Cancer

A spoonful of humour & a ladle full of exercise are key to dealing with cancer and the effects of treatment believes sous chef Prachi Kulkarni who survived Stage 2 Breast cancer. Read about the four pillars that helped her fight the battle and emerge scarred but smiling. Talking to Prachi is like entering a room filled with sunlight. Her infectious laughter and one-liners keep you in splits. At the same time, you are strongly aware that her humour is rooted in the rough reality of her…

Ramendra Kumar who has previously shared his experiences with colon cancer and believes in the power of humour, writes about the challenges of learning to live with the stoma bag. Read the first part of Ramendra's cancer story and the second part here.  When my daughter Ankita was born, I made it clear to my wife Madhavi that I would not change her nappies (Ankita’s nappies, fortunately Madhavi had far outgrown that stage!) I told my soul mate that I would, in every other way, care for our…

नीमा 26 वर्ष की थीं जब उनको ऑस्टियोसारकोमा (हड्डी का कैंसर) का निदान मिला और उनका जीवन हमेशा के लिए बदल गया। इस लेख में वे अपनी उस चुनौतीपूर्ण यात्रा के बारे में बात करती हैं जिसमें कई सर्जरी, टांग का कटना, और अनेक अन्य मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ा, और यह भी साझा करती हैं कि कैंसर से लड़ने की हिम्मत और प्रेरणा उन्हें किस से मिली। कृपया हमें अपनी स्थिति के बारे में कुछ बताएं 1998 के नवंबर की बात है जब मैं सिर्फ 26 साल की थी और मुझे अपने घुटने के ओस्टियोसारकोमा (हड्डी का कैंसर) का निदान मिला। आपके…

Types of Multiple Myeloma There are two main types of Multiple Myeloma, Smoldering and Active. Smoldering is also called asymptomatic or indolent myeloma because it shows no symptoms and signs and is slow growing. People need close monitoring every 3-6 months to check for progression. Active is also called symptomatic myeloma due to the presence of signs and symptoms. If it is present in the bone or soft tissue, it is termed plasmacytoma. Several subtypes are identified based on which…

Tests for Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed based on tests, the patient’s symptoms and the doctor’s physical exam of the patient. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires either: A plasma cell tumor (proven by biopsy) OR at least 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow AND At least one of the following CRAB criteria: High blood Calcium level (greater than 0.25 mmol/L) Poor Renal function with creatinine greater than 2mg/dL Anemia with red blood cell counts lower…

Prevention of Multiple Myeloma Since the exact cause and risk factors of this cancer are unknown, there is no known way to prevent it. It is important to not ignore symptoms mentioned here and diagnose multiple myeloma early.      References: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma.html https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/multiple-myeloma/types lbagoush SA, Shumway C, Azevedo AM. Multiple Myeloma. [Updated…

Management of Multiple Myeloma Supportive therapy is used for better management of complications, side-effects and other other issues related to cancer. For Multiple Myeloma, this can include: Controlling nausea and vomiting with medications. Bisphosphonates or bone-strengthening drugs to slow down bone damage. Medications like monoclonal antibodies (denosumab) to prevent osteoporosis, and risk of fractures. Hematopoietic growth factors or colony-stimulating factors to increase production of…

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Treatment of Multiple Myeloma depends on the type of disease.  For those with smoldering or symptomless disease, the watch and wait approach is used. This means monitoring is periodically done. For active myeloma, the treatment is phased out in 3 stages: Induction therapy is the 1st phase where the aim is to reduce the plasma cell  and M-protein count. This can be done by chemo, targeted  therapy and use of corticosteroids over a course of 3-6…

Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma Multiple Myeloma is often symptomless in the early stages and difficult to diagnose. Symptoms  may appear gradually as the underlying issues develop. Symptoms are usually multifactorial. Fatigue and reduced activity levels due to anemia (low blood count or poor kidney functioning. Shortness of breath due to anemia and exertion. Bone pain or fractures as the bone density has decreased. Pain is experience in the middle or lower back, ribs or hip area. Numbness…

Causes of Multiple Myeloma The exact cause of multiple myeloma remains unknown. Genetic research shows that mutations in some oncogenes may be responsible for multiple myeloma.   Certain factors that increase risk of Multiple Myeloma include: Age above 65 years Men more than women Family History Obesity Previous exposure to Radiation therapy Exposure to Environmental agents such as insecticides, organic solvents, and agent orange. Other Plasma cell Disorders. These include precancerous…