The Importance of Self-Care for Myeloma Care Partners

Being a multiple myeloma care partner involves significant logistical and emotional challenges. Panelists acknowledge the difficulty in balancing advocacy with respecting the patient’s autonomy, which can sometimes create tension. Key strategies for overcoming these challenges include open communication, often prefacing difficult conversations with statements of love and concern. Embracing a one-day-at-a-time mindset and allowing oneself grace are vital for mental resilience. For physical and emotional self-care, care partners recommend practical tools like a brief meditation, deep breathing, and consistent physical activity (walking, yoga, the gym) to manage stress and maintain personal well-being. A crucial lesson is permitting yourself to take breaks, vacations, or maintain personal routines without guilt, as sustaining your own health is essential for providing effective, long-term support. Recognizing that you cannot “fix” everything, and taking a pause when needed, are hard-won bits of wisdom for the myeloma journey.