About this topic
Bone marrow is a soft tissue that is found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells. White blood cells help fight infections in the body. Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer where the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. Then, tumors may form in the bone. The tumors make it harder for the bone marrow to make other healthy cells. ‚
Some people have a mild case of this illness. For others, it may take years before signs appear. Treatment may include drugs, chemo, and radiation. In some cases, a transplant may be needed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of liquids each day. This will help to prevent fluid loss.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try things like massage, relaxation, breathing exercise, yoga, image therapy, or music therapy. These may help to keep you calm and relaxed.
- Tell family and friends about your illness and how to help.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a blood expert called a hematologist. You may also be sent to a cancer expert called an oncologist.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Kill cancer cells
- Stop bone loss
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Kidney failure
- Infection
- Anemia
- Bone problems like bone loss or breaks
- Too much calcium in the blood
- Multiple myeloma comes back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent multiple myeloma. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad back pain or bone pain
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
- Not able to control bowels or bladder
- Decreased urine
- Too much bruising or bleeding from mouth, nose, or gums
- Confusion or sleeping more
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Talk with your doctor before having any x-ray that uses contrast dye.
- Join a support group. It may help you to share time with others with this health problem.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have very bad pain, bruising, or bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Multiple_myeloma ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/myeloma ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/566/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-myeloma/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