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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 | |