Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that affects less than 1% of Americans. It can have a serious impact on your life, but advances in treatment and increased awareness of the disease offer hope and empowerment. Having a diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to halt your life.
Here are some key things you may not know about multiple myeloma. This type of cancer affects plasma cells, which are white blood cells responsible for fighting infections and supporting the immune system. The cancer originates in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. This can lead to issues like back and bone pain, fatigue, and frequent or prolonged infections.
People with multiple myeloma often experience weakened bones, making it important for them to be cautious in their daily lives. Samantha Hines, a 55-year-old security professional from Dacula, GA, discovered she had the disease in 2018 when a visit to the chiropractor resulted in 18 rib fractures. Hines recently underwent surgery to repair a crushed vertebra, showcasing the fragility of bones in individuals with multiple myeloma.
While most cases of this cancer are diagnosed in individuals aged 65 or older, some, like Jameca Barrett, experience it at a younger age. Barrett, who was diagnosed at 26 and is now 44, felt her age played a role in delayed diagnosis. She faced kidney failure, a complication of multiple myeloma, before the cancer was detected during an emergency room visit. Only a small percentage of cases, less than 1%, occur in people under 35.
Multiple myeloma is more prevalent in African Americans, who are twice as likely to develop the disease compared to white individuals. Black individuals make up around 20% of those with multiple myeloma, and it is estimated that by 2034, almost a quarter of new diagnoses will occur in African Americans. The exact reasons for this disparity are unknown, but Jameca Barrett believes there are obstacles within the African American community that hinder diagnosis and treatment. These obstacles include the high costs of healthcare, lack of knowledge about multiple myeloma, and reluctance to seek a second opinion when faced with a doctor’s diagnosis.
Barrett suggests that patients ask their doctors to explain the numbers and medical terms in their blood test results, paying attention to any changes over time. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking mental health care, as multiple myeloma can have a significant impact on a person’s identity and abilities, leading to depression and anxiety.
For those who achieve remission, which occurs when symptoms disappear and no signs of cancer are detected, Barrett encourages reflection and the creation of a new sense of self with excitement for future accomplishments. After undergoing chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and follow-up care, Barrett has been in remission for 15 years.
Despite the challenges, individuals like Samantha Hines maintain a positive outlook and refuse to let multiple myeloma define their lives. Hines has made lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet and pursuing her passion for creating all-natural vinaigrette salad dressings. She symbolically walks away from the disease by writing “F Multiple Myeloma” on the soles of her shoes, reminding herself that she has control over her life and cancer does not have control over her.