How Special Effects Man, Stan Winston, Could Have Been Spared From Multiple Myeloma

By: Dr. Thomas Incledon

Aliens, Inspector Gadget, Edward Scissor Hands, several of the Jurassic Park movies, and the Terminator series: these are just some of the incredible films that Stan Winston, American television and film special make-up effects creator was involved in. His creative genius was cut short in 2008 after a seven-year battle with multiple myeloma. His family as well as the film industry mourned his loss. Unfortunately, Winston’s case is not an isolated one. Multiple myeloma affects thousands of people each year.

What is multiple myeloma?
Cancer starts when cells start growing out of control. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found inside of the bone marrow of the body and they play a crucial role in immune function and keeping the immune system healthy. Plasma cells, which are mainly found in the bone marrow, create antibodies that help the body kill germs. When cancer forms in the plasma cells and they begin multiplying quickly, it is diagnosed as multiple myeloma.  

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?
One of the first symptoms of multiple myeloma is low blood counts. The overgrowth of plasma cells inside of the bone marrow can cause normal blood-forming cells to be crowded out, which will cause low blood counts. Low blood count can lead to anemia, and a shortage of red blood cells, which causes people to be very tired and weak. It can also cause low platelet numbers inside the blood, which could mean there is increased bruising or bleeding.

How multiple myeloma affect your bones?

Another symptom is a shortage of normal white blood cells, which can lead to issues fighting infection. Because multiple myeloma originates in the bone marrow inside bones, it can also wreak havoc with cells that keep bones strong. Two bone cells that keep rebuilding the bones to keep them healthy are osteoclasts, which break down the old bone, and osteoblasts, which lay new bone. When myeloma cells are present, they begin creating a substance that tells osteoclasts to speed up the bone-dissolving process. That means the old bone is broken down and there aren’t new bones to replace it. The result could be bones that are easily fractured. High calcium levels in the blood, as well as kidney problems, are also very common for people living with multiple myeloma.

Can multiple myeloma be prevented and what treatment options are available?

As of now, multiple myeloma has very few cases that have been linked to risk factors. However, as with all cancer prevention, it’s important to eat well, exercise often, and avoid exposure to environmental carcinogens as much as possible. If there has already been a multiple myeloma diagnosis made, there are some treatment options that can help.

Alternative Treatment at Causenta

Our team at Causenta understands the anxiety and fear that is associated with a cancer diagnosis and we’re focused on helping our patients get strong while working closely with each one to help provide solutions that can bring hope and health back.  Some of our treatment options include needleless laser acupuncture, magnesphere, electrical stimulation and infrared therapy, photodynamic therapy, and more. Causenta Treatment Center understands that the biggest threat to individuals living with cancer is usually not resources, it’s time. Figuring out what treatments are best for the individual will give each patient a better quality of life and the opportunity for a better outcome.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today!

If you or someone you love has shown any signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma, do not delay in getting checked out by our experienced team at Causenta. Knowing what’s going on inside of the body as soon as possible and acting quickly is key. The sooner a medical team knows about cancer, the sooner they can help the patient get started on a rigorous personalized treatment plan.

To hear more about Causenta Treatment Center and the revolutionary work we are doing to help cancer patients find the right treatment, contact us today.

About the Author

Dr. Thomas is the founder and CEO of Causenta Wellness and the Causenta Cancer Treatment Center in Arizona. From working with the NFL, MLB, MMA, World Class athletes, and even the White House, his reputation for personalized medicine and cutting-edge technologies has put him on the map, caring for some of the most powerful people in the world, making him one of the most sought-after healthcare professionals of all time.