multiple myeloma what to expect after treatment

The most common side effects of multiple myeloma treatment include: Blood clots Low blood counts, leading to anemia and easy bruising

Full Answer

What is the life expectancy of someone with multiple myeloma?

Stage 3 multiple myeloma: Symptoms, progression, and life expectancy

• Life expectancy. The approximate life expectancy is how long a person is expected to live after their first treatment.
• Progression. As multiple myeloma progresses, a person is likely to experience more symptoms of the disease. ...
• Treatment and coping. A variety of medications may be prescribed for treating stage 3 multiple myeloma. ...
• Outlook. ...

What are the chances of me having multiple myeloma?

Taking Care of Yourself

• Eat a healthy diet. A dietitian can help you choose the right foods, especially if you're having trouble eating certain things because of your treatment.
• Exercise if you can. Stay active to feel better, have more energy, and protect your bones.
• Get plenty of rest. Take naps or breaks as needed during the day. ...
• Ask for help. ...

How to live longer with multiple myeloma?

Treatments for multiple myeloma

• Immunomodulatory drugs. Also known as biological therapies, these medicines are designed to help turn your body’s immune system into a cancer-fighting tool.
• Protease inhibitors. These medicines are a part of a treatment called targeted therapy. ...
• Chemotherapy. ...
• Corticosteroids. ...
• Stem cell transplants. ...
• Combination treatment regimens. ...
• Advances in treatment. ...

How long can you Live after a multiple myeloma diagnosis?

Topic Guide Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer of the blood. The median length of survival after diagnosis with multiple myeloma is 62 months for Stage I, 44 months for Stage II, and 29 months for Stage III. Life expectancy depends on many factors, including the person's age, health, kidney function, and more.

How long does it take to recover from multiple myeloma?

Multiple Myeloma Survival RatesA revised international staging systemMedian survivalStage I62 months (5 years, 2 months)Stage II42 months (3.5 years)Stage III29 months (2 years, 5 months)

How Long Can multiple myeloma patients live with treatment?

Survival rates tell you what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were diagnosed....5-year relative survival rates for myeloma.SEER stage5-year relative survival rateDistant (multiple myeloma)55%All SEER stages combined56%2 more rows•Mar 2, 2022

How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.

How do I know final stages of multiple myeloma?

But when you have late-stage multiple myeloma, your symptoms may show up as:Being sick to your stomach.Bone pain in your back or ribs.Bruising or bleeding easily.Feeling very tired.Fevers.Frequent infections that are hard to treat.Losing a lot of weight.Not feeling like eating.More items...•

Can you live for 10 years with multiple myeloma?

more than 50 out of every 100 (more than 50%) will survive their myeloma for 5 years or more after diagnosis. around 30 out of every 100 (around 30%) will survive their myeloma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed.

Is multiple myeloma always terminal?

While multiple myeloma doesn't yet have a cure and can be fatal, patients' life expectancies vary widely, according to Jens Hillengass, MD, Chief of Myeloma at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I have seen patients live from several weeks to more than 20 years after being diagnosed,” Dr. Hillengass says.

Can you live a normal life with myeloma?

Apart from ongoing monitoring, most myeloma patients are able to live fairly normal lives, with few restrictions on low-impact exercise and other activity.

What does Revlimid do to your body?

It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. It is also used to treat anemia in patients with certain blood/bone marrow disorders (myelodysplastic syndromes-MDS). Lenalidomide may lessen the need for blood transfusions.

Is remission possible with multiple myeloma?

Chemotherapy and other treatments kill multiple myeloma cells and put you into remission, which means your tests no longer show any signs of cancer. Relapsed or recurrent multiple myeloma is when the cancer comes back after you were in remission.

Is Stage 3 multiple myeloma terminal?

In multiple myeloma cases, stage 3 is the terminal stage. This means it's the most advanced stage of this type of rare cancer. Doctors use the international staging system to determine the stage of the cancer. This system is based on the levels of serum beta-2 microglobulin and serum albumin.

Does myeloma affect the brain?

What is it? Myeloma and myeloma treatments can affect the brain's ability to collect, retain and process information. 'Chemo brain' is a term used to describe the mind and memory issues cancer patients can experience. Your healthcare team may refer to these symptoms as cancer-related cognitive changes.

