Caregiving for someone with multiple myeloma

When a person has multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, caregivers and loved ones are also affected. Providing emotional and practical support, such as transportation to healthcare appointments and doing household chores, can take its toll. Along the way, caregivers may forget to take care of themselves.

With that in mind, here are ways to look out for your own well-being and support other caregivers for people with cancer.

Learn about multiple myeloma

Before becoming involved in the care of someone with multiple myeloma, you may not have known much about the disease, or even heard of it. Multiple myeloma is the second most common type of blood cancer. It develops in a certain kind of white blood cell in the bone marrow and can cause tumors in bones throughout the body.

As a caregiver, it can help to learn about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis (chances of recovery) for multiple myeloma. This helps to create a sense of control over the situation and can make healthcare appointments feel less overwhelming. If you’re in the room during appointments, your knowledge will help you ask questions and offer informed advice.

Pace yourself

Your physical and emotional needs are important when you are caring for another person. Make sure to continue to eat meals regularly and get enough sleep so that you can stay healthy. Try to exercise as you are able—even short bursts can be good for you.

And while it may not be easy to make time for friends, hobbies, and routine social activities, try to check in with close friends via phone or text—or, ideally, meet in person, even if it's for a short time. Taking a walk or cooking a meal together can be a meaningful way of catching up.

Delegate

You don’t have to do it all. And to be able to keep helping for the duration of cancer treatment, you shouldn’t try to do it all. Ask others for help, from doing chores to sending out updates. Remember that people are often eager to learn how they can help in challenging situations, like during cancer treatment.

Find people who understand

Support groups may not be for everyone, but with options both online and in-person, you might find one that works for you. In these communities you may find people who understand—perhaps even more than friends and family—what you are going through. Plus, people in support groups may know a lot about multiple myeloma, offering advice and sympathy, because they have experienced this type of cancer and are familiar with it.

Watch for stress, depression, and burnout

Some feelings are a natural response to a diagnosis of cancer and the challenges of treatment in someone you know. But between 40 and 70 percent of caregivers experience symptoms of clinical depression, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, and it’s critical to be aware of the signs, such as prolonged sadness, trouble sleeping, and weight changes. Reach out to a trained professional—a healthcare provider (HCP), social worker, or psychologist—if you have symptoms for more than two weeks.

Even if you do not feel like you are experiencing depression, stress, or burnout related to caregiving, you may still find counseling sessions helpful. Talking to a mental health professional can help you understand complicated feelings, like exhaustion, frustration, and worries about your loved one’s future. It’s a lot to deal with, and therapists are trained to help. For questions about mental health support and how your insurance may help cover costs, speak with your HCP.