The Day That Changed My Life - Here's Something You Should Know, Multiple Myeloma Awareness

With all the awareness cancer themes of September, we wanted to highlight that it's Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month. Have you ever heard of Multiple Myeloma? Well, Multiple Myeloma is a rare form of cancer that sneaks in the attack on the bones, ribs organs and spine. Unfortunately due to the easily explained pains that may be dismissed as getting up there in age, perhaps knowing that you may have lifted something too heavy (weights, boxes, furniture, etc.), thinking you may need to modify exercise or daily activities. Sadly, we have lost a great loved one to Multiple Myeloma. However, in his honor, it is very important to keep the awareness alive, not only this month but for the daily awareness as there are patients/families who are facing this diagnosis throughout the year.

Be informed - take notes and be sure to share this blog with everyone you know. This may help make a difference in the life of someone who may be able to discuss the symptoms and ask the appropriate questions.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Multiple Myeloma

The cancer journey as we all know affects all races, genders, ages - from the rich to the poor. We have seen various high profile celebrities who have lost their battle with cancer and the specific cancer is highlighted and a new awareness seems to be in the spotlight even for a moment.

Lisa Ray, a famous Canadian born Bollywood Actress (a term used for Indian films although the term is formally used in reference to Hindi Cinema)was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in June 2009. Lisa Ray shares her journey and is now a spokesperson to bring awareness to the cancer that certainly changed her life.

Multiple Myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells a type of white blood cell present in the bone marrow. The plasma cells normally make proteins (antibodies) that helps to fight infections. When a group of abnormal plasma/myeloma cells multiplies, it increases the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. As a result, these cells that normally make proteins causes the level of abnormal proteins in the blood to also go up. The complications of this process caused by multiple myeloma affects the bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme, cancer changes our lives forever.