Anybody got it or know anything about it?
Anybody got it or know anything about it?
My dad had it not much they could do in those days
Don't know if I've got it, what is it?
Facts and figures | Myeloma UKImprovements made to treatment over the last decade has meant that survival rates in myeloma are increasing at the fastest rate among all cancer types in the UK
Thanks.
I've kinda done that.
It's called google isn't it?
Their is only one transplant center in Thailand which is part of the CIMBCR group of transplant centers. It is at the link: Participating Transplant Centers The IMF International Working Group has one doctor from Thailand who is in the group. This group of doctors tend to be very knowledgeable of the most up to date treatments. That doctor is Weerasak Nawarawong, MD, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
This is the place for fun, a laugh and a joke and a bit of light hearted banter
Treating multiple myeloma
If you have multiple myeloma, you will be cared for by a team, which is usually led by a consultant haematologist who specialises in myeloma.
The team will discuss your condition and recommend the best treatment for you. However, the final decision will be yours.
Before visiting hospital to discuss your treatment options, it may be useful to write a list of questions to ask the specialist. For example, you may want to find out the advantages and disadvantages of a particular treatment.
There are two main aims in treating multiple myeloma:
to bring the myeloma under control
to prevent and treat problems associated with myeloma, such as anaemia and bone pain
While treatment can often control myeloma and improve quality of life, myeloma usually can't be cured. This means additional treatment is needed when the cancer comes back (a relapse).
Not everyone diagnosed with myeloma will need immediate treatment if the condition is not causing any problems. This is sometimes referred to as asymptomatic, or smouldering myeloma.
If you don't need treatment, you will be monitored for signs the cancer is beginning to cause problems. If you do need treatment, the options outlined below are most commonly used.
Bringing myeloma under control
The initial treatment for multiple myeloma may be either:
non-intensive – for older or less fit patients (this is more common)
intensive – for younger or fitter patients (thought to be too toxic for older or less fit patients)
The decision about which treatment is appropriate for you is usually based on your biological age or fitness.
As a general rule, people younger than 65 are more likely to be candidates for intensive therapy. For those over 70, non-intensive treatment is more likely to be recommended.
Those aged in between will be given careful consideration as to what treatment group they fall into.
Both non-intensive and intensive treatments involve taking a combination of anti-myeloma medicines. Intensive treatment involves much higher doses and is followed by a stem cell transplant.
The medicines usually include a chemotherapy medicine, a steroid medicine, and either thalidomide or bortezomib.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy medicines kill the myeloma cells. The most common types used to treat myeloma are melphalan and cyclophosphamide.
These treatments are mostly taken in tablet form. They are reasonably well tolerated and side effects are mild. Possible side effects include:
increased risk of infections
feeling sick
vomiting
hair loss
Your clinician will give you advice and information about your risk of developing potentially serious infections, and tell you what you can do to reduce your risk of picking up infections during your treatment.
Steroids
Steroid medications (corticosteroids) help destroy myeloma cells and make chemotherapy more effective. The two most common types used to treat myeloma are dexamethasone and prednisolone.
Steroids are taken orally (by mouth) after eating. Possible side effects include heartburn, indigestion, increased appetite, mood changes and problems falling asleep.
Thalidomide
Thalidomide can help kill myeloma cells. You take it as a tablet every day, usually in the evening as it can make you feel sleepy.
Other common side effects include:
constipation
dizziness
rashes
numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Thalidomide can cause birth defects, so it should not be taken by pregnant women, and a reliable form of contraception such as a condom must be used during treatment.
There is also a risk you may develop a blood clot when taking thalidomide, so you may be given medication to help prevent this. Contact your care team immediately if you develop symptoms of a blood clot, such as pain or swelling in one of your legs, or chest pain and breathlessness.
Bortezomib
Bortezomib (Velcade) can help kill myeloma cells by causing protein to build-up inside them.
There are some limitations as to who can have bortezomib, but a member of your care team will discuss this with you.
