Lifestyle changes may not directly affect multiple myeloma (MM). But, they can play an important role in overall physical and mental health. Some benefits are:
Smoking slows healing and may cause problems related to MM treatments. Quitting smoking boosts your immune system and helps your body heal faster. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit.
MM and its treatments lower the body's ability to fight off infection. Common infections, like a cold or the flu, can be more severe or take longer to bounce back from. To lower the risk of infection:
A healthful diet can help your body and mind. Making healthy choices gives fuel to help your body work at its best. It also gives your body nutrition to help heal it faster. Eating the right foods will also make you feel better and keep your weight in a normal range.
MM and its treatments can make you feel less hungry. Make the most of the calories you eat. A dietitian can help you with common eating problems. They can also help you plan meals.
Exercise helps you keep your weight and supports the immune system. If you have not been exercising on a steady basis, check with your doctor to choose a safe program. Exercise has many benefits. It helps with:
Talk with a trainer to help you set goals. They will also help you do it safely, especially when starting out. While adding exercise, be sure to balance it with rest.
Fatigue is the most common problem with MM and its treatments. To keep from getting overtired, work on tasks that need the most attention first. Allow others to help you with daily chores, shopping, and making meals. If needed, plan time to rest during the day.
Talk to your doctor if fatigue makes it hard for you to get through the day.
MM weakens bones and can lead to osteoporosis. Take steps to keep from falling and lower the risk of broken bones by:
The diagnosis of MM is a life-defining event that can be hard to handle. It can be overwhelming to think and worry about treatment, changes, and uncertainty. Be sure to rely on family, friends, and other people in your life. People who allow themselves to seek help while they are recovering from MM can often have a better emotional balance. Other sources:
Family and caregivers may also need support. Encourage them to seek support groups or counseling geared toward them.
MM is especially difficult because it may be found in advanced stages, making it harder to treat. Some people choose treatments to help ease symptoms. Others choose to fully stop it. For some people, it may be realistic to start end-of-life planning. Aspects may include:
Talk your care team for guidance. You can be referred to a trained professional to guide you through the process.
Eat healthy and get active. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/eat-healthy-get-active.html. Accessed May 2, 2019.
Fractures/fall prevention. National Osteoporosis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.nof.org/patients/fracturesfall-prevention. Accessed May 2, 2019.
Multiple myeloma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116888/Multiple-myeloma. Updated March 29, 2019. Accessed May 2, 2019.
Multiple myeloma. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/plasma-cell-disorders/multiple-myeloma. Updated May 2018. Accessed May 2, 2019.
Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/patient/myeloma-treatment-pdq#_46. Updated April 9, 2019. Accessed May 2, 2019.
Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 5/2/2019