100 Questions & Answers About Myeloma

by Asad Bashey, Rafat Abonour, James W. Huston

Overview

EMPOWER YOURSELF! Whether you’re a newly diagnosed myeloma patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor’s and patient’s views, 100 Questions&Answers About Myeloma, Third Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a hematologist-oncologist specializing in myeloma treatment, and featuring “insider” advice from an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781284040425
Publisher:	Jones & Bartlett Learning
Publication date:	12/20/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	154
File size:	537 KB

About the Author

The Blood&Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
Indiana University School of Medicine

Table of Contents

Preface v

Part 1 The Basics 1

Questions 1-11 explain what myeloma is and describe its components, associated disorders, and complications...

What is myeloma?

What is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)?

What is a solitary plasmacytoma?

Part 2 Diagnosis and Staging 13

Questions 12-30 discuss diagnostic tests, staging, symptoms, prognosis, and more...

How is myeloma diagnosed?

What is serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)?

What is serum protein immunofixation (SIFE)?

Part 3 Treatment Options 41

Questions 31-35 outline and describe the various treatments available to myeloma patients...

Should all cases of myeloma receive treatment?

What options are available for the treatment of myeloma?

What is the usual sequence of treatments for myeloma?

Part 4 Side Effects and Complications of Treatment 79

Questions 56-64 provide information on complications of myeloma treatment...

What are the main side effects of chemotherapy?

What precautions are necessary if my white blood cell (WBC) count is low because of chemotherapy?

My platelet count is low because of chemotherapy. What does that mean?

Part 5 Stem Cell Transplantation 91

Questions 65-78 explain stem cell transplantation, cell donor issues, and potential complications...

What is a stem cell, and how can it help in treatment of my myeloma?

Why are autologous stem cell transplants performed for myeloma?

What is the difference between a bone marrow transplant and a stem cell transplant?

Part 6 If Treatment Fails 111

Questions 79-85 offer strategies for coping with a poor prognosis...

How do I decide if active treatment is no longer worthwhile?

What is comfort care?

If I stop active anticancer therapy, what other options are available?

Part 7 Advocacy and Support 117

Questions 86-100 provide practical advice for the day-to-day dealing with symptoms and related issues...

Does myeloma run in families? Are my relatives at risk?

Should I receive immunoglobulin therapy?

Can I have a flu shot?

Appendix: Myeloma Information and Resources 133

A list of websites, organizations, and literature to help cancer patients and their families find additional information on general and specific topics related to myeloma.

Glossary 139

Index 147