The medication is given by injection, usually under the skin. Possible side effects include:
tiredness
nausea
diarrhoea
numbness or tingling in your hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Stem cell transplant
After initial therapy with primarily outpatient-based treatments, people receiving intensive treatment will be given a much higher dose of chemotherapy medication as an inpatient to potentially help destroy a larger number of myeloma cells. This aims to achieve a longer period of remission (where there is no sign of active disease in your body).
However, these high doses also affect healthy bone marrow, so a stem cell transplant will be needed to help your bone marrow recover.
In most cases, the stem cells will be collected from you before treatment (autologous transplantation). In rare cases, they are collected from a sibling or an unrelated donor.
Treating relapses
Further treatment is needed if myeloma returns. Treatment for relapses is generally similar to initial treatment, although non-intensive treatment is often preferred to further intensive treatment.
Additional medications such as lenalidomide, pomalidomide and other chemotherapy medicines may be added, or used again as your haematologist feels is appropriate.
You may also be asked if you want to participate in clinical trial research into new treatments for multiple myeloma.
Lenalidomide and pomalidomide
Lenalidomide and pomalidomide are similar to thalidomide. They're both taken by mouth, and both can have an effect on the cells produced by your bone marrow, which can cause:
increased risk of infection – as a result of a low number of white blood cells
anaemia – caused by a low number of red blood cells
bruising and bleeding – because of a low platelet count
They may also increase your risk of developing a blood clot and have other side effects similar to thalidomide.
Let your care team know if you experience any problems or unusual symptoms while taking lenalidomide or pomalidomide.
Treating symptoms and complications of myeloma
As well as the main treatments for multiple myeloma, you may also need treatment to help relieve some of the problems caused by the condition.
For example:
painkillers – may be given to reduce pain
radiotherapy – may be used to relieve bone pain or help healing after a bone is surgically repaired
bisphosphonate medication – either given as tablets or by injection, this may help prevent bone damage and reduce the levels of calcium in your blood
blood transfusions or erythropoietin medication – may be used to increase your red blood cell count and treat anaemia
surgery – may be carried out to repair or strengthen damaged bones, or treat compression of the spinal cord (the main column of nerves running down the back)
dialysis – may be required if you develop kidney failure
plasma exchange – treatment to remove and replace a blood component called plasma may be carried out if you have unusually thick blood (hyperviscosity)
These treatments can each cause side effects and complications, so make sure you discuss the potential risks and benefits with your treatment team beforehand.
Clinical trials and research
Research is ongoing to find new treatments for multiple myeloma and work out ways to improve the use of existing ones. To help with this, you may be asked to take part in a clinical trial during your treatment.
Clinical trials usually involve comparing a new treatment with an existing one to see whether the new treatment is more or less effective.
It's important to remember, however, that if you are given a new treatment, there is no guarantee it will be more effective than an existing treatment.
Multiple myeloma - Treatment - NHS Choices
I think the poster posted in the wrong thread.
Health, Fitness and Hospitals in Thailand - TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum
You're right. Sorry.
I hope it's not you or your one of your family that has this Nooners?
Nope, it's a friend.Originally Posted by Little Chuchok
never mind.
splendid news, it's not multiple.
Phew.......
Radiotherapy seems to be a bit of a bastard though.
He reckons the tiredness isn't a problem cos he's on Tramadol and Morphine.Originally Posted by Bower
if anything he appears a bit hyper.
Complains about not sleeping.
Without putting a downer on him, the tiredness can arrive even a month after treatment. Is he on steroids too ? no sleep on them......... anxiety is a bastard at night.
I am trying to take care of my wife at the moment, she too is going through radiotherapy.
I wish your friend well, and it's good he has concerned friends like you too, sufferers have some dark moments and need close ones to shed some light.
Tell him to take turmeric regularly to stop it from spreading : Turmeric Extract Strikes To The Root Cause of Cancer Malignancy
or not.Originally Posted by Latindancer
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