Living with Multiple Myeloma

Having a diagnosis of multiple myeloma can be overwhelming and isolating. With many treatment options available, it is important to discuss the latest therapies with your oncologist and organize a care plan.1 This plan should take into account your goals and preferences:, and it is important to understand exactly what to expect from treatment—both in terms of side effects, frequency of assessments, frequency of treatments, and what the next treatment options might involve.1 Some questions to ask your physician include1:

What is the stage of my multiple myeloma and what does that mean?

Are there some tests that I might need to help me understand how best to treat my myeloma?

How frequently might I need to come in for these tests?

What other professionals should I turn to for additional support?

Are there some clinical trial opportunities we might consider?

Joining a support community may also be a consideration for people living with multiple myeloma.1 These support communities can help offer emotional support information and can help by getting perspectives from other patients.1

There are additional ways to support your physical and mental health and wellbeing through lifestyle choices and everyday activities.2 Eating healthy foods, adjusting meal size and frequency due to appetite changes, resting, exercising, and informing your healthcare team about any depression or anxiety throughout your myeloma journey can make a positive impact on quality of life.2

References

  1. American Cancer Society. Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma. Revised February 28, 2018. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Multiple Myeloma. Last reviewed May 4, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6178-multiple-myeloma

ALL URLs accessed August 30, 2024

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