Multiple Myeloma

Question: What are the guideline levels for light chains in multiple myeloma patients? My mom has multiple myeloma. Her doctor has told her that her light chains have gone up from 149 to 238. We know this is not good news. Most staging guidelines say high or low light chains. Does anyone know what is considered high or what is considered low?

Answer: Free Kappa3.30-19.40 (mg/L) Free Lambda5.71-26.30 (mg/L) Kappa/Lambda ratio0.26-1.65 These are the normal ranges.

Question: Why is the total plasma protein increased in patients suffering from multiple myeloma? Also, how is the liver affected by multiple myeloma?

Answer: Myelomas are made of neoplastic plasma cells. These plasma cells make immunoglubulins (a type of proteins). Those immunoglobulins contribute to the total plasma protein, thus increasing it.

Question: A family member has multiple myeloma and I was wondering what herbs or spices could help? My Mother was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma just before Christmas. There are 3 stages and she's at stage 2. Which mans Chemo pills everyday. She's weak and I'd really like to know if thee is anything out there(natural) that might help.

Answer: This is the free alternative to chemotherapy for cancer patients.Do it and you will know from the future test results.You can also do it alongside any medical treatment. Cancer hates oxygen and cannot live in a high-oxygen environment.If you want to supplement the medical treatment you receive(or not receive) with some alternative therapy then this is for you. You need to help your body to build up your immune system.The breathing exercises - pranayam is a holistic approach creating extra oxygen supply in the body and will slowly help with the health problem.Do the pranayam to see the benefits.Build up your timing slowly and after four weeks at the suggested maximum duration you will start to notice benefits gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy,stop and resume later. What is known: pranayam helps the body heal itself. How it works in the body is not known – but people may build their own theory. You have to do it yourself for your benefit. The small print: Keep doing pranayam after you are better for minimum 30 minutes a day for rest of life to maintain health. People who have been treated successfully, should do pranayam as well, as there is a chance of recurrence. The pranayam techniques: Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose.Duration upto 5 minutes. Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day) Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently. Anulom Vilom - Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril. This is one cycle of anulom vilom. Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day). You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed. Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee. Duration : 5 to 10 times Only by doing you will benefit and will feel good that you can do something to help the body.Copy and print this to improve your technique and stay focused.This is simplified pranayam for everyone and you do not have to go to classes to learn. This is for life, unlike short term classes where you do it in the class then stop when classes are over.

Question: Has anyone found reseach that diesel fuel causes multiple myeloma? I need some paperwork proving that working with diesel fuel causes a cancer called multiple myeloma.

Answer: Here is a website to look for research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed

Question: I am a single mother of three and have multiple myeloma cancer. What are my chances of remission after chemo? I had complete kidney failure when diagnosed 4 months ago, which are back to normal levels now. I have had 4 chemo treatments in the hospital for 6 days straight each time and each treatments were every 3 weeks. This is quite aggressive chemo treatment. What is the effect on the heart? Is this when the treatment changes to Thalidamide? At 45 years old, what are my chances of living another 20 years? Is this just wishful thinking? Would bone marrow transplant increase my chances of longevity? As a result of the weakend bones from the multiple myeloma, I also have a fractured hip with causes not only pain, but make it difficult to move around like I used to. I am a white caucasion, have always been anemic, and have had several blood transfusions since this diagnosis. The more I read about multiple myeloma, the more discouraged I become, and then it makes it difficult to sleep or get good rest! Can anyone help me lift my spirits back up, or offer some positive hope?

Answer: Hi, you have a lot of options; first get your symptoms under control: bones, anemia and kidney. Make sure you are seeing a MM specialist at a major MM center or Cancer hospital; MM is REALLY different than any other cancer and right now there are a lot of changes. Also MM docs are mostly involved in the studies and trials which can give you access to the newest treatments (more options). With the kidny problems, probably can't do a bio-phosphate to strengthen your bones also how about Iron regimene. Thal is ok; but it works better as Thal/Dex but Thal has a lot os side effects; Revelimide is a derivative that could be better and then there is Velcade - which is a silver bullet. With MM, you don't do bone marrow transplants - you do stem cell transplant. You CAN live 20 years, I personnaly know people that are 15+ years: your young age helps. I know EXACTLY what you are giong through, I was diag at 43 (3 years ago) and have had my share of sleepless nights; you might whant to see a consellor - it helped me a lot. There is a lot of help on line and a lot of support groups. the IMF does a lot of out reach and they even have a hot line for quick questions and they run an on line support group too: look them up at www.myeloma.org The MMRF does a lot more on treatment, trial and new drugs: they are at - www.multiplemyeloma.org. Good luck, you are not alone, Jewells 34 months and still here

