Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I noticed that my fingernails are not growing and I am losing more hair than normal. I do also have an increase in pain around the vertebra that is 1/3 gone. My husband says to tell my doctor but it seems so random. Has anyone else experienced this?

June 16
 · 
Reactions
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Tamar,
I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in 2019. I started taking supplements to improve my bone strength and get rid of foot and leg cramps. I take calcium and magnesium from MRM Bone Maximizer III (1200-1400 mg) with extra D3 to absorb the calcium, and K2 to tell the calcium to go to the bones. K2 is super important. Now my fingernails grow so fast I have to cut them often or I can’t type on the computer. These supplements have also helped my hip and pelvis, so now I can walk with no aid. I have lost hair. My eyebrows are gone and around my forehead and ears, my hair is gone. I think it is from a high corticosteroid I was taking years ago. I am not on any treatment yet, since I am Smoldering. You might think about what you have taken to cause this (like a steroid).
Paula🌹

June 17 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Thanks. She is a Myeloma specialist and has taken my case before a tumor board. She said they are excited to have a mystery. I feel like I have a handful of second opinions because the board is following my case too.

June 17
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Tamar,
If your doctor is not a MM Specialist, it’s time to find one. If they are, it’s time for a second opinion. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation has a list of MM Specialists in the United States. There are not very many of them. If you can’t find one close, your doctor can send your records to one and you can have a virtual visit. I go to Sarah Larson at UCLA. She’s a Hematologist/Oncologist who is also a MM Specialist.
Paula 🌹

June 16
MyMyelomaTeam

Your husband is absolutely right — please tell your doctor. None of these symptoms are "too random" to mention, and together they paint an important picture worth sharing with your care team.

When monitoring a situation like yours, doctors watch closely for signs that things may be changing. Some symptoms worth flagging Show Full Answer

Your husband is absolutely right — please tell your doctor. None of these symptoms are "too random" to mention, and together they paint an important picture worth sharing with your care team.

When monitoring a situation like yours, doctors watch closely for signs that things may be changing. Some symptoms worth flagging include:

- Bone pain (especially around the spine)
- Unexplained hair loss
- Tiredness or new physical changes
- Nerve-related symptoms The increase in vertebral pain is particularly worth raising urgently, given the existing bone involvement. Changes in nails and hair can sometimes signal that the body is under stress, and while they may seem unrelated, your doctor needs the full picture to make the best decisions for you.

A MyMyelomaTeam member once shared that they progressed quickly and their care team wasn't surprised because of worsening bone-related symptoms — so these changes are exactly the kind of thing doctors want to know about.

Don't minimize what you're experiencing. You're not being dramatic — you're being your own best advocate. 💙

June 16

Related Questions

View All
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Manchester, ME

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Heart of Texas

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Crestview, FL

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In