Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, is an incurable but treatable disease.
A myeloma diagnosis can be devastating, it is important to remember that there are several promising new therapies. The estimated frequency of multiple myeloma is 5 to 7 new cases per 100,000 persons per year.
Multiple myeloma is characterized by excessive numbers of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow and overproduction of intact monoclonal immunoglobulin.
Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.
SYMPTOMS:
There are often no symptoms in the early stages of myeloma. In some cases, myeloma may be discovered by accident during routine blood testing. When present, symptoms may be vague and similar to those of other conditions.
Pain: a common early symptom of multiple myeloma is pain in the lower back or in the ribs. This is the result of tiny fractures in the bones caused by accumulation of plasma cells and weakened bone structures.
Fatigue: As the number of malignant plasma cells increases in the bone marrow, the growth and development of red blood cells in the bone marrow may be suppressed, leading to low levels of red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can result in unusual tiredness and abnormal paleness.
Nervous system dysfunction:
Weakening and collapsing bone structures may impinge on nerves, producing severe pain, tingling or numbness. Myeloma cells often produce abnormal proteins which contribute to the symptoms, and, in large amounts, cause a dangerous thickening of the blood known as hyperviscosity. The most visible aspect of myeloma disease is its effect on bones throughout the body. In the majority of patients with multiple myeloma, soft spots develop where the bone structure has been damaged. These can extend from the inner bone marrow to the outside surface of the bone. Soft spots appear as "holes" on a standard bone x-ray and are referred to asosteolytic lesions. These lesions weaken the bone, causing pain and increasing the risk of fractures.
Knowing Your treatment Options:
Information regarding treatments for the disease is constantly changing.
Deciding on a particular treatment for myeloma is a complex process. Treatment is tailored to each patient accordingly. There are several potential outcomes of treatment in myeloma. Although cures have not been documented in patients with myeloma, molecular complete responses have been achieved with some of the new therapies in clinical trials. Relapses still occur after molecular complete response, usually after a longer period of event-free survival. The choice of initial therapy is dependent on whether a patient is a candidate for high dose chemotherapy andautologous stem cell transplant a therapeutic strategy that offers improved response rates and survival in myeloma.
If a patient is not a candidate for an autologous transplant, the most common initial treatment is a combination of melphalan, a type of chemotherapy and prednisone, a type of corticosteroid . Cyclophosphamide and prednisone CP or other combinations of agents may also be used. High-dose dexamethasone another corticosteroid is often used in older patients who may be unable to tolerate other therapies, as is combination Thalomid thalidomide, Celgene and dexamethasone. .
Supportive therapies commonly used in myeloma include: Supportive care measures are an important aspect of the treatment of myeloma because they address the symptoms and complications of the disease.
Bisphosphonates, Growth factors, which help the bone marrow produce more red and white blood cells. Antibiotics, which help treat and prevent infection. Orthopedic interventions, which help control pain and improve functioning and mobility Pain control measures, such as medication, radiation, and radiopharmaceuticals such as Quadramet.
A special course of medicated enema called 'Ksheer-Basti' is used in multiple myeloma. This procedure is believed to act directly on the bone and bone marrow. Repeated courses of this procedure are effective in correcting the abnormal bone marrow and in reducing bone pain and fractures.
In addition to conventional treatments you can also use herbal treatments as well. I am not saying to stop your treatment with your oncologist but you can talk to your doctor about adding some herbal supplements to aid in your recovery and to ease some of the pain and other symptoms caused by your treatment as well as symptoms from the multiple myeloma.
Herbs are often used in combinations when combating an illness. These herbs and vitamins were picked up from different herbal combinations and are not meant to form a recipe.
Maritime Pine Bark a super antioxidant to dramatically stimulate the patients immunity and ability to fight the cancer.
Carotenoids very important for rebuilding and repair of body cells which is critical for multiple myeloma and cancer patients. Generally, a carotenoid mixture combined with a complete multi-vitamin with good mineral content will produce good results.
Lutein carotenoid that helps heal and prevent myeloma and cancer.
Vitamin A works with carotenoids
Garlic garlic has been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals which can benefit those with cancer. Garlic also helps boost the immune system. A combination herbal immune system remedy often includes garlic.
Shiitake The shiitake mushroom stimulates a person's immune system to produce more interferon
Reishi The herb reishi mushroom serves both to boost the immune system and it also has anti-tumor fighting abilities. Normally it maybe found in an immune system herbal mixture
Blessed Thistle herb used in Europe for almost any problem and used for many inflammation problems and for cancers. Often used in a blend with myrrh and frankincense.
Red Clover Herb good for cancer therapy and works well with all of the other herbs listed on this page.
Carnitine Protects against damage from free radicals and toxins which are associated with cancerous cells.
Advanced Omega Increase to 5 tablets a day for 3 weeks then reduce to 4 tablets a day for 4 weeks then use normal dosage. The Advanced Omega should help with inflammation and pain.
These are just some of the vitamins and herbs that can help your therapy progression. I know that most vitamins and herbs can be very expensive but you can go online to Swanson Vitamins they have good quality vitamins and herbs at very low prices. Anything extra that you can do to speed up your recovery and keep you in remission is worth everything. You cant put a price on you life.