Finding Support Through the Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Journey

In this segment, Elizabeth Bohannon reflects on the challenges of living with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma over the long term and emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community. She describes how connecting with other people living with myeloma through creative programs and peer networks gave her opportunities to share experiences, be vulnerable, and feel understood in ways that can be difficult with friends and family who have not experienced the disease. Elizabeth also discusses the importance of taking an active role in her care by conducting her own research, asking questions, and viewing herself as a partner in treatment decisions. She encourages patients to seek information, communicate openly with their healthcare teams, and build support systems that can help them navigate the uncertainty of a disease that may require ongoing treatment. Samantha Shenoy, NP, reinforces the value of peer support groups and virtual resources for helping patients connect with others throughout the relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma journey.