Lady A singer Charles Kelley diagnosed with multiple myeloma: What is this rare blood cancer?
Kelley explained that the diagnosis came after he suffered a couple of 'random rib fractures'. The injuries prompted his doctor to order several blood tests
Lady A singer Charles Kelley has revealed his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, following a series of unexplained rib fractures that prompted his doctors to conduct further tests. The 45-year-old country music star shared this personal health update via social media, explaining that the tests detected cancerous plasma cells in his bone marrow
Lady A singer Charles Kelley has revealed his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, following a series of unexplained rib fractures that prompted his doctors to conduct further tests. The 45-year-old country music star shared this personal health update via social media, explaining that the tests detected cancerous plasma cells in his bone marrow
Lady A singer Charles Kelley has revealed his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, following a series of unexplained rib fractures that prompted his doctors to conduct further tests. The 45-year-old country music star shared this personal health update via social media, explaining that the tests detected cancerous plasma cells in his bone marrow
In a heartbreaking health update, Lady A singer Charles Kelley has revealed that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. The 45-year-old country music star shared the health update with fans in a video that he posted on social media.
How was Charles Kelley’s cancer diagnosed?
Kelley explained that the diagnosis came after he suffered a couple of 'random rib fractures'. The injuries prompted his doctor to order several blood tests. Experts detected the presence of multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow, in one of these tests.
What is multiple myeloma?
According to Mayo Clinic, multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Antibodies are formed when healthy plasma cells make proteins. They work with other parts of the immune system to help protect the body from germs.
In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow and make proteins that are not typical. These proteins can build up and damage organs, such as the kidneys. It is still not clear as to why this disease is caused. Sometimes, genetic reasons also have a role in the detection of the disease.
Despite the diagnosis, Kelley said that he feels healthy and hopeful of recovering. He also mentioned that he intends to continue working while undergoing treatment.
The singer has also received messages of support from his bandmates, fans and fellow members of the country music community following the announcement.
What are the symptoms?
Patients may initially observe no symptoms, but can look out for the following signs:
- Bone pain, more specifically in the back, chest or hips
- Weak or easily broken bones
- Tiredness
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath