1) How long a person can live with multiple myeloma?
The survival rate depends on the stage the person is going through with Multiple Myeloma. There are three stages of survival rate-
- Stage 1- 62 months, which is about five years
- Stage 2- 44 months, which is about three to four years
- Stage 3- 29 months, which is two- three years
2) Is multiple myeloma cancer curable?
Multiple Myeloma is treatable, but incurable blood cancer, which usually occurs in the bone marrow. If the doctor were not able to diagnose this disease in the first stage then, it would end up being fatal. The doctor after diagnose would treat the cancer with therapy and certain medication.
3) Can multiple myeloma go into remission?
In many cases of cancer, there is complete remission. However, in Multiple Myeloma, there is rare chance of remission. They are known to come back. Therefore, doctors usually conduct regular treatments leaving no gaps. If the Multiple Myeloma comes back, then it is a remission phase.
4) What is the difference between myeloma and multiple myeloma?
There is not much difference between the two. Myeloma is derived from the Greek words “Myel- marrow” and “Oma- Tumor”. Once the cancer cell gets into your body, it keeps multiplying to different locations. This is when the disease is referred as Multiple Myeloma.
5) Can multiple myeloma spread to Brain?
There are hardly any cases where Multiple Myeloma spreads to the Brain. The abnormal cancer cells starts in the bone marrow of the spine. They first enter the bloodstream and travels to the bone marrow and then other parts of the body. They then stay collected in the bone marrow and outer parts of the bones.
6) Is multiple myeloma and bone cancer the same?
Multiple Myeloma is one type of cancer that attack bone marrow called as Plasma Cells. Bone cancer starts in the cells making up the bone. The cancer begins when cells grows out of control.
7) Why does myeloma relapse?
Relapse means reoccurrence. It is the term used when multiple myeloma cancer cells return after the brief period. Since the multiple myeloma slows down the production of red blood cells, this can bring back the cancer cells.
8) What is the difference between multiple myeloma and leukemia?
The Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that develops in the bone marrow, further affecting the plasma cells. They end up breaking bones. Leukemia, on the other hand, is the cancer of the blood cells starting in bone marrow and further travels to bloodstream. It does not able to create enough vital blood cells.
9) Can you have myeloma for years without knowing?
There are people who carry Myeloma for years, without having any knowledge. In the initial stage, there will be no symptoms, but as the time passes, you will be asked to undergo test. This will show if abnormal antibodies are making into your body.
10) How painful is multiple myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma causes soft spots in the bone called as Osteolytic Lesions, which are painful. In many cases, Myeloma also causes nerve damage or pain when tumor presses against the nerve. There are very few cases of painful death.
11) At what age is multiple myeloma diagnosed?
Multiple Myeloma usually is diagnosed after the age of 70. However, there are very few cases where people under 40 get also are diagnosed with the same.
12) How much does a Velcade shot cost?
Velcade, also known as Bortezomib is a type of chemotherapy called as targeted therapy. It is a FDA approved medicine for Multiple Myeloma. The total cost for Velcade injection of 3.5 mg is around $1,683.
13) How long can you take Daratumumab?
The Daratumumab injected in the body every 2 weeks and in every 4 weeks. The doctor would continue the treatment as long as patient benefits.
14) What does Revlimid do for multiple myeloma?
Revlimid is also called as Lenalidomide, is an oral cancer used extensively to treat multiple myeloma. It works against the cancer cells by supporting the function of immune system.