Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells found in bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside of bones. People with early stages of the disease may have no symptoms and only need close monitoring from their doctors. For those experiencing symptoms, many treatment options exist. Knowing what you can do to manage your multiple myeloma, as well as what support is available, can help you feel in control and provide relief to yourself and those around you.

Here are some tips for coping with multiple myeloma:

Communicate with your health care team. It’s important to stay in close contact with your health care team—do not hesitate to ask them any questions. It is their role to provide you with the best possible care and support. Write down any questions you think of before appointments. Then, prioritize them so you get the most important ones answered in case there is not enough time to answer them all. More tips for communicating with your health care team can be found on CancerCare’s fact sheet, “Multiple Myeloma: Making the Most of Your Medical Appointments.”

Learn more about multiple myeloma. There are many sources of information available to you. Learning about multiple myeloma and its different treatment options such as stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can help you feel more informed and in control. Your health care team will answer any of your questions and recommend books, brochures, and websites that provide accurate, up-to-date information.

Get help for side effects. Combination treatments including thalidomide (Thalomid), lenalidomide (Revlimid) and bortezomib (Velcade) have proven effective in treating multiple myeloma. They may be prescribed with or without stem cell transplantation. However, these treatments can cause side effects like blood clotting, low blood cell counts and fatigue. Some patients develop peripheral neuropathy, which can cause tingling sensations, weakness, or numbness, typically in the hands and feet. Tell your doctor if you experience any side effect so that it can be treated.

Care for your bones. Multiple myeloma can weaken bones and put them at risk for fractures. Your doctor can prescribe bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (Zometa) or pamidronate disodium (Aredia) to strengthen bones. Light exercise can also help maintain bone strength. Talk to your doctor about the right kind of exercise for you. The Bone and Cancer Foundation (www.boneandcancerfoundation.org) provides more tips on caring for your bones when you have multiple myeloma.

Get help for managing pain. Many people with multiple myeloma experience pain. Talk to your doctor about any pain you feel. He or she may prescribe bisphospohonates, an analgesic such as codeine or morphine, or another prescription medication. Your health care team will create a pain control plan tailored to you. It is best not to take over-the-counter medications without consulting with your doctor.

Keep in touch with your feelings. A cancer diagnosis can make you feel sad or overwhelmed. Many people find writing in a journal helpful to keep track of their feelings. People also express themselves through art, drawing, poetry, or music. Sharing your emotions with people close to you and allowing them to support you can also bring relief. Remember that you are entitled to any emotion you feel. Counseling with an oncology social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist can provide a safe place to explore your feelings and learn coping techniques.

Relax your mind and body. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and maintain inner peace. You might try deep breathing if you feel anxious before medical appointments, for example. Some treatment centers have programs to teach people with cancer and caregivers the basics of relaxation or meditation. Your nurse or oncology social worker may be familiar with these practices, or he or she may be able to refer you to others who can help you learn these techniques.

Seek extra support. Organizations like CancerCare provide support services to help people affected by cancer. Individual counseling can help you learn to better cope with your multiple myeloma, and financial assistance is available to help with costs like childcare, transportation or insurance co-payments. Multiple myeloma support groups connect you with your peers in a safe, supportive environment. An in-depth listing of helpful resources can be found on CancerCare’s fact sheet, “Multiple Myeloma: Finding Resources and Support.”