Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of multiple myeloma. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Case Management

Learn more about how CancerCare Case Management can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Online

• Blood Cancers Patient Support Group
• Multiple Myeloma Patient Support Group

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Upcoming Workshops

Multiple Myeloma

• Adjusting to Your Blood Cancer Treatment Over Time: Challenges and Opportunities of Taking Your Treatment on Schedule, Mar 30, 2021

General Topics

• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Mar 15, 2021
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 31, 2021
• Update on Clinical Trials: How They Work, Apr 7, 2021

Podcasts

Multiple Myeloma

• Updates from the 2020 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 10, 2020
• For Caregivers: Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Multiple Myeloma, Nov 12, 2020
• Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Multiple Myeloma, Jun 25, 2020
• Progress in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma, Jun 11, 2020
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Apr 30, 2020
• Taking Your Blood Cancer Treatment on Schedule, Mar 24, 2020
• Updates from the 2019 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 19, 2019
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Oct 17, 2019
• Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Multiple Myeloma, May 23, 2019
• Progress in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma, Apr 25, 2019
• Updates from the 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 6, 2018
• Worldwide Clinical Trials for Blood Cancers, Jun 19, 2018
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Jun 14, 2018
• Progress in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma, Apr 19, 2018
• Updates from the 2017 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Mar 15, 2018
• Life With Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Mar 1, 2018
• Transplantation as a Treatment Option for Multiple Myeloma, Jun 8, 2017
• Transplantation as a Treatment Option for Blood Cancers, Jun 28, 2016
• Managing Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects of Multiple Myeloma, May 26, 2016
• Coping with the Stresses of Caregiving When Your Loved One Has Multiple Myeloma, Apr 28, 2016

General Topics

• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• What We Now Know about COVID-19: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer, Nov 16, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 22, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• The New Coronavirus (COVID-19): Emerging Guidelines for People Living & Coping with Cancer, Jun 15, 2020
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, May 6, 2020
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Apr 29, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• The New Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Guidelines for People Coping with Cancer, Apr 20, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 14, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• The New Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidelines for People Coping with Cancer, Mar 30, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• New Perspectives in Clinical Trial Research, Mar 20, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Mar 2, 2020
• Taking Your Treatment on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, Feb 26, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Jun 19, 2019
• New Trends in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 18, 2019
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 17, 2019
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Jun 12, 2019
• Update on Clinical Trials: How They Work, Jun 10, 2019
• Cancer and the Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, May 29, 2019
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, May 22, 2019
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, May 15, 2019
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Apr 17, 2019
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 15, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Treating Cancer, Apr 3, 2019
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Mar 19, 2019
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Dec 13, 2018
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Dec 11, 2018
• Genomics and the Future of Cancer Treatment, Oct 15, 2018
• Genomics and Genetics: What is the Difference?, Jun 25, 2018
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Jun 19, 2018
• What Are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatments: Current and Future Perspectives, May 24, 2018
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, May 2, 2018
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Apr 25, 2018
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, Apr 18, 2018
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Apr 16, 2018
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Feb 26, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• What Are Generic Drugs: Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment, Jun 29, 2017
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 14, 2017
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: The Importance of Adherence in the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 14, 2017
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Jun 7, 2017
• Cancer and the Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, May 24, 2017
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, May 22, 2017
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, May 3, 2017
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Mar 15, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Understanding the Role of Immunotherapy in Treating Cancer, Mar 8, 2017
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Mar 6, 2017
• What Are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Feb 1, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment, Jun 29, 2016
• Managing the Costs of Living with Cancer, Jun 8, 2016
• Advances in Treating Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, May 23, 2016
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, Feb 10, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• Cancer and the Workplace: Knowing Your Legal Rights, Dec 10, 2015
• What’s New in Managing Blood Clots During Cancer Treatments, Oct 30, 2015
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Jul 14, 2015
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, May 6, 2015
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Managing the Costs of Living with Cancer, Feb 4, 2015
• For Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope, Nov 14, 2014
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia: Low White Blood Cell Counts, Feb 21, 2014
• Cancer and the Workplace, Feb 6, 2014
• Advances in Treating Chemotherapy-Related Nausea and Vomiting, Jan 24, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Helping Cancer Patients and Their Families Cope with the Stresses of Caregiving, Dec 6, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope, Jun 29, 2012
• Changing Roles and Responsibilities for Caregivers, Jun 19, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Understanding the Important Role of Adherence in the Medical Management of Cancer, Sep 21, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Money Matters: Finding Resources to Manage Cancer Treatment Costs, Jun 22, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Survivorship and Workplace Transitions, Jun 22, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Medical Emergencies in Cancer Treatment, Apr 1, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Neuropathy and Joint Aches: New Post Treatment Challenges, Apr 17, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Multiple Myeloma

• Caregiving for a Loved One with Multiple MyelomaNew!
• After a Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• Bone Marrow Transplantation as a Treatment Option: What You Need to Know
• Latest News in Blood Cancer Research: Highlights From the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology
• Multiple Myeloma: Finding Resources and Support
• Multiple Myeloma: Making the Most of Your Medical Appointments
• Treatment Update: Blood Cancers
• Treatment Update: Multiple Myeloma

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You Live
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Multiple Myeloma

• Q.

