Myeloma Care Partner Strategies: Self-Care and Support Systems

Care partners for multiple myeloma patients emphasize that managing their own mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable care. Key strategies include taking things one day at a time, seeking knowledge as power through research and tracking health data, and actively leaning on a support system. This network includes other myeloma care partners in dedicated support groups, family members who share the care partner role, and trusted friends. Panelists highlight that the emotional and logistical challenges are most intense at diagnosis, relapse, or during procedures like a stem cell transplant. During these overwhelming periods, resources like the IMF (International Myeloma Foundation) and organizations offering coaching become critical. The unanimous advice is clear: care partners must prioritize self-care and proactively build a community to avoid suffering in silence, ensuring they have the resilience needed for the long-term journey of supporting a loved one with this complex blood cancer