Dealing with multiple myeloma – Things you should know about

What is multiple myeloma?
Cancer could be present when there is an abnormal cell growth in any part of the body. The bone marrow of our body produces a type of bold white cell called plasma cells. When these plasma cells show abnormal growth, it causes a type of cancer called myeloma or multiple myeloma (as it affects multiple parts or regions of the body). It is a rare and incurable disease. In the US, the risk of getting this cancer is 0.7% or 1 in 143 people.

As multiple myeloma does not have any permanent cure, there is a chance of it recurring. This reoccurrence of cancer even after treatment or remitting, is known as relapsed multiple myeloma.

Even though the disease is incurable, patients with relapsed multiple myeloma need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment for myeloma
Treatment would depend on the stage of cancer and the overall health of the patient. Introduction of new therapies and drugs helps in delaying the relapse after initial treatment. Controlling and destroying myeloma cells or curing ailments caused due to myeloma, helps to increase the chances of the patient’s survival by a few years.

The following medications are conventionally used in treating multiple myeloma:

  • Precision medicines (Darzalex, Farydak, Simplicity)
  • Immunomodulatory drugs,
  • Proteasome inhibitors
  • Chemotherapy and
  • Steroids

Unfortunately, even with all these medications, a relapse cannot be prevented. Researchers are finding ways to extend the life of patients by increasing the remission period. For killing cancer cells, high doses of chemotherapy are considered more effective. But it has dangerous side effects such as damaging healthy cells in the bone marrow. Though, this can be corrected through a stem cell transplant. Stem cell transplant has been effective in preventing relapsed multiple myeloma.

Patients are advised to go for regular health checkups even during remission period. So that if and when cancer relapses, doctors can begin immediate treatment based on the cause of relapse and the overall health of the patient. Autologous stem cell transplant, allogeneic stem cell transplant, targeted therapy and maintenance therapy are some of the treatment options that are available for relapsed multiple myeloma.

The most important thing for patients is to keep themselves well informed. With proper preparation and treatment, the situation can be controlled.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Factors that can control epileptic seizures
  • Know about the best pet care products in the market
  • A Guide to Oil Change Specials
  • 5 symptoms of ADD and ADHD in adults

