[InQ]

Multiple myeloma cause of death?

by InQ on Fri May 09, 2014 5:23 pm

I don't mean to sound too morbid. I am hopeful that folks with multiple myeloma will live long and productive lives after diagnosis and treatment.

With that said, I am wondering as to what is the usual cause of death for multiple myeloma patients? Is it the disease itself wreaking havoc on the body? Kidney failure? Metastasis in the bones? Bacterial or viral infection due to a weakened immune system? Perhaps even the treatment itself as opposed to the disease as the cause of death?

Further, perhaps with the advances in medicine these days, perhaps the cause of death might not even be multiple myeloma related?

[Kate]

Re: Multiple myeloma cause of death?

by Kate on Sat May 10, 2014 4:46 pm

Hi InQ,

First of all IMO there is nothing morbid about your inquiry.

I think you mentioned just about most causes I assume that it's up to the doctor doing the death certificate if he wants to write pneumonia etc. (IMO caused by multiple myeloma), or other side effects as cause of death rather than the underlying cause.

Personally, I don't care what my death certificate says. When I'm gone, I'm gone. However, in the interest of correct information, maybe death certificates should also list primary disease etc. That way, better records could be kept.

Kate