Is myeloma a death sentence?

Today, a multiple myeloma diagnosis is no longer a death sentence because our community's efforts have helped bring 11 new drugs through FDA-approval.

Living as a Cancer Survivor

For many people, cancer treatment often raises questions about next steps as a survivor.

Cancer Concerns After Treatment

It is very common to have questions about cancer coming back or treatment no longer working.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain. Refractory myeloma is when your disease doesn't respond to treatment or comes back after treatment.

How long does it take for myeloma to progress?

This is a relapse of disease when you've had some response to treatment, then either get non-responsive while on salvage therapy (treatment given when standard treatment doesn't work) or progress within 60 days of your last treatment. Primary refractory myeloma.

Why is smoldering multiple myeloma not used as much as it used to be?

It isn't used as much as it used to be because multiple myeloma is getting diagnosed at earlier stages. Smoldering Multiple Myeloma. Some people have multiple myeloma for months or years before they even know they're sick. This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma.

What is the earliest stage of myeloma?

This earliest phase is called smoldering multiple myeloma. When you have it, you won't have any symptoms, but your test results will show: At least 10% to 59% of your bone marrow is made up of cancerous plasma cells. You have the abnormal antibodies that myeloma cells make in your blood or urine.

What protein is high in blood when you have multiple myeloma?

This protein in your blood shows how healthy you are overall. Beta-2 microglobulin ( B2M). Levels of this protein in your blood are high when you have multiple myeloma. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). This enzyme can be high if your disease is more advanced.

What is the survival rate of a person diagnosed at an early stage of cancer?

Early-stage diagnosis. For the 5% of people who are diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 71% . Later-stage diagnosis. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 48%.

What is the staging system for multiple myeloma?

There are two systems that identify the stages of multiple myeloma. The newer one, which doctors use most often, is the revised international staging system (RISS). It predicts how well you'll do with treatment. It measures four things to figure out how aggressive your cancer is: Albumin levels.

How to cope with myeloma?

Start with the National Cancer Institute and the International Myeloma Foundation. Maintain a strong support system. Having a strong support system can help you cope with issues and anxieties that might occur. Your friends and family may be willing to offer support.

What is the best treatment for myeloma?

Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid medications regulate the immune system to control inflammation in the body. They are also active against myeloma cells. Bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, is a procedure to replace your diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

How many bone marrow transplants are needed for multiple myeloma?

In some situations, doctors recommend two bone marrow transplants for people with multiple myeloma. After your bone marrow transplant, you'll likely receive targeted therapy or immunotherapy as a maintenance treatment to prevent a recurrence of myeloma.

What stage of myeloma is the most aggressive?

Stage I indicates a less aggressive disease, and stage III indicates the most aggressive disease. Your multiple myeloma may also be assigned a risk category, ...

What is the treatment for bone marrow transplant?

If you're considered a candidate for bone marrow transplant, your initial therapy will likely include a combination of treatments, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, corticosteroids and, sometimes, chemotherapy. Your blood stem cells will likely be collected after you've undergone a few months of treatment.

How to cope with cancer?

Coping and support. A cancer diagnosis can be shocking and devastating. With time, you'll find ways to cope with the stress and uncertainty of living with cancer. Until you find what works best for you, consider trying to: Learn enough to make decisions about your care. Learn enough about multiple myeloma so that you're able to participate in ...

What tests are used to detect multiple myeloma?

Specialized tests, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can analyze myeloma cells to identify gene mutations. Imaging tests. Imaging tests may be recommended to detect bone problems associated with multiple myeloma. Tests may include an X-ray, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET).

What Is Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma?

Stage 1 (or stage I) multiple myeloma is the least advanced stage. People with stage 1 myeloma have few myeloma cells in the body. The cancer cells have not yet spread very far or caused as much damage as in other stages.

Signs and Symptoms of Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma

Some people with early-stage myeloma do not have any symptoms. However, myeloma always leads to certain signs that appear on blood tests or imaging tests. (Symptoms are what a person experiences, such as headache or nausea.

Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma Treatments

Doctors make treatment recommendations based on a person’s signs and symptoms, overall health, personal preferences, and the results of certain tests.

