Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission
Multiple Myeloma an incurable disease, but I have spent the last 25 years in remission using a blend of conventional oncology and evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle therapies from peer-reviewed studies that your oncologist probably hasn't told you about.
Click the orange button to the right to learn more about what you can start doing today.
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Final Days of Myeloma-
During the final days of myeloma, life will be difficult. So difficult that no one wants to even talk about it. The video linked below is the only video that I could find that discusses the challenges patients and caregivers have with palliative care vs. end-of-life care vs. hospice care.
On a personal note- I watched my sister-in-law go from diagnosis (not MM) to “curative therapy” to relapse to palliative care. It was palliative care that enabled Suzanne to be at one daughter’s wedding and then hold her first grandchild. Suffice to say that Suzanne appreciated palliative care more than curative care.
When is the best time to get a palliative care team involved in my care?
Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe that newly diagnosed MM patients can manage their MM for years if not decades. But we all know that MM is incurable. And MM patients eventually reach multidrug resistance. Too many MM survivors try chemo after chemo, trying to reach remission one more time.
I am a long-term MM survivor. Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com to learn more about managing MM with both conventional and evidence-based non-conventional therapies.
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
In the final days of multiple myeloma-
individuals may experience a range of symptoms including severe bone pain, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulties. Other potential symptoms include unusual bleeding, confusion, and even hallucinations. Palliative care, focusing on symptom management and improving quality of life, is often needed during this stage.
Symptoms During the Last Days:
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Physical Symptoms:
- Bone Pain: Severe and persistent pain, particularly in the back, hips, or skull, is a common symptom due to bone damage.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness are often experienced as the disease progresses.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced food intake can lead to weight loss and further weakness.
- Breathing Problems: Shortness of breath and other respiratory issues can arise.
- Unusual Bleeding: Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or other signs of impaired blood clotting may occur.
- Other Symptoms: Constipation, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, and difficulty breathing can also be present.
- Bone Pain: Severe and persistent pain, particularly in the back, hips, or skull, is a common symptom due to bone damage.
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Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms:
- Confusion: Mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating, and confusion can occur.
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not there can be a symptom.
- Anxiety and Sadness: Emotional distress and feelings of sadness or anxiety are common.
- Confusion: Mental fogginess, difficulty concentrating, and confusion can occur.
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Other Potential Issues:
- Kidney Problems: Multiple myeloma can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Infections: Weakened immune systems can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
- Dehydration: Difficulty drinking or retaining fluids can lead to dehydration.
- Bowel and Bladder Issues: Loss of control over bladder and bowel function can occur.
- Repetitive Movements: Involuntary muscle movements may be present.
- Kidney Problems: Multiple myeloma can damage the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Support:
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Symptom Management:
Palliative care focuses on managing pain, fatigue, and other symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life.
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Emotional and Spiritual Support:
Patients and their families may receive support from spiritual leaders, chaplains, or counselors to help them cope with the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying.
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Hospice Care:
Hospice care is often provided to patients in the final stages of multiple myeloma, offering a range of services including pain management, symptom control, and emotional support, according to WebMD.
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Planning Ahead:
Discussions about end-of-life care preferences and wishes are important, including advance directives and funeral arrangements.
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Maintaining Relationships:
Loved ones can help by maintaining open communication, providing comfort, and creating a peaceful environment.
Important Considerations:
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Individual Variation:
The progression and symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary significantly from person to person.
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Seeking Professional Guidance:
Consulting with healthcare professionals, including oncologists, palliative care specialists, and hospice providers, is crucial for personalized care and support.
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Focus on Quality of Life:The primary goal during the final stages of multiple myeloma is to maximize the patient’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life.final days of myeloma final days of myeloma final days of myeloma