Question: Can you take hydroxycut if you have multiple myeloma? I have multiple myeloma wonder if I could take a fat blocker since I'm wo rking out losing weight.

Answer: I can't answer your question about hydroxycut and cancer, but I've used it and you should save your money!

Question: Has anyone had M Protein found in their bloodwork and not had Multiple Myeloma? My gram had bloodwork last week and they found the M Protein in it which could indicate Multiple Myeloma. We've also heard it can indicate soft tissue tumors. She has an appointment with the hematologist in 2 weeks to find out more. I just was wondering if anyone else had this show up in their bloodwork and they didn't have Multiple Myeloma. Any encouraging stories would be great! My gram is only 63 and raised me, so I am very worried.

Answer: M proteins refer to an elevation in a particular immunoglobulin (the antibodies that our white cells make to fight infections and what-not). Most of the time this elevation is termed polyclonal in that all of the immunoglobulins are elevated. The "M" refers to a monoclonal spike, or the immunoglobulins from just one clone of white blood cells. It is far, far more common to see people with M proteins who do NOT have multiple myeloma. The most common condition is termed MGUS, or monoglonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. We know that, over time, patients might develop myeloma, but there is no evidence to suggest that any sort of treatment is indicated for that condition. It is important that she undergo the appropriate tests to completely exclude myeloma and discuss her treatment options with her hematologist.

Question: What is the current prognosis of African American women 68 yrs old with multiple myeloma with renal failure? ? My mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last May. She was hospitalized due to renal failure and doctors found the reason was due to MM. She has since refused chemo treatment because the treatments did not improve her cancer and only made her sick. She suffers from confusion and often is very weak and has difficulty walking. How much longer do i have with my Mom? Doctors say weeks-months...does anyone else have any experiences so that I will know what to expect?

Answer: I am sorry to hear your plight. You must know that every case is different. The one thing you could make sure of is that she is not in any pain. You can ask her that. The doctors will do their best if THEY KNOW she is not suffering. If they said weeks or months then at this point it is up to your mother's will to live. Some thrive and fight, others just simply give up. So in the end , there are no REAL time factors here , just the time you have left with her. I wish and hope that in these next couple of months you find the endurance to cope with the pain of losing someone so close you. God is the hearer of all prayers.

Question: Is there anyone or institution working on amyloids associated with multiple myeloma? A relative has multiple myeloma with the complication of amyloids. I want to know if there are any scientists researching this area and how to contact them. So far the amyloids, though generally dispersed, seem to be affecting the legs and possibly the heart muscle. Names of scientists, doctors, locations, and contact numbers would be highly appreciated.

Answer: Hi, Amyloids is a rare side effect "malady" of MM; I know that Mayo Clinic is doing some work on this. For more specific information I would call the IMF hot line: staffed by trained specialists—at (800) 452-CURE (800-452-2873) in the US and Canada between 9 am and 4 pm PST; elsewhere call (818) 487-7455 They can give you a list of researchers to contact, I have only met one other person with this; you may also want to contact NORD (national organization for rare diseases) http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Amyloidosis Sorry I don't have the specific info; but they keep very up-to-date list. the web site is www.myeloma.org. Good luck Jewells 34 months and still here

Question: In Multiple myeloma,for how long therapy with biphosphonates should be continued? A pt of Stage 2 myeloma is on chemotherapy with Thallix and Dexa.(Fifth cycle)and has received 3 injections of Zolindronic acid ,is on remission(4% plasma cells).feeling some bone pains now a days.Are they due to discontinuing Biphosphonates?

