Living Well With Multiple Myeloma: 5 Tips to Improve Your Quality of Life
- Multiple myeloma is a chronic, relapsing-remitting cancer that requires patients to establish a "new normal" for long-term quality of life.
- Bone disease affects approximately 85 percent of people with multiple myeloma.
- "This occurs because myeloma cells essentially try to eat away the bones, causing them to break down much faster than they can be rebuilt," says Rahul Gosain, MD,...
Multiple myeloma is a chronic, relapsing-remitting cancer that requires patients to establish a “new normal” for long-term quality of life. According to medical professionals at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and Roswell Park Care Network, this involves prioritizing bone health, managing cancer-related fatigue through activity, and maintaining a nutrient-dense diet to support the immune system.
How does multiple myeloma affect bone health?
Bone disease affects approximately 85 percent of people with multiple myeloma. The condition accelerates bone breakdown, often faster than the body can rebuild the tissue.
“This occurs because myeloma cells essentially try to eat away the bones, causing them to break down much faster than they can be rebuilt,” says Rahul Gosain, MD, the medical director of the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute in Webster, New York.
This imbalance leads to thinner, weaker bones and the formation of lytic lesions, which are small holes within the bone. These lesions can cause pain, fractures, and compression on the spinal cord. As the bone breaks down, calcium is released into the bloodstream, resulting in high calcium levels.
Patients can support bone density through several medical and lifestyle interventions:
- Medications: Bisphosphonates, such as Zometa or Aredia, or denosumab (Xgeva), can slow bone loss and reduce fracture risks.
- Nutrition: Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, including dairy, egg yolks, and fish, are recommended.
- Low-impact movement: Walking, swimming, or stationary biking helps maintain bone strength and reduces fall risks.
Medical supervision is critical for these interventions. Patients with kidney issues must consult a doctor before starting bone-strengthening medications or calcium and vitamin D supplements.
What should multiple myeloma patients eat to support immunity?
Both multiple myeloma and its associated treatments weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. A targeted diet provides the nutrients necessary for immune function.
Protein is essential for the production of antibodies and immune cells. Insufficient protein intake can cause the body to break down muscle to meet its needs, which leads to loss of strength and fatigue. Recommended lean protein sources include fish, tofu, soy, beans, turkey, and chicken.
A Mediterranean-style eating pattern focusing on whole foods—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish—helps manage inflammation. This contrasts with diets high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can put additional stress on the body by increasing inflammation.
Gut health also plays a role in immune support. Certain bacteria in the gut produce short-chain fatty acids that reduce inflammation. To nourish these bacteria, patients can eat high-fiber foods, kefir, and yogurt.
Why is cancer-related fatigue different from normal tiredness?
Fatigue is a frequent challenge for those living with multiple myeloma. It differs from standard tiredness in duration and cause.
“Unlike normal tiredness, this fatigue lasts much longer because it is caused by both the cancer and its treatments,” says Rohit Gosain, MD, the medical director of hematology and oncology for the Roswell Park Care Network in Orchard Park, New York.
Managing this fatigue requires a strategy of energy conservation. Patients are encouraged to prioritize the most important tasks of the day and delegate physically demanding chores, such as cleaning or grocery shopping, to friends and family.
Instead of pushing through exhaustion, patients can spread activities throughout the day. Alternating difficult tasks with easier ones and dividing large projects into small, manageable steps with rest intervals helps prevent total energy depletion.
Can exercise help manage multiple myeloma symptoms?
Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for improving strength and reducing fatigue. While resting may seem intuitive when tired, excessive inactivity often worsens cancer-related fatigue.
“Staying active is one of the best ways to fight [cancer-related] fatigue. The more you move, the less fatigue you have,” says Dr. Gosain.
Exercise also mitigates specific physical side effects of the disease and its treatment. Weight-bearing activities, including light strength training and walking, strengthen bones and lower fracture risks for those with bone disease. Additionally, regular movement helps preserve muscle mass that may otherwise be lost due to the disease or the use of steroids.
The benefits extend to mental health. Regular movement can ease anxiety and depression often associated with chronic illness and provide a sense of control during unpredictable treatment cycles.
How can patients manage the mental health impact of chronic cancer?
The difficulty of completely curing multiple myeloma can make the condition mentally draining. The combination of frequent appointments and daily health worries often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed.
A formal survivorship plan that outlines lifestyle recommendations and follow-up treatments can help patients track their care. Building an emotional support team is also recommended, which may include therapists, family members, friends, or cancer support groups.
Other strategies for maintaining mental wellness include:
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation.
- Maintaining a journal.
- Engaging in enjoyable hobbies.
- Consistent physical exercise.
Cancer care teams can provide referrals to local resources to help patients implement these mental health supports.