ladydy1
08-06-2003, 01:23 AM
My father died of Multiple Mylenoma three years ago. He was a very silent strong man who didn't complain. We found out he had cancer ten days before he passed away. I am wondering if there is anyone out there who has any information on this type of cancer ~ like what he would have gone through pain-wise, etc. I just think of him often and feel so bad that we didn't know he had cancer. He always had back problems and Osteoporosis so that is what the doctors thought was bothering him. Does anyone know if MM is hereditary? I have always had back problems and they are getting worse and I sometimes worry that I could some day have the same. Any information anyone?
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projapoti
08-06-2003, 01:39 AM
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of subset of cells that are part of your immune system. They are called plasma cells and they are a special type of cell which form antibodies. One specific plasma cell will start dividing out of control and it'll produce mass quantities of antibody that your body doesn't need. The problem with this is manyfold:
First of all, the antibodies clog up the kidneys and can cause kidney failure
Because so much crappy antibody is made, normal antibody can't be made so the person becomes susceptible to certain infections
Certain types of enzymes found in bone are activated and they eat the bone away--that's why MM patients have brittle bones.
There are all sorts of other effects of MM, but those are the main ones.
I'm not sure if it's hereditary or not.
First of all, the antibodies clog up the kidneys and can cause kidney failure
Because so much crappy antibody is made, normal antibody can't be made so the person becomes susceptible to certain infections
Certain types of enzymes found in bone are activated and they eat the bone away--that's why MM patients have brittle bones.
There are all sorts of other effects of MM, but those are the main ones.
I'm not sure if it's hereditary or not.
ladydy1
08-06-2003, 10:57 AM
Thank you projapoti for explaining this to me. It is easy to understand after reading your explanation. And,yes, he had various brittle bones and had small fractures.