Outlook for Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma

Doctors often measure a person’s prognosis (outlook) using a combination of survival statistics and individual factors. The five-year relative survival rate for all stages of multiple myeloma combined is 54 percent.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMyelomaTeam is the social network for people living with multiple myeloma and their loved ones. More than 11,600 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myeloma.

How long does multiple myeloma last?

In one study, 16% of multiple myeloma patients who had renal impairment had a median overall survival of 13 months, compared with a median 41-month survival for patients without this complication. 4

What are the stages of multiple myeloma?

The stages of multiple myeloma as defined by the International Staging System are: 3 1 Stage 1: At this stage, the level of beta-2-microglobulin is less than 3.5 milligrams (mg)/liter (L). Levels of albumin are typically 3.5 grams (g)/deciliter (dL) or more. 2 Stage 2: The beta-2-microglobulin is less than 3.5 mg/L, and the albumin is less than 3.2 g/dL. This stage can also be characterized by beta-2-microglobulin levels that are more than 3.5 mg/L and less than 5.5. mg/L with any level of albumin. 3 Stage 3: Beta-2-microglobulin levels are 5.5. mg/L or higher with any level of albumin

What are the two proteins that determine the stage of multiple myeloma?

The stage of multiple myeloma is determined by the level of two specific proteins— albumin and beta-2-microglobulin. Albumin is a component of healthy blood and beta-2-microglobulin is elevated in blood cancer. The stages of multiple myeloma as defined by the International Staging System are: 3. Stage 1: At this stage, the level ...

What is the level of albumin in stage 1?

Levels of albumin are typically 3.5 grams (g)/deciliter (dL) or more. Stage 2: The beta-2-microglobulin is less than 3.5 mg/L, and the albumin is less than 3.2 g/dL. This stage can also be characterized by beta-2-microglobulin levels ...

How to prevent multiple myeloma?

Since multiple myeloma weakens bones, it's important to prevent injuries such as falls. Avoid falls wherever possible by knowing your limitations, using assistive devices where necessary, and install handrails in areas of the home where you may have a fall risk.

How many genes are involved in multiple myeloma?

8  One study found a total of 156 genes, including FGFR3 and CCND1, exhibited highly elevated expression in multiple myeloma cases.

Why is it important to wash your hands when you have multiple myeloma?

Washing hands frequently and often will help reduce germs, such as viruses and bacteria.

How long do people with multiple myeloma live?

This is the percentage of people with multiple myeloma who are still alive after 5 years.

What is the best treatment for multiple myeloma?

A stem cell transplant is one potential treatment for multiple myeloma. It works to replace harmful cells with healthy stem cells that can develop into various types of blood cells, such as: red blood cells, which are blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.

How long does it take for a stem cell transplant to relapse?

A relapse can happen any time after a stem cell transplant. For many people, it may be years. However, for some, it may be 18 months or less. It’s possible to receive a second stem cell transplant after relapse if you’re still eligible for one.

What are the side effects of stem cell transplant?

Side effects. There are several side effects that you may experience after a stem cell transplant. These can include: Chemotherapy or radiation side effects. You may have several temporary side effects due to the high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy that’s used during a stem cell transplant.

What are the factors that affect your eligibility for stem cell transplant?

In addition to age, other factors that can affect your eligibility for a stem cell transplant include: your overall health, particularly whether or not you have other serious health conditions. the stage of your multiple myeloma. the other treatments you’ve already received.

How long does it take to recover from a stem cell transplant?

You’ll typically stay in the hospital for several weeks to recover from your stem cell transplant. Sometimes, stem cell transplants can be done as an outpatient procedure, but you’ll still need to visit the hospital each day for several weeks to receive follow-up care.

Can you get multiple myeloma back?

These can either come from you (autologous) or a donor (allogenic). While receiving a stem cell transplant can cause multiple myeloma to go into remission, it isn’t a cure. This means it can come back in the future. Keep reading to learn more about the effectiveness of stem cell transplants ...

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

• No alternative medicines have been found to treat multiple myeloma. But alternative medicine may help you cope with the stress and side effects of myeloma and myeloma treatment. Talk to your doctor about your options, such as: 1. Art therapy 2. Exercise 3. Meditation 4. Music therapy 5. Relaxation exercises 6. Spirituality Talk with your doctor bef...

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