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At the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF), myeloma patients and their needs always come first. One of the most important aspects of living with multiple myeloma is self-care—not just for patients, but also for care partners.  

 

That said, here are some valuable self-care tips for myeloma patients which we gathered from various reliable sources: the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

To cope with stress and the side effects of myeloma treatments and symptoms of the disease itself, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following as “alternative medicine:” 

  • Exercising to help maintain energy and strength* 
  • Relaxing through meditation or relaxation exercises, art and music therapy* 
  • Setting boundaries by getting enough sleep, eating well, and acknowledging one’s feelings 
  • Socializing and interacting with support groups and myeloma patients, either online or in person 
  • Discussing your treatment options and possible side effects with your healthcare team and consulting about connecting you with a counseling professional 

(*It’s important to consult with your healthcare team if any of these techniques carry risks.)

In terms of coping and support, the Mayo Clinic suggests: 

  • Gathering in-depth information about the disease to help guide you in making the best decisions for your care. Resources such as the National Cancer Institute and the IMF are strongly recommended by the Mayo Clinic. 
  • Having a strong support system to help you cope with anxiety and deal with day-to-day issues that may arise. Seek support from family and friends, as well as support groups who can offer helpful advice. 
  • Setting achievable and realistic goals to help you have a sense of control and purpose. For example, instead of working full-time, you can opt to work part-time to help you adjust and have a better state of mind.  
  • Taking time for self-care by eating well, relaxing, and getting enough sleep to fight stress and tiredness.  

 

Cleveland Clinic provides a few additional tips on how to support overall health and live well with myeloma: 

  • Eat four or five small but healthy meals throughout the day. 
  • If you are a smoker, try your best to quit. 
  • Ask your healthcare provider on ways to protect yourself from infection
  • Pay close attention to your emotional health. If sadness and depression are affecting your daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider. 
  • Even if in remission, you might be worried about having a relapse. Talk to your healthcare provider to know what to expect. 

 

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) refers to their approach in self-care as “integrative medicine.”  

Key aspects of this self-care approach include: 

  • Access to integrative therapies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, as well as nutritional counseling for symptom management. 
  • Exercise programs guided by a physical therapist to help maintain strength and mobility. 
  • Nutrition counseling to help create a balanced diet and meet nutritional needs, especially during treatment. This also includes side effect management. 
  • Emotional support provided by oncology social workers, support groups, as well as individual counseling for challenges faced during diagnosis and treatment. 
  • Constant communication with your healthcare team to discuss concerns and treatment side effects and to optimize your care plan. 

Additionally, MSKCC provides these important considerations when practicing self-care: 

  • Before starting on a new activity, consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your current health status. 
  • Pay attention to your body and energy levels. Adjust your activities accordingly. 
  • Drink plenty of fluids. This will help manage side effects such as kidney issues. 
  • Get adequate sleep and rest to help manage fatigue. 

 
The NUTRIVENTION Study at ASH 2024 

Proper nutrition is a key aspect to live well with myeloma. A recent study on high-fiber dietary intervention revealed optimistic results. 

At the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, Dr. Urvi Shah (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—New York, NY) and her colleagues presented on “A High-Fiber Intervention (NUTRIVENTION) in Precursor Plasma Cell Disorders Improves Biomarkers of Disease and May Delay Progression to Myeloma.” 

The study investigates the effects of a high-fiber, plant-based dietary (HFPBD) intervention on patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). Results showed improvements in BMI, insulin resistance, microbiome diversity, and immune function —suggesting potential benefits in delaying progression to active multiple myeloma (MM).  

For more insights from the study, watch the video here.

The IMF is Here for You 

In closing, the International Myeloma Foundation reminds myeloma patients and care partners alike that we are ALWAYS here for you.  

The IMF has a vast network of support groups across the United States. Find a support group in your area to help you better understand the myeloma journey. Additionally, the IMF has a wealth of resources for self-care for care partners.

We also invite you to participate in Patient Family Seminars and Regional Community Workshops free of charge, to keep you updated on the latest developments in myeloma; provide access to myeloma experts who can answer questions on best treatment options; share your experiences with the disease; and gain strength and a sense of community from other myeloma patients and care partners. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our world-renowned IMF InfoLine team by emailing  [email protected] or by calling 1-800-452 CURE (2873) (U.S. and Canada), or  1(818) 487-7455 (Worldwide).    
 
 

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