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Why is dental insurance for seniors necessary
    Young people just out of college think they can conquer the world with their utopian ideas of life. Not very difficult I believe. In their 30s people have a pragmatic approach to life. After a decade passes, they become prudent in their notion and behavior. As they grow older, retrospection comes into play. And, that is when the “If only I had….” sentences become more recurrent. When it comes to matters of health insurance, particularly of dental insurance, as a senior, it is always better to be prepared than be repentant. A fundamental prerequisite for anyone who can afford it would be an enhanced dental insurance policy. Dental insurance for seniors is essential because various health conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other such conditions/illnesses share common risk factors with oral disease. The need to recognize that the general health of an individual is closely related to their oral health will help in deciding the important debate of whether to have dental insurance or not. Dedicated dental insurance policies for seniors incorporate an assortment of care and treatment packages. Everything from yearly dental prophylaxis, systematic oral evaluation, X-rays, diagnostic casts, palliative or emergency pain relief, cementing, adding crowns, moulds or fillings, root canal treatment, extraction of decayed teeth, fixing complete or partial dentures, and repairing and servicing them, scaling and graft procedures and plenty more remedial and management measures for teeth and gums are covered. From as low as $7 US to a holistic plan that costs over $700 US, there are countless dental insurance policies for seniors. Reading through the information brochures fully, understanding clearly what you are receiving for the money you are spending, and then settling on the best plan that is most suitable is the ideal way to go about the whole process. As aging happens, increase in health issues is common. In addition to planning and saving for a good general insurance policy, an excellent all-inclusive, stand-alone dental insurance policy is a must for seniors.
  • Points to remember when operating lawn movers
    Operating lawn mowers is not a very tough thing to do by yourself. But for the first time, it does require some minimal knowledge of the basics to get a perfect cut on the grasses. Learning to operate lawn mowers or riding mowers can be informative for a customer when he is about to get one from a lawn mower sale or when he is using lawn mowers for the first time. There are a few helpful steps for operating lawn mowers as described below:
    • The lawn must be prepared to avoid any damages to the riding lawn mower. The lawn must be kept clean and prevented from having any sticks, garbage, rocks and other debris that can affect the performance of the blades and durability of the mowers.
    • Refuel before every session for preventing the mowers from any damage. Fueling it with fresh petrol for every new session on the field is necessary. Always keep the top closed to prevent dirt or debris from falling into the fuel and to avoid the fuel from spilling out.
    • Starting the mower can be easy for the owner by pressing the primer button available on the petrol-fueled mower, which can be checked for before buying one from a riding mowers sale. Pull the cord in order to make it start at least three to four times at one go. The point to remember here is that letting the handle go will cause the mower to shut off.
    • To get a perfect cut on the grass, the blades of the lawn mowers must be set at the right height according to the required height of the grass. Keep the mowers going in straight lines on the lawn in order to get the desired shape.
    The lawn mowers, be it normal or small riding lawn mowers, are capable of cleaning the debris off the lawn and other garbage when it comes with a bag attached to it for this purpose. They are thus very efficient and user-friendly, requires less effort, and can get a whole lawn cleaned and trimmed within a short span of time.
  • 5 Christmas books that every kid should read
    Books are indeed one's best friend, which immediately takes us to a land of vivid imagination and fun. This portable piece of magic called the book is the best thing ever created which is ideal for a quiet day at home with one's favorite cup of beverage. Holiday seasons are known to be the best, where one can just sit back, relax and enjoy reading their favorite book. The festive season of Christmas, which is loved by kids, is the ideal time for diving into the world of books and as a kid or as a parent, do check this list of five Christmas books that every kid should read.
    • Follow the Star: All the Way to Bethlehem: This book written by Alan Parry and Lindy Parry is known to be the top choice for both parents and children during the Christmas season. Ideal for children of age group 5-9, this book will indeed entertain them for hours together with its beautiful assortment of crazy puzzles, mazes, maps and other fun activities all based on the life of Jesus Christ. This book is the perfect Christmas book that will not only entertain your kid but will also enlighten them about the life of Jesus Christ. This book can be purchased along with other Christmas books online or at bookstores.
    • A Charlie Brown Christmas: This classic by Charles M. Schulz, has been a favorite amongst people for years now and the story never seems to get old. The heart-warming story of Charlie Brown trying to find out the real meaning of Christmas is definitely worth the read.
    • The Night Before Christmas: Christmas Eve is almost incomplete without reading this classic story by Clement Moore. The night before Christmas is sure the most exciting part for kids and can be made even more special by reading this mesmerizing story along with the entire family. The beautiful illustrations on the cover by Jan Brett is an added beauty which will beautify your shelf even more.
    • How the Grinch Stole Christmas: This adventurous book by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel has been on the list for decades now and revolves around the crazy adventures of Grinch, who tries to put an end to Christmas. It is known to be one of the most accredited and recognized children books of the century and is indeed a must buy.
    • Auntie Claus: This book by Elise Primavera guarantees an adventurous ride ahead with unexpected twists and turns.
    From purchasing Christmas books online to buying them at the Christmas store, one is often spoilt with options. However, purchasing Christmas books online is a more convenient option. So, wait no more and quickly purchase the Christmas book of your choice for your loved young one.
  • How to get dental treatments for affordable prices?
    There are many different types of dental treatment. You must have come across some of the most common types that include bonding, braces, bridges and implants, crowns and caps, extractions, dentures, fillings and repairs, root canals, teeth whitening, veneers, and sealants. Surprisingly a small portion of your body can have many problems and unfortunately, all these treatments have cost a great deal of money. Every treatment costs differ depending on the type of treatment it is. For example, a filling would cost you anywhere between $50 to $150 and the price only goes above as the quality improves. While most people face dental problems at least once in their lives despite taking good care of their dental health, the cost of dental treatments is what bothers a lot of people. Here are some tips how you can get those treatments for affordable prices: Low-income dental care You don't have to avoid getting a dental care or postponing the dental treatment that you need. There are many ways you can get an affordable treatment done by going for dentists who provide services to patients who lack insurance and work on sliding scale, which means they will charge you service fees based on your income. However, if you can't find a dentist you can always go to a free medical clinic after clearing the eligibility, which is, low-income patients Online coupons You can check daily deals websites where they usually provide coupons and deals on dental care services. These services usually include cleanings or fillings. If you don't have an insurance, these coupons can help you save a lot of money Affordable dental insurance Though a health insurance or any insurance for that matter save a lot of money when there is a calamity, it does cost a lot in the initial part. Many people cannot afford the insurance, let alone the cost of the medical treatment. But there are many ways the government is trying to help people with low-income by providing them affordable dental insurance. You can check companies like Cigna, Aflac for affordable dental insurance There are many other options that can get you affordable dental treatments. For examples, you can read about dental tourism or barter services for dental treatments or part time job with dental benefits. There are many such unconventional ways to get dental treatments for affordable prices that you can leverage.
