My mother is very sick and I am worried..?

Cancer, myeloma: A bone marrow cancer involving a type of white blood cell called a plasma (or myeloma) cell. The tumor cells can form a single collection (a plasmacytoma) or many tumors (multiple myeloma). Plasma cells are part of the immune system and make antibodies. Because patients have an excess of identical plasma cells, they have too much of one type of antibody. As myeloma cells increase in number, they damage and weaken the bones, causing pain and often fractures. When bones are damaged, calcium is released into the blood leading to hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and that causes loss of appetite, nausea, thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, restlessness, and confusion. Myeloma cells prevent the bone marrow from forming normal plasma cells and other white blood cells important to the immune system so patients may not be able to fight infections. The cancer cells can also prevent the growth of new red blood cells, causing anemia. Excess antibody proteins and calcium may prevent the kidneys from filtering and cleaning the blood properly.

Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It represents approximately 1% of all cancers in white US residents and 2% of cancers in black residents.

Recent statistics indicate both increasing incidence and earlier age of onset. The average age at diagnosis is 62 years for men and 61 years for women, and only 4% of cases are diagnosed in individuals under the age of 45. Approximately 56,200 Americans had myeloma in 2005 (the most current date these statistics are available) and the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 19,920 new cases of myeloma will be diagnosed during 2008.

Multiple myeloma occurs more frequently in men than women (of the estimated 19,920 new cases referenced above, 11,190 are expected to occur in men versus 8,730 in women). African Americans have the highest reported incidence of this disease and Asians the lowest. Among African Americans, myeloma is one of the leading causes of cancer death.

Although a tremendous amount of work has gone into the search for the cause of multiple myeloma, to date no cause for this disease has been identified. However, the search for a cause has suggested possible associations between myeloma and a decline in the immune system, genetic factors, certain occupations, certain viruses, exposure to certain chemicals including Agent Orange, and exposure to radiation.

i dont no anything about it but dont tell her she has cancer because cancer cant be cured and unfortunally cancer kills people.it may kill someone in a day or a week or in 20 years because cancer attacks at times. cancer attacks but with medication it could be put to sleep for a certin amount of time and will do no harm. also dont showw her your worry because it would not help her make her feel better just show her love and hope i help

good luck n God bless your mom

I don't have those answers, but maybe this will help you. Ask her questions, research it online. Find ways to help her. As it is hard on you it's just as hard on her. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, she fears for you and your future. She loves you, so don't forget it when she goes through treatment. It's hard. I have a father on chemo and he gets angry, and emotional and takes it out on me and the family. He is in pain and I try to remember what he is going through. My father has been on chemo for 6 years now off and on, so you know he is still alive. You and your family are in my prayers.

take care of her...