  I am 66 years old, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 2005, and have been in remission for 40 months on Velcade infusion maintenance. I've had tendinitis and bursitis developing over the past 6 months, and increasing 4 weeks ago. The problem is that the oncologist is saying the bursitis and tendinitis, is unrelated to that lesion or the multiple myeloma, or the drug. Pain is still leaving me incapacitated despite cortisone injections last week. I see my doctor in 2 weeks, who is letting the local oncologist manage the case until then. This is causing a lot of anxiety with my wife (my caregiver) and decisions about work and finances. There does appear to be much available info that I can find, and my "care team" is not regularly providing anything other than analgesics.

  A.

  It sounds like you have been faced with a lot of uncertainty and confusion since the development of your bursitis and tendonitis. Compounded with the overall uncertainty of cancer, this can undoubtedly be unnerving.

  Pain can often become so severe that it impacts your daily routine, and can interfere with work and family life. Having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, it is understandable that you may correlate this pain with your diagnosis, as one of the most common symptoms of multiple myeloma is bone pain. However, as your medical team has indicated, the pain may be unrelated.

  It is understandable that you are feeling frustrated by the lack of explanation and the inability to determine a cause for your pain. This frustration can even overshadow the positive news of your stable test results. As this pain is continuing to impact your daily life, ask your doctor for a referral to a pain management specialist who can work closely with you to help you find relief.

  More information can be found in our publications, Managing Cancer Pain and Opening the Door to Effective Pain Management: Getting the Facts and Getting Help.

  More information on locating a pain specialist can be found at www.americanpainsociety.org.

  Answered by
  Shirley Goldman, MSW, LCSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:multiple myeloma

• Q.

  My sister has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and I'd like to share info and services that might be helpful to her. Could you please give me recommendations?

  A.

  Learning about a new diagnosis can be extremely difficult and overwhelming both for the patient as well as loved ones. Gathering information and resources is certainly an important step. Beginning to form a foundation of knowledge can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety.

  Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in white blood cells called plasma cells. Over time these abnormal plasma cells may collect in the bone marrow and bones. While some individuals may not experience any symptoms, some common symptoms of multiple myeloma may include bone pain or broken bones, fatigue and infection. Doctors often do a bone marrow biopsy to determine the staging of the cancer which can range from smoldering (asymptomatic) to stage three. Learning the stage of the disease can help doctors determine the best treatment plan. It is important to ask questions and have open communication with your treatment team in order to better understand treatment choices, expected results and any possible side effects. More information can be found in our booklet, Communicating With Your Health Care Team.

  Coping with a new diagnosis can also be emotionally challenging for both the patient and loved ones. CancerCare offers a number of free support services including individual counseling and telephone and online support groups for anyone that has been affected by cancer. For more information, you may speak with one of our oncology social workers by calling 800-813-HOPE (4673), or visit the multiple myeloma section of our website.

  As cancer treatments may also impose financial burdens, many organizations also have financial assistance programs. The following organizations may offer co-payment assistance: Good Days, Patient Advocate Foundation and Patient Access Network. Funding may change, so please check each organization’s website for up-to-date financial assistance information.

  Additional resources include International Myeloma Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

  Answered by
  Shirley Goldman, MSW, LCSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:multiple myeloma

• Q.

  My father has multiple myeloma and it is disheartening to see to him lose weight. He is 74 years old and I wish I could do much more for his pain. Can you recommend nutritional and pain resources?

  A.

  Caring for a loved one with cancer can be difficult. It is admirable and not uncommon to want to ease your loved ones pain. As physical changes occur, it can be especially overwhelming and may bring up feelings of helplessness. Reaching out and gathering information as you have done is an important and helpful step.

  Many patients do experience changes in weight, including weight loss. These changes are common and can be caused by a number of factors including poor appetite, fatigue or treatment side effects. It is important to talk with your father’s medical team so that the weight loss may be evaluated. You can also request a referral to meet with a dietician who can work closely with your father to maintain a healthy weight. The following CancerCare fact sheets offer additional information on nutrition: Coping With Caner-Related Weight Changes and Muscle Loss and Tips for Managing Nausea and Increasing Appetite During Cancer Treatment. More information on locating an oncology dietician can be found at www.oncologynutrition.org.

  Bone pain is another common side effect of multiple myeloma. Again, communicating with your father’s medical team will be an essential component to managing his pain. Remember, your father is the expert in what he is feeling; informing his doctors about the severity, location, and type of pain he is experiencing can help determine an appropriate approach to pain relief or reduction. Doctors may recommend managing bone pain by: wearing a brace, having radiation therapy or taking pain medications. If pain persists he may also consider consulting with a pain specialist. To locate a pain specialist, you may visit www.americanpainsociety.org.

  More information on pain can be found in our publication Managing Cancer Pain. View all of CancerCare’s pain-related resources.

  Answered by
  Shirley Goldman, MSW, LCSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:multiple myeloma

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.