Multiple Myeloma: What You Need to Know
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells – the part of your immune system that makes antibodies. When these cells go rogue they gather in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells and weakening your bones. It’s not a disease you hear about every day, but knowing the basics can help you act fast if something feels off.
Key Symptoms and How to Spot Them
Most people first notice a vague ache in the back, ribs or hips. The pain often comes on slowly and can feel like a dull throb rather than a sharp injury. If you start getting frequent fractures from minor falls, that’s another red flag – the cancer makes bones fragile.
Other common signs include fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests may show anemia (low red blood cells), high calcium levels, or kidney problems. If you have any of these together, a doctor will likely order a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Options and Managing Life
Today there are several ways to treat multiple myeloma, and most patients get a mix of them. Chemotherapy drugs such as bortezomib or lenalidomide target the cancer cells directly. Stem‑cell transplants are also common; they replace the damaged marrow with healthy cells after high‑dose chemo.
Targeted therapies like daratumumab focus on specific proteins on plasma cells, while newer immunotherapy approaches train your own immune system to fight the tumor. Your doctor will choose a plan based on your age, overall health and how far the disease has spread.
Living with multiple myeloma means paying attention to bone health. Calcium‑rich foods, vitamin D, and weight‑bearing exercises can help keep bones stronger. Also, stay hydrated and watch for signs of kidney trouble – the disease can affect kidney function quickly.
Support matters, too. Join a local or online patient group, talk openly with friends and family, and keep a symptom diary. Knowing when something changes helps your medical team adjust treatment before problems grow.
While multiple myeloma is serious, advances in medicine have turned it into a manageable chronic condition for many. Regular check‑ups, staying active, and following your treatment plan can make a big difference in quality of life.
If you suspect any of the symptoms above, schedule a doctor’s visit right away. Early detection gives you the best chance to control the disease and keep living well.