Lady A singer Charles Kelley has left fans emotional with shocking revelations about his cancer diagnosis.
The revealed that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer, sharing about his health update on social media alongside his wife, Cassie, stating he remains hopeful as he kicks off treatment.
Here are five things to know about Charles Kelley’s cancer diagnosis and multiple myeloma.
1. Kelley’s diagnosis followed rib fractures
Kelley stated multiple unexplained rib fractures prompted his doctor to order a series of blood tests.
One of those tests eventually identified multiple myeloma. Bone pain and bones that break easily can occur with the disease due to abnormal growth of plasma cells that weaken bones.
2. Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer
Abnormal plasma cells can gather and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells while also damaging bones.
Multiple myeloma begins in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow.
3. Symptoms can vary
Multiple myeloma can lead to severe bone pain, easily broken bones, fatigue, frequent infections, weakness and other cardiac issues.
However, symptoms vary and can also be caused by conditions unrelated to cancer.
4. Diagnosis involves several tests
Several healthcare specialists use blood and urine tests, imaging and bone marrow testing when evaluating suspected disease.
These tests can assist in identifying whether abnormal plasma cells are present and assess the extent of the disease.
5. Treatment has advanced
The Need You Now star said he is hopeful partly because treatments have seen major enhancement. Current multiple myeloma treatment can include targeted drugs, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and, for some patients, stem-cell transplantation.
Kelley stated he plans to continue working during treatment, including with Lady A, while sharing more about his health journey when he feels comfortable.
