Maintaining Quality of Life During Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Treatment

In this segment, Elizabeth Bohannon discusses practical strategies that helped her manage treatment-related challenges and maintain quality of life during her relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma journey. She describes her experience managing persistent diarrhea and explains how, in her case, a prescription treatment ultimately helped reduce symptoms and allowed her to resume a more normal routine. Elizabeth also reflects on the emotional impact of appearing well despite experiencing significant effects of cancer and treatment, including comments from others who assumed that looking well-meant she was in remission. She describes finding support through connections with other people living with myeloma and through a writing group where she could express her experience without feeling pressured to remain positive. Elizabeth also emphasizes the importance of staying physically active as tolerated and maintaining connections with others. Samantha Shenoy, NP, reinforces the importance of discussing limitations with the healthcare team and considering supportive services such as physical therapy when appropriate.