Part IV: Taking Care of Yourself
Given myeloma’s exclusive interest in the immune system, it is my opinion that those of us living with this disease need to be very vigilant about coming into contact with germs we can otherwise avoid.
Frequent hand-washing, minimal exposure to large, enclosed crowds, and choosing your restaurants carefully all help. And because the immune system is already overworked, healthy eating and sleep habits as well as adequate exercise can reduce immune system triggers, the triggers that release damaged cells. Minimizing stress is also vital because stress increases interleukin 6 levels that stimulate myeloma cell growth.
These simple self-care strategies can provide the best non-medicinal support for an immune system compromised by multiple myeloma.
