Support for Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a chronic condition that often requires medical management throughout the course of your life. Doctors at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center work with you to arrange ongoing supportive care at the outset of your diagnosis.

Our hematologist–oncologists, radiation oncologists, integrative health specialists, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers are committed to developing an ongoing relationship with you to help manage the condition and whatever needs arise throughout the course of treatment.

Pain Management

Our supportive care team provides ongoing treatment for any pain or discomfort caused by multiple myeloma, including bone pain. Our doctors can also help manage the side effects of medical therapies. Pain management may include the use of other medications or integrative therapies.

Integrative Therapies

Our integrative health services include conventional and nonconventional techniques known to be safe and effective, such as massage therapy, which can help reduce stress, and acupuncture, which may relieve both the pain associated with the cancer and the dry mouth and fatigue caused by radiation.

Psychological and Social Work Support

Support groups and one-on-one counseling sessions with a psycho-oncologist, a healthcare provider trained in addressing the psychological needs of people with cancer, are available to those with multiple myeloma who may be experiencing depression or anxiety. These psychological issues may arise as a result of living with a chronic illness or from treatment, such as stem cell transplantation.

Social workers are also available to help you address the challenges of living with an ongoing health condition and the financial concerns that may arise while receiving long-term medical care.

Managing Weakness and Fatigue

Physical and occupational therapists at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation offer a program of strength and aerobic exercise to address weakness and fatigue caused by multiple myeloma or its treatments. After an evaluation, our doctors can prescribe a rehabilitation program, with the goal of optimizing your independence at home and in the community.

Neuropathy Treatment

Neuropathy may be a side effect of the chemotherapy drugs used to treat multiple myeloma. It causes nerve damage that leads to numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands, feet, arms, legs, or other parts of the body.

Our doctors can prescribe medication to ease this discomfort, and our physical therapists can work with you to help keep it from interfering with your balance and strength or your ability to walk and perform daily activities.

Bone Health

If bones weaken due to multiple myeloma and you experience a leg or arm fracture, doctors at Rusk Rehabilitation can prescribe a rehabilitation program to help you recover the ability to walk and perform daily activities. Medications are also available to treat bone pain associated with the disease.