Thinning bone. Myeloma cells keep new bone cells from forming, and bones become thin wherever there are myeloma cells. Your doctor may give you drugs to prevent bone thinning and help reduce the risk of fractures.

Physical activity, such as walking, also helps keep bones strong.

Too much calcium in the blood. Multiple myeloma may cause calcium to leave the bones and enter the bloodstream. If you have a very high level of calcium in your blood, you may lose your appetite, and you may also feel nauseated, restless or confused.

A high calcium level can also make you very tired, weak, dehydrated and thirsty. Drinking a lot of fluids and taking drugs that lower the calcium in the blood can be helpful.

Kidney problems. Some people with multiple myeloma have kidney problems. If the problems are severe, a person may need dialysis, a process that removes wastes from the blood.

A person with serious kidney problems may need a kidney transplant.

Amyloidosis. Some people with myeloma develop this condition, which is caused by abnormal proteins collecting in tissues of the body. This can cause many problems, some of them severe. For example, proteins can build up in the heart, causing chest pain and swollen feet.

There are drugs to treat amyloidosis.

Nutrition and physical activity. It's important for you to take care of yourself by eating well, drinking plenty of fluids and staying as active as you can.

However, you may not feel like eating during multiple myeloma treatment or soon after. You may be uncomfortable or tired, and you may find that foods do not taste as good as they used to. Also treatment side effects (such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting or mouth sores) can make it hard to eat well.

Your doctor, a registered dietitian, or another health care provider can suggest ways to deal with these problems.

Research shows that people with cancer feel better when they're active. Walking, yoga, swimming and other activities can keep you strong and increase your energy. But whatever physical activity you choose, be sure to talk to your doctor before you start.