Sunday, April 5, 2009

The Disease: Multiple Myeloma

Multiple Myeloma is a form of cancer that is usually seen in African American males age 60 and over. Obviously, Brandon is an extremely atypical case! The essential features of this disease are: its appearance in the marrow as malignant plasma cells; its involvement in multiple sites in marrow; its destruction of bone; and its association with abnormal proteins in the urine and in the blood.

Basically, plasma cells are present in abnormally large number in patients with myeloma. The cells accumulate in an uncontrolled manner and form tumors in the marrow. In consequence, the abnormal plasma cells also create large amounts of a single type of protein (monoclonal immunoglobulin or M Protein) which is then secreted into the blood. Normally, plasma cells create several types of proteins which are antibodies that protect the body. By contrast, the production of M protein does not protect the body against infection while at the same time, those healthy proteins aren’t being produced.

Another special feature of myeloma cells is that they secrete chemicals that stimulate other cells that dissolve bone. Although bone is constantly being broken down and remodeled, the chemicals that are secreted cause the breakdown to happen faster than the remodeling. Thus, the bone is thinned and can be weakened enough to break with normal stresses such as walking or lifting. Slightly increased stresses of coughing and minor falls or injuries can also break the bones when they are thinned by the effects of myeloma.

Bone pain is the most common early symptom of myeloma. Most patients feel pain in their back or ribs, but it can occur in any bone. The pain is usually made worse by movement, so we can only imagine the pain Brandon has endured as he has been working and going to school full-time throughout the past few months.

--The Plewe Family

2 comments:

Sjostedt family said...

Brandon, the Sjostedt family (Richard, Marianne, Anne, Nancy, Caroline, Doug, Ron, et al) is all together for Easter and we heard of your news and illness. That is so devastating! We are so sorry that you are having to go through this. Our prayers are with you. Please keep us informed of your progress.

Mary Anne Hyde said...

Brandon, I recently heard of your very difficult health problems. I am so sorry that you must endure this trial. I remembery you as a strong, intelligent 6th grader and I know you have grown into a remarkable young man. I know you have so much love and support from your wonderful family. Know too that this friend from your past is praying for your strength for a swift, complete recovery.
Most sincerely, Mary Anne Hyde