Daily Living with Multiple Myeloma

Goals

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell, grow out of control in the bone marrow. The abnormal plasma can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow and form tumors in bones and soft tissues. There currently is no cure for multiple myeloma. However, treatment can achieve long-term remission for some people.

The goals of self-management for multiple myeloma include:

• Monitoring for signs of the return of multiple myeloma: It is important to keep appointments for follow-up visits with the multiple myeloma healthcare team.
• Boosting overall health: While lifestyle measures cannot cure multiple myeloma, they can help improve overall health and reduce the impact of the disease on a person's quality of life.
• Strengthening the body during treatment: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding crash diets, and eating small meals every 3 hours or 5-6 small meals a day can help strengthen the body during treatment.
• Engaging in physical exercise: Physical exercise may help improve the quality of life for individuals with multiple myeloma.

These self-management strategies can contribute to maintaining overall well-being and managing the impact of multiple myeloma on daily life.

Self-Management Plan

Self-Monitoring:

• Pay attention to symptoms: Notice any changes in your body, such as:
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Anemia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infections
  • Bone pain
  • Weight loss
• These could signal disease progression or new symptoms needing medical attention.
• Keep track of pain levels: Monitor the intensity and location of any pain you experience.
• Monitor overall well-being: Note your energy levels, mood, and quality of life. Discuss significant declines with your healthcare team.

Performing Self-Monitoring:

• Be observant: Daily note any changes in symptoms or feelings.
• Use a symptom tracker: Consider keeping a journal or using a mobile app to record symptoms and pain levels regularly to spot trends.
• Stay in touch with your body: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, contact your healthcare team.

Tracking Self-Monitoring Results:

• Maintain a record: Keep a log of your symptoms, pain levels, and overall well-being to identify changes that may need attention.
• Use a tracking tool: Consider apps or online platforms to visualize your self-monitoring data, making it easier to spot patterns.

Actions Based on Self-Monitoring Results:

• Contact your healthcare team promptly: If you experience new or worsening symptoms, reach out right away.
• Discuss results during check-ups: Share your self-monitoring log with your healthcare team at follow-up appointments for better treatment adjustments.
• Seek support: Connect with support groups or online communities for emotional and practical guidance.

Remember, self-monitoring is crucial in managing multiple myeloma. By tracking your symptoms and staying in touch with your healthcare team, you can actively manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Daily Lifestyle

When it comes to managing and improving multiple myeloma, there are several additional actions and daily habits that can be beneficial in the categories of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. Here are some recommendations:

• Nutrition:
  • Maintain a healthy weight: It's important to maintain a healthy weight throughout your treatment. Crash diets should be avoided, as they can be harmful. Instead, focus on eating a well-balanced diet.
  • Eat small, frequent meals: Consuming 5-6 small meals a day or having a small meal every 3 hours can help provide your body with a steady supply of nutrients.
  • Choose bland foods: If you experience nausea, opting for bland foods like crackers, yogurt, and potatoes can help reduce the risk of discomfort.
  • Include protein-rich foods: Foods rich in protein, such as eggs, fish, or nuts, play a role in cell repair and can support overall health.
  • Opt for whole-grain foods: Whole-grain foods like whole wheat bread and rice provide important nutrients and fiber.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for staying hydrated. It's especially important for people with multiple myeloma to prevent infections.
• Physical activity:
  • Stay active: Regular physical activity is important for everyone, including those with multiple myeloma. It can help manage pain, cope with fatigue, strengthen physical function, reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve overall quality of life.
  • Start with gentle exercises: If you're not used to exercising or if you're experiencing pain, start with gentle activities like walking, stretching, or chair yoga. You don't need to engage in intense workouts to make a difference.
  • Consider working with a physical therapist: If you're finding it challenging to stay active due to bone pain or other symptoms of multiple myeloma, consider working with a physical therapist. They can help tailor exercises that work best for you.
• Sleep:
  • Prioritize sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for your overall well-being. It helps reduce stress and improve your ability to cope with the challenges of multiple myeloma.
  • Establish a bedtime routine: Creating a consistent bedtime routine can signal your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This may include activities like reading a book or taking a warm bath.
  • Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and comfortable. Consider using blackout curtains or earplugs if necessary.
• Stress management:
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques: Managing stress is important for individuals with multiple myeloma. Techniques such as mindfulness therapy, support groups, psychotherapy, deep breathing exercises, and increased activity or exercise can be beneficial.
  • Find what works for you: Different strategies work for different people when it comes to coping with stress and anxiety. It may take some trial and error to discover what helps you best. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare professional about options that may be suitable for you.

Remember that while these actions and habits can contribute to improving multiple myeloma management, it's essential to consult your healthcare team before making any significant changes or starting new activities. They will provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.