot of medications that can cause kidney failure so make sure that you are drinking adequate amounts of water. You may also have take a monthly bone medication and depending on what it is it will be administered through a shot or infusion.

In order for doctors to measure the amount of MM in one’s body there must be x-rays, PET scans, and even bone marrow biopsies. Periodically you will also have to take a 24-hour urine to check the protein levels.

Lastly, you must active in your follow-up care. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, quit smoking, eat clean, stay physically active ( cardio and weight training because may help slow down those bone lesions along with your medication and keep them strong), and attend your cancer screenings.

I hope you found this informative. Keep your head. Remember when you are weak God is strong! Be blessed! 

What is neuropathy and how to deal with it?

Tingling, numbness, uncontrollable tremors…these are things that are very uncomfortable and also known as characteristics of neuropathy. This can also make someone feel embarassed if they are suffering from this at a younger age. Neuropathy affects the nerves in our bodies and it can occur at any age; however, it is most common in older adults. There are many causes and sometimes unknown causes of neuropathy. These can include diabetes, poisons, alcohol excess, etc. However, chemotherapy and certain cancers are known to induce neuropathy at times called peripheral neuropathy.  Peripheral neuropathy is typically caused by chemotherapy that has damaged the peripheral nerves. These nerves are away from the brain and spinal cord, but these nerves are responsible for carrying feelings to the brain and control the movements of our arms and legs. They also control the bladder and bowels. It is most common to deal with neuropathy in the fingers and toes.

So, what can you do as the patient to minimize chemo-induced PN? First thing you want to do is report any unusual feeling you have to your doctor.

If you are experiencing PN make sure you:

• Protect areas where sensation is decreased (e.g. do not walk around without footwear)
• Wear warm clothing in cold weather
• Extreme temperatures may worsen the condition
• Use pot holders when cooking and gloves when washing dishes or gardening
• Inspect your skin of cuts
• Massaging the area or some indulge into acupuncture which is quite common
• Deep breathing, relaxation, guided imagery
• Eat foods high in fibers such as pears and prunes, cereals, and don’t forget your veggies! This will also keep your digestive system regular…we know that some of these medications can cause serious constipation but for some diarrhea
• Pain relievers
• Talk to your doctor about physical or occupational therapy
• I know this one is hard for most of us because sometimes fatigue or pain takes over us, but those days you are feeling good take advantage and move those limbs for at least 20-30 minutes a day
• Drink, drink, drink…wait don’t get too happy, I am talking 2-3 liters of non-alcoholic beverages such as water or juice. Unless your doctor has told other wise such as those with kidney issues. However, you should be drinking majority water anyway; we are supposed to be drinking half of what we weigh in ouces per day! Yes, so for example if you weight 150lbs you are supposed to be drinking 75 ounces of water every day
• Also talk to your doctor about decreasing the dosage of the medication that is causing the problem.

Be your own advocate! Be blessed!