4 mistakes to avoid during multiple myeloma remission

Cancer remission occurs when there’s few or zero signs and symptoms of the disease, though the cancer may still be present somewhere in your body. So, if you have multiple myeloma and your healthcare provider (HCP) has declared that it’s in partial or complete remission, that’s good news. But remission doesn’t mean that your care is over, especially since multiple myeloma is not completely curable. To monitor your health, you will continue to visit an HCP and receive tests. You may need to have maintenance treatment, as well. 

With that in mind, here are four common mistakes that people make during remission, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping health care appointments

During your multiple myeloma treatment, you may have sometimes wished to never see a medical facility waiting room again. Though your health care visits won’t stop, you may have fewer of them. Your HCP will provide a follow-up plan for these appointments, along with tests to keep an eye on your condition. Make sure to stick to this schedule. 

If you neglected other routine health visits during cancer treatment, now is a good time to take care of them. Check in with your dentist, eye specialist, and primary care provider.

Mistake #2: Avoiding maintenance therapy

In many cases—and particularly with a partial remission—HCPs will prescribe medication for maintenance therapy. This is intended to stop cancer from returning or progressing. 

As with any cancer treatment, there can be side effects, although they should be less severe with maintenance therapy since it’s prescribed at a lower dosage. Alert your HCP if the medication affects your quality of life, as adjustments may be possible. Don’t stop taking it on your own, since it helps you maintain your remission. Speak with an HCP first, always.

Mistake #3: Neglecting your emotional health

Often, as the pace of cancer treatment slows or stops, feelings of depression, stress, and extreme anxiety can follow. Don’t neglect your emotional health or dismiss strong emotions as being unwarranted. Watch carefully for signs of depression, such as prolonged sadness, sleepless nights, and changes in appetite, and consider seeing a counselor if they don’t fade or go away over time.

Mistake #4: Overlooking self-care and general wellness tips  

It’s important for people in remission from multiple myeloma to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Look to:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Make exercise part of your daily routine.
• Avoid tobacco.

Maintaining these habits is good for your all-around well-being and could help extend your remission.