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| Preface | |
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| The Basics | |
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| Questions 1-11 explain what myeloma is and describe its components, associated disorders, and complications... | |
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| What is myeloma? | |
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| What is monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)? | |
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| What is a solitary plasmacytoma? | |
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| Diagnosis and Staging | |
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| Questions 12-30 discuss diagnostic tests, staging, symptoms, prognosis, and more... | |
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| How is myeloma diagnosed? | |
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| What is serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)? | |
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| What is serum protein immunofixation (SIFE)? | |
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| Treatment Options | |
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| Questions 31-35 outline and describe the various treatments available to myeloma patients... | |
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| Should all cases of myeloma receive treatment? | |
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| What options are available for the treatment of myeloma? | |
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| What is the usual sequence of treatments for myeloma? | |
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| Side Effects and Complications of Treatment | |
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| Questions 56-64 provide information on complications of myeloma treatment... | |
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| What are the main side effects of chemotherapy? | |
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| What precautions are necessary if my white blood cell (WBC) count is low because of chemotherapy? | |
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| My platelet count is low because of chemotherapy. What does that mean? | |
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| Stem Cell Transplantation | |
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| Questions 65-78 explain stem cell transplantation, cell donor issues, and potential complications... | |
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| What is a stem cell, and how can it help in treatment of my myeloma? | |
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| Why are autologous stem cell transplants performed for myeloma? | |
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| What is the difference between a bone marrow transplant and a stem cell transplant? | |
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| If Treatment Fails | |
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| Questions 79-85 offer strategies for coping with a poor prognosis... | |
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| How do I decide if active treatment is no longer worthwhile? | |
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| What is comfort care? | |
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| If I stop active anticancer therapy, what other options are available? | |
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| Advocacy and Support | |
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| Questions 86-100 provide practical advice for the day-to-day dealing with symptoms and related issues... | |
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| Does myeloma run in families? Are my relatives at risk? | |
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| Should I receive immunoglobulin therapy? | |
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| Can I have a flu shot? | |
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| Appendix: Myeloma Information and Resources | |
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| 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. | |
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| Glossary | |
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| Index | |