Multiple Myeloma Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Multiple Myeloma Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Multiple Myeloma

Treatment continued...

Your Guide to
Multiple Myeloma

• What Is Multiple Myeloma?
• Causes
• Symptoms
• Getting a Diagnosis
• What to Ask Your Doctor
• Treatment
• Taking Care of Yourself
• What to Expect
• Getting Support

When the high-dose chemo is done, you'll start the transplant. You get the new stem cells through an IV. You won't feel any pain from this, and you're awake while it’s happening.

After your transplant, it could take 2 to 6 weeks for the stem cells to multiply and start making new blood cells. You may be in the hospital during this time, or at the very least, will need to make visits to your transplant team every day. It can take 6 months to a year until the number of normal blood cells in your body gets back to what it should be.

Stem cell transplants can be risky and can cause serious complications. They aren't usually recommended for people over age 70.

While you fight the disease itself, you can also treat the symptoms and complications of multiple myeloma.

• Anemia. The treatment for this is erythropoietin, which spurs your body to make new red blood cells.
• Bone damage. For this you get bone-protecting drugs called bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronic acid (Zometa).
• High blood calcium. The treatment may include IV fluids and the steroid prednisone, as well as other medication to flush calcium out of the body and prevent bone breakdown.
• Kidney problems. You'll likely get IV fluids, prednisone, and allopurinol, a drug that lowers levels of the waste product uric acid, which can damage the kidneys. You may need dialysis.

Taking Care of Yourself

To help you feel better while you get treatment:

• Eat a healthy diet. A dietitian can help you choose the right foods, especially if you're having trouble with certain foods because of your treatment.
• Exercise. Stay active to improve your mood and energy level, and protect your bones.
• Get plenty of rest. Take naps or breaks during the day to recoup your energy.
• Take advantage of good days to do the things you enjoy most.
• Ask for help when you need it, and seek out support groups to help you and your family manage this disease.

What to Expect

There's no cure for multiple myeloma. Most people live for years after getting the diagnosis, but need ongoing treatment to slow the disease's progress. You may have a remission, but the disease often comes back.