A high level of calcium in your blood. When the myeloma cells dissolve bone, calcium is released. This can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood (called hypercalcemia). Symptoms include feeling very thirsty, drinking a lot of fluids, and urinating (peeing) a lot. This can cause dehydration and even kidney failure. High calcium can also cause severe constipation, abdominal (belly) pain, and loss of appetite. It can make people feel weak, drowsy, and confused. If the level of calcium gets high enough, it can even cause you to lapse into a coma.
Anemia-related fatigue. This fatigue occurs as myeloma cells replace oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your bone marrow.
Blood clots, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruising, and hazy vision caused by hyperviscosity (thickened blood)
Bone damage, a common symptom, is caused by local bone damage and osteoporosis (general thinning of the bone), which makes the bone more likely to break. The back or ribs are the most common sites of bone pain, but any bone can be affected. Pain is usually worse with movement and at night. If cancer is in the spine, the vertebrae (individual bones that make up the spine) can collapse (known as a compression fracture) and sometimes pinch the nerve, causing pain. In advanced multiple myeloma, a patient may lose inches from his or her height due to compressed vertebrae.
Hypercalcemia. Resulting in symptoms of drowsiness, constipation, and kidney damage.
Infections. Myeloma patients are much more likely to get infections. This happens because the body is unable to make the proper antibodies that help fight infection. When someone with myeloma gets an infection, they may be slow to respond to treatment. That person may stay sick for a long time. Pneumonia is a common and serious infection seen in myeloma patients.
Kidney (renal) failure. Myeloma protein can damage the kidneys. Early on, this doesn't cause any symptoms, but signs of kidney damage can be seen on a blood test. As the kidneys start to fail, they lose the ability to dispose of excess salt, fluid, and body waste products. This can lead to symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath, itching, and leg swelling.
Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing, if any, to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often.
If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.