Answer: There is no formula for how long before they become un effective. It is vary patient dependant - most people get toxic before the drug fails (side effects from thal / dex are well known). Since he is doing "well" may want to go to a low dose and see what happens. the bigger issue is the dex - the steroid is really hard on the body - steroid induced diabeties is not uncommon and it ruins joints and kidneys. check mmrf and imf websites for drug "norm" charts. good luck Jewells 35 months and still here

Question: multiple myeloma? i know what myeloma is and i know what rouleau is but HOW and why does multiple myeloma reslut in rouleau? what is the process? what causes the stacking process?

Answer: Since you know what MM and rouleaux is... The rouleaux is a result of the elevated serum fibrinogen and globulin levels. This also correlates with the typical increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate seen in MM. How it happens, I think (not 100% sure) it has to do with the proteins being adsorbed onto the RBC membrane thereby reducing the Zeta potential between two RBCs so that they suddenly adhere to each other, kind of like a sandwich effect, except in this case it's like a multiple layered sandwich.

Question: What should be done for vertebral collapse in case of multiple myeloma? Pt.of myeloma having D5 vertebral collapse having no neurological signs,what should be done?

Answer: surgery for stabilzation of the affected vertebrae, if emergent, radiation therapy can be done, in order to halt/slow down the bone disintegration until surgery

Question: what do I need to know about multiple myeloma? A relative was just told he has myeloma, what do I/he need to know about it?

Answer: Hi, #1 - it is NOT a terminal cancer for a lot of people; it is more like diabeties or kidney deseise; dangerous but treatable. I know LOT of people that have had it 10 + years. #2 - Find a Specialist on MM for him - not just a oncologist, but someone that treats a lot of MM; way too much new information coming out and it is one of the most complicated cancers there is. #3 - www.myeloma.org; GREAT org seems to be more focused on support groups, 800 number for questions, the patient and caregivers and unlocking the DNA for a cure #4 - www.multiplemyeloma.org; Other great org, seems more focused on trials, new drugs and legislative changes #5 - look at other questions on Y-A! (99 of them) to see if there are any other things. 6# - fight fight fight Good luck, Jewells 36 months and still here (YES - 3 years since Diag today !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! )

Question: Can anyone give me information on multiple myeloma(blood cancer.) What is the survival time? This is Stage 2 multiple myeloma

Answer: Hi, Stage II doesn't say much with MM. It depends on the age of the person, the M Spike level, how they are responidng to treatment, damage MM did before diagnosis and a lot of other things. Survival can be short or very long (over 10 years). There are a lot of new drugs out there that can help too. For more information: www.myeloma.org they also have a hot line if you want to call. Hardest thing with MM is the not knowing - every one's MM is different and it makes it hard to treat. There is no "playbook" for MM based on staging; which means you need to make sure you are seeign someone with a good understanding of the cancer. Good luck, Jewells 32 months and still here

Question: How long the biphosphonates(zolindronic acid) are to be given in Multiple myeloma? A 53yr old, male patient has received 3 doses of Inj.Zolindronic acid along with 3 months of Chemotherapy with Thall.+Dexa,planning for PBSC transplant in next month.Should he be given next dose of zolindronic acid?

Answer: Usually 24 months then some type of maintance. Watch out for ONJ with dental work Make sure you have longer infusion peroids and drink a lot of liquids before and after to help flush kidneys More at: www.myeloma.org good luck jewells 34 months and still here

Question: what is the condition/predisposition called that can turn into multiple myeloma or lymphoma? someone in my family has this and they told me what it was that indicated they could develop either so i want to know for family medical history purposes. they dont like to talk about it so i really cant ask again.

Answer: MGUs*can develop into myeloma, I am not sure about it developing into lymphoma. *MGU stands for Monoclonal Gammopathy of Unknown origin. MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) can develop into leukemias. Myeloproliferative disorder is a catch all term that includes several things: "chronic myeloproliferative disorders are polycythemia vera (PV), myelofibrosis (MF), essential thrombocythemia (ET), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML).1 The World Health Organization has recently reclassified CMML from the group of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) into a subgroup of MDS/MPDs." Of course, they can also just go on being very indolent and benign for many many years. Hope this helps, MM