  • Know about the Causes of Night Sweats in Men and Women
    Night sweats, or hyperhidrosis, are recurring occurrences of extreme perspiration during nighttime that may be related to an underlying medical condition or illness. Night sweating exceeds the usual sweating and usually occurs on both sides of the body. The affected person’s nightwear may be partially or completely drenched in sweat and may occasionally awaken them due to excessive perspiration. Generally, these are associated with fever, low blood pressure, or several hormone disorders. Excessive sweating may also contribute to skin infections. Causes of night sweat There are several night sweats causes; some of them have been listed below: Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar during sleep may be one of the night sweats causes. This happens to people who are on insulin or anti-diabetic medications. Try to have a snack before bedtime to avoid this condition. Sleep apnea - This condition arises when the person gets less oxygen and experiences breathlessness during the night, resulting in night sweat. Lymphoma - It is known that many cancers can cause night sweat and lymphoma is the most common among them. Neurological disorders - Neurologic conditions including autonomic dysreflexia, post-traumatic syringomyelia, stroke, and autonomic neuropathy may cause increased sweating and possibly lead to night sweats. Overactive thyroid - Hyperthyroidism can also cause excessive sweating at night. When thyroid glands create too many hormones, the body temperature is likely to rise, and the person may experience night sweats along with thirst and hunger. Hormonal disorders - Sweating or flushing can be seen in several hormone disorders, including pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, and hyperthyroidism. Infections - Many infections, especially tuberculosis and bacterial infections causing endocarditis, or inflammation of heart valves, and osteomyelitis or inflammation within bones can also be one of the night sweats causes. Medications - Taking certain medications can also lead to night sweat. Some common medicines are antidepressants; medicines taken to lower temperature caused by fever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen; and cortisone medications. Menopausal transition - One of the common night sweats causes seen in women is during their menopause transition time. Women who have had their ovaries removed may also experience night sweat. However, it is best to confirm with a doctor. Anxiety disorders - Stress and worry or even nightmares and bad dreams can cause night sweat in a person. It is advisable to seek help from a therapist or counselor. People experiencing night sweats can regulate the room temperature by using air conditioners or fans to feel more comfortable. Additionally, they can avoid fabrics that do not breathe and which do not absorb moisture.
  • Factors to consider while choosing the best business internet service
    Once you have established your business, you need a swift internet connection to increase your customer base by offering services to the maximum number of people. A good internet service provider (ISP) not only helps in launching your business but also helps to run it smoothly, thereby ensuring growth in the long run. Following are the factors that you should consider while choosing the best business internet service provider. Mode of connection The best business internet service providers will offer you the Internet based on the size of your business. Following are different types of modes of connection offered by the best business internet providers.
    • Cable One of the most common modes of transmission of data is through coaxial cable tv lines. It is good for data transmission with moderate bandwidth. The bandwidth provided by coaxial cable can sometimes be over 100 Mbps. But, they can be impeded if homes and other small businesses nearby are online at the same time.
    • Satellite This type of mode of connection does not offer bandwidth speed as good as coaxial cable. The advantage of having a satellite connection is you do not need cables or towers to transmit signals. This type of connection is good for businesses that are situated in large open areas. It offers bandwidth that has download speeds of up to 15 Mbps. However, the drawback of using such services is, the services might get interrupted services due to bad weather.
    • Fixed wireless This type of business internet service providers deploys their services using radio signals transmitted from devices such as cell phones or radio towers. Business internet services providing this type of connection can reach internet speeds up to 40 Mbps. However, the speed can vary based on the environment between the user and the tower. This means trees and buildings can interfere with the line of sight of the tower, disrupting services, and therefore, the internet speeds.
    • Fiber optics The mode of connection is the most recent development in the internet technology. Fiber optics are special mirrored tubes that reflect light (containing data) multiple times thereby, increasing the transmission speed. Although on the expensive side, this mode of connection is reliable, failsafe, and is not affected by environmental factors. It can offer transmission speeds of up to a massive 1 Gbps.
    Cybersecurity This is one of the most important factors to be considered while choosing the best business internet service. The rapidly evolving internet gives rise to complex cyber threats. Therefore, make sure that your business internet service provider deploys the best endpoint security tactics to save your business from the most penetrative cyber-attacks. Web hosting If your business has a website and doesn’t want to run it on your own server, then look for those business internet service providers that offer web hosting. The most important factor to consider is how much area does your ISP (internet service provider) provide in web hosting for the content of your website. The best internet service providers use SSL (secure socket layer) to protect your website data. This is particularly handy when it comes to e-commerce businesses. You should also ask if the service providers offer email services with web hosting. Email services let you customize email address using your own domain name. IP address There are two types of IP (internet protocol) addresses provided by the best business internet services, static (permanent) and dynamic (changing) IP addresses. IP addresses are unique identifiers that are used by websites and peripherals in the background to communicate with each other. Static IP addresses are tedious to maintain and difficult to configure. Therefore, they cost around $10 to $15 more when compared with dynamic IP. Dynamic IP addresses, on the other hand, are assigned using DHCP. It is a protocol that automatically offers a dynamic IP address to an online business. The best business internet service providers offer their customers to choose from both, static and dynamic IP addresses at competitive prices. To pick the best business internet service provider, ensure you conduct extensive research, compare various options, and choose from the top 3 business interner service providers in the market.