Stage 3. Multiple Myeloma: Growing Concerns
By Stage III, the disease casts off its veil of subtlety. The body becomes the battleground where multiple myeloma asserts its dominance. The insidiousness of the previous stages is replaced by overt manifestations, making both patients and clinicians acutely aware of the escalating situation.
The previously observed changes in blood readings now transform into alarming shifts. Not only is there a higher level of monoclonal proteins, but severe anemia sets in. Another major concern is hypercalcemia, where calcium levels in the blood shoot up due to rapid bone breakdown, leading to potential kidney complications and nervous system issues.
The skeletal system, which began showing signs of damage in Stage II, now faces intensified onslaught. Lesions become more widespread. Mobility is compromised, and fractures become a looming threat. Every step, every movement becomes a calculated risk, overshadowing the patient’s quality of life.
With the disease casting its net wide, various organ systems come under duress. The kidneys, already grappling with filtering the increasing proteins, might start malfunctioning. Pervasive fatigue sets in, infections become a regular ordeal, and due to escalated calcium levels, patients might experience bouts of confusion or even depression.
Stage III is a clarion call for aggressive treatment. While the road ahead seems daunting, modern medicine offers a beacon of hope. With personalized treatment plans, it’s possible to curb the disease’s progression, allowing patients a chance at a semblance of normalcy. (3)
