Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said Thursday he received word earlier in the week, after a second bone marrow biopsy from two weeks prior, that his cancer is in remission.

Wilson’s test results show there are no cancer cells in the bone marrow plasma. But treatments will continue, he said.

Wilson said he remains deeply thankful for prayers and support from the community in the last three months. The sheriff said he believes in the power of prayer and depends on God to guide him through this illness.

In November, Wilson learned that he has multiple myeloma.

Wilson said his decision to go public about his illness was because he is a public official and he wants his employees and the community to know.

A Facebook page, “Praying for Steve Wilson & Family,” was set up in November. It has nearly 4,000 friends.

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Symptoms include bleeding problems, bone and/or back pain, increased susceptibility to infection, symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue) and unexplained fractures.

The plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease by producing substances called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control and form tumors in the bone marrow.

The excess growth of plasma cells interferes with the body's ability to make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which causes anemia and makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding.

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, the cells can cause pain and destruction of the bones. If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or paralysis.

Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults. A history of radiation therapy raises one’s risk for this type of cancer.

The goal of treatment for multiple myeloma is to relieve symptoms. Individuals with mild disease or a questionable diagnosis are usually carefully monitored without treatment and some patients have a slow-developing form of multiple myeloma that can take years to cause symptoms.

The treatment begins when the disease becomes worse or causes symptoms.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be performed to relieve bone pain or treat a bone tumor.

Bone marrow transplantation in younger patients has shown to increase disease-free outcomes and overall survival, but it does have significant risks.

Chemotherapy and transplants rarely lead to a permanent cure.

People with multiple myeloma are generally advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help maintain proper kidney function. They are also advised to be cautious when having X-ray tests that use contrast dye.