You can live well with multiple myeloma! Thanks to advances in treatment, people with multiple myeloma are living longer and fuller lives. While myeloma is incurable, there are many things you can do to manage the disease, maintain your health, and improve your quality of life. This page will guide you through the key aspects of long-term care and help you create the right plan for you.

What Is Long-Term Care for Myeloma? 

Long-term care for myeloma focuses on managing the disease, treating side effects, preventing complications, and maintaining your overall well-being. It involves:

• Regular checkups with your healthcare team.
• Managing any long-term side effects from treatment.
• Screening for and managing other health conditions.
• Taking steps to improve your physical and emotional health.

By taking a proactive approach to your long-term care, you can live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Key Aspects of Your Long-Term Multiple Myeloma Care Plan

Building a comprehensive long-term care plan involves addressing several areas:

Managing Other Health Concerns

According to the National Institute of Aging, many commonly observed illnesses in the multiple myeloma patient population include heart disease, endocrine disorders, sensory defects, and bone loss. Regular health screenings and proactive management can help prevent or minimize the impact of these conditions. Talk to your doctor about recommended multiple myeloma screenings and lifestyle changes.

Preventing Falls and Maintaining Mobility

An estimated 35% of older adults will experience a fall that puts their well-being at risk. The majority of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma are older adults, meaning the risk of falling is already there. This fall risk is increased by complications of multiple myeloma, such as pain, bone loss, neurologic compromise, weakness, and fatigue. To minimize your risk of falls and maintain your mobility:

• Talk to your doctor about bone-strengthening medications.
• Consider physical therapy to improve your balance and strength.
• Use assistive devices, like walkers or canes, if needed.
• Make your home safer by removing hazards and improving lighting.

Supporting Your Mental and Emotional Health

While your care team will be primarily concerned with your physical health, protecting your mental well-being is an essential component of living with multiple myeloma. The initial diagnosis can be scary, but many people also report prolonged feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and fear. 

A few ways to support yourself or someone you love through myeloma include:

• Therapy: Talking with a professionally trained therapist can provide a host of benefits. Most of all, you'll gain a better understanding of yourself and learn coping strategies for confronting the challenges of living with multiple myeloma.
• Cancer support groups: For many patients, community-building is essential to their mental health. Support groups connect you with people who can understand what you're going through.
• Self-care: Supporting your mental health can also involve specific self-care activities and rituals. These don't have to involve expensive trips to the spa — they can be simple actions that bring you joy.

The Importance of Palliative Care for Multiple Myeloma

Palliative care is important for patients with multiple myeloma. Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and improving your quality of life, regardless of the stage of your myeloma. 

An important note about palliative care is that it is not tied to an expected outcome. Many people equate palliative care and hospice care, but palliative care covers a broad range of treatments and is not limited to those who have a terminal diagnosis. Palliative care can occur in conjunction with myeloma treatments, helping keep you comfortable while you manage your pain and other symptoms.

Each patient must make this decision for him or herself. Your palliative care team can help you make informed decisions about your care and ensure you're as comfortable and supported as possible.

Building Your Multiple Myeloma Long-Term Nursing Care Plan

Your long-term care team may include your oncologist, hematologist, primary care physician, nurses, therapists, and other specialists. Take an active role in your care by:

• Communicating openly with your healthcare team.
• Asking questions and expressing your concerns.
• Following your treatment plan.
• Seeking support from family, friends, and support groups.

Resources for Long-Term Care 

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) offers resources to help you manage your long-term care, including:

• Publications 
• Videos
• Research
• Support groups
• Clinical trials matching

Have questions about multiple myeloma? Chat to our generative AI tool named Myelo® to receive 24/7 support.

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