Multiple Myeloma (cont.)
Supportive care for patients with multiple
myeloma
Multiple myeloma and its treatment can lead to other health problems. You
probably will receive supportive care to prevent or control these problems
and to improve your comfort and
quality of life.
This section tells about health problems that myeloma may cause and describes
the supportive care people may need. Detailed information about supportive care
is available on NCI's Web site at
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/coping and from NCI's Cancer Information
Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
Infection
People with multiple myeloma get infections very easily. You may receive
antibiotics and other drugs to help protect you. Your health care team may
advise you to stay away from crowds and from people with colds or other
contagious diseases. If an infection develops, it can be serious and should be
treated promptly. Some people need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
Anemia
Myeloma and its treatment can lead to anemia, which may make you feel very
tired. Drugs or blood transfusions
can help with this problem.
Pain
Multiple myeloma often causes bone pain. Your health care provider can
suggest ways to relieve or reduce pain. For example, drugs and local radiation
therapy can help control bone pain. A brace may relieve pain in the neck or
back. Some people get pain relief from massage or
acupuncture when used along with other approaches. Also, the patient may
learn relaxation techniques such as listening to slow music or breathing slowly
and comfortably. Sometimes surgery is needed if the spinal cord is compressed
(squeezed).
The NCI offers booklets called Pain Control: A Guide for People with
Cancer and Their Families, Get Relief from Cancer Pain, and
Understanding Cancer Pain.
Thinning bones
Myeloma cells keep new bone cells from forming, and bones become thin
wherever there are myeloma cells. Your doctor may give you drugs to prevent bone
thinning and help reduce the risk of fractures. Physical activity, such as
walking, also helps keep bones strong.
Too much calcium in the blood
Multiple myeloma may cause calcium to leave the bones and enter the
bloodstream. If you have a very high level of calcium in your blood, you may
lose your appetite. You also may feel nauseated, restless, or confused. A high
calcium level can also make you very tired, weak,
dehydrated,
and thirsty. Drinking a lot of fluids and taking drugs that lower the
calcium in the blood can be helpful.
Kidney problems
Some patients with multiple myeloma have kidney problems. If the problems
are severe, they may need
dialysis. Dialysis removes
wastes from the blood. In some cases, people with serious kidney problems may
need a kidney transplant.
Amyloidosis
Some people with myeloma develop
amyloidosis.
Abnormal protein collects in tissues of the body. The build-up of protein can
cause many problems, some of them severe. For example, protein can build up in
the heart, causing chest pain and swollen feet. Drugs are used to treat
amyloidosis.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Some people with cancer use
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to ease stress or to reduce
side effects and symptoms:
- An approach is generally called complementary medicine when it is used
along with standard treatment.
- An approach is called alternative medicine when it is used instead of
standard treatment.
Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, vitamins or special diets,
visualization, meditation, and spiritual healing are types of CAM. Many people
say that such approaches help them feel better.
However, some types of CAM may interfere with standard treatment. Combining
CAM with standard treatment may even be harmful. Before trying any type of CAM,
you should discuss its possible benefits and risks with your doctor.
Some types of CAM are expensive. Health insurance may not cover the cost.
The NCI offers a fact sheet called "Complementary and Alternative Medicine in
Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers."
Nutrition
It is important for people with multiple myeloma to eat well and to drink
plenty of fluids. Eating well
means getting enough calories to maintain a good weight and enough protein
to keep up your strength. Good nutrition often helps people with cancer feel
better and have more energy.
But eating well can be difficult. You may not feel like eating if you are
uncomfortable or tired. Also, the side effects of treatment (such as poor
appetite, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores) can be a problem. Some people find
that foods do not taste as good during cancer therapy.
The doctor, a dietitian, or another health care provider can suggest ways to
maintain a healthy diet. The NCI booklet Eating Hints for Cancer Patients
has many useful ideas and recipes.
Next: What happens after treatment for multiple
myeloma? »
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