Perhaps you’ve been fatigued and thirsty, have bone pain in the ribs or back; maybe you are getting frequent infections and fevers. Whatever your symptoms, it’s been suggested that you might have multiple myeloma and you’re now facing your first doctor’s visit to find out.
The emotions provoked by the possibile diagnosis of multiple myeloma are complex and intense. You may feel afraid, confused, anxious, or angry, or you may be numb. The following tips from the American Cancer Society, the International Myeloma Foundation, and others can help you replace fear with a feeling of empowerment at this first doctor’s appointment.
Don’t put it off: Denial can be a powerful force. You may feel that you want to put off the appointment or cancel it at the last minute. Such feelings are normal, but not in your best interest. If you do have myeloma, going to the doctor will allow you and your physician to start developing a treatment plan. If you do not have it, you will be able to rule it out as the cause of your symptoms and continue trying to get to the bottom of what’s happening with your health.
Be prepared: It is likely that you will be asked to bring along or have sent the results of previous tests that have led doctors to suspect you might have multiple myeloma, such as blood work, urine tests, and X-rays. If you haven’t been provided with a list of items needed, ask for one. Other things to be sure to bring include your insurance information; any forms you have been asked to fill out in advance; information about your general medical history; the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your emergency contact person and primary care physician; a list of the medications you are taking and the dosages; money for your co-payment; and a list of any questions you have, along with a pen and paper to write down the answers. [click to continue…]
Having a risk factor does not guarantee you will develop multiple myeloma; by the same token, not having any risk factors does not ensure you will remain myeloma-free. In fact, most people with the disease have no known risk factors at all. However, if you are concerned about multiple myeloma, it is important to learn about some of the known factors that may increase your chances of developing the cancer.
Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors: What We Know
The following factors may increase your chances of multiple myeloma:
* Advanced age. As you get older, your odds of developing multiple myeloma increase. Most people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma after age 65, and people are rarely diagnosed with myeloma before age 40.
* Male gender. Men are more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
* African-American race. Multiple myeloma is most prevalent in African-Americans and rare in Asians.
* History of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). People who have had MGUS, which is a benign condition of abnormal plasma cells, are at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma and certain other cancers.
* Family history. Individuals with a parent or sibling who had myeloma may be at increased risk of developing the condition. [click to continue…]
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells, like other white blood cells, are part of the immune system, which helps defend the body against infection and disease. To understand the course and treatment of multiple myeloma, it is helpful to have a general understanding of the immune system, the different types of blood cells, and cancer.
Blood cells form in the bone marrow, the soft center in most large bones. The bone marrow contains many types of cells, including those called stem cells. Stem cells are like parent cells from which other cells develop. From these stem cells, the three main components of blood are formed:
White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. In general, they help fight infection and other diseases. There are five main types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils
B lymphocytes, also called B cells, are cells that make antibodies. Antibodies are protein molecules that are made in response to a foreign invader, such as a virus or bacteria. The antibody binds to the foreign substance and either destroys it or makes it easier for other cells in the immune system to destroy it. Plasma cells are a specialized, mature form of B cells. Each plasma cell makes only one kind of antibody, and each antibody finds and attacks just one kind of substance.
T lymphocytes, or T cells, have multiple roles. Some T cells can directly attack virus infected cells or cancer cells and destroy them. Other T cells produce proteins that help to regulate the immune system. [click to continue…]