Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow. This is the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones that makes most of your blood cells. It includes plasma cells, which help your body fight infection.
In multiple myeloma, some plasma cells grow out of control. They crowd out healthy cells in your bone marrow and form clumps called tumors. The name “multiple myeloma” means you have tumors in different bones or more than one area of your body.
As cancer cells build up, they lower the number of healthy blood cells your body needs to stay strong and fight germs.
Causes
Scientists aren’t sure what causes multiple myeloma. It likely starts with abnormal changes in the genes of plasma cells. These white blood cells make antibodies that help your body fight infection. When they change in the wrong way, they can grow too fast and push out healthy cells.
Some people are more likely to get the disease than others. Things that make your odds go up include:
- Age. Most people are 45 or older. More than half are over 65.
- Race. It’s nearly twice as common in Black people as in White people.
- Being male. It's slightly more common in men.
- Being overweight or having obesity. Excess weight might affect immune and inflammatory pathways linked to myeloma.
- Plasma cell disorders. People with conditions like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering myeloma have a higher chance of developing multiple myeloma.
- Radiation or chemical exposure. Long-term exposure to radiation or certain industrial chemicals may slightly increase your risk.
- Family history. Your chances of getting multiple myeloma are higher if your parents or other people in your family have had it.
It’s important to remember that you didn’t do anything to cause multiple myeloma. There’s no sure way to prevent it.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When you first hear “multiple myeloma,” it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. A list of questions can help you stay focused and get the answers you need. You don’t have to ask everything at once. Start with what feels most important right now.
“I encourage people to look at everything and ask questions," says Brandon Blue, MD, a hematologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. "There’s never too much information that you can know about your body.”
Questions to ask early on:
- What type of multiple myeloma do I have?
- Are there clinical trials or new treatments I might qualify for?
- How should I contact you — portal, phone, email?
About your diagnosis:
- What stage is my myeloma? Has it spread?
- How fast is it growing?
- Do I need treatment now, or can we wait and watch?
- Can I talk to a psychologist about managing stress?
- Is there a cure?
About testing and monitoring:
- Which tests do I need to confirm or track my disease?
- How do you know the tests are right?
- How will you update me on my progress?
- How often will I need bloodwork, scans, or bone marrow biopsies?
- What signs and symptoms should I watch for between visits?
- How can I get a second opinion?
About treatment:
- What are my first treatment options?
- How do these treatments work, and what side effects should I expect?
- Will I be able to work or do daily activities during treatment?
- If this plan doesn’t work, what’s next?
- Is a stem cell transplant right for me?
- Are you following the NCCN guidelines? If not, why?
About your care team and clinical trials:
- How many people with myeloma do you treat every year?
- What other specialists should I see?
- What does each member of my care team do?
- Should I join a clinical trial now or later?
- In a clinical trial, will I get active treatment for sure?
About everyday life:
- How will treatment affect my bones, kidneys, or immune system?
- Do I need to change what I eat or how I exercise during treatment?
- What vaccines or infection prevention steps should I take?
About support:
- Where can I find patient navigators, support groups, or financial resources?
- Who will help me manage side effects from treatment?
- Who do I call if I have new symptoms or an emergency?
- How can my family get support too?
Tip: Bring someone with you or record the conversation on your phone if your doctor allows it. Listening later can help you catch details you might’ve missed and make it easier to remember next steps.
Finding Expert Care
Multiple myeloma is rare, and not every blood cancer doctor sees it often. Getting care from a hematologist-oncologist who treats myeloma regularly can make a big difference in your choices and long-term results.
“Probably the easiest thing to do is just ask the doctor how many cases of myeloma that they see per year. Because myeloma is a rare disease, and sometimes there are certain oncologists who see maybe only one to two cases per year,” Blue says.
“People really need to see an expert who’s up to date on the latest options because we’re doing things like CAR T-cell therapy — using the body’s own immune system to fight cancer — and the results have been excellent.”
Try these tips to find a multiple myeloma specialist:
Look for centers of excellence. National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers and hospitals with strong blood cancer programs usually have myeloma specialists on staff. Visit the National Cancer Institute’s “Find a Cancer Center” webpage for more info. Many academic hospitals also serve as referral hubs for rare blood cancers.
Use advocacy group directories. The International Myeloma Foundation, HealthTree Foundation, and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation have tools, patient navigators, and doctor directories that can help you find experienced care.
Ask for referrals or a second opinion. If your local oncologist doesn’t specialize in myeloma, ask them to connect you with someone who does. Co-managing your care with a specialist is common and can help you access the latest treatments or clinical trials.
Consider travel or telehealth. If an expert isn’t nearby, see if you can schedule a one-time visit or virtual consultation. Even one meeting with a specialist is worth it. They can confirm your diagnosis, review your plan, and help guide long-term care with your local doctor.
Tip: Bring your records to every visit, or keep them handy on your phone. Track lab results, medicines, and symptoms. Some people prefer a binder or folder, while others use apps or online portals. Staying organized helps you follow your progress, share updates easily, and ask informed questions.
Taking Care of Yourself
Living with multiple myeloma means more than managing treatments. It also involves finding balance in your physical, mental, and emotional health. You may need to adjust daily routines, track your health more closely, and lean on others for support.
The right habits can help you feel stronger and more in control. Here are some practical tips:
Stay active, but do it safely. Try gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, or pool workouts. Since multiple myeloma can weaken bones, skip heavy lifting or high-impact activities until your doctor says they’re OK.
Support bone and kidney health. Vitamin D, calcium, and certain medications can strengthen bones.
“Because multiple myeloma can affect people’s bones, we always encourage people to focus on bone health,” Blue says.
Staying hydrated helps your kidneys filter waste and handle medications. Try to drink plenty of fluid each day, and follow your doctor’s guidance on diet or supplements.
Speak up about changes. Tell your care team right away if you get new pain, swelling, or other symptoms. Check in before your next appointment. Small problems are less likely to turn into big ones when caught early.
Pace yourself. You may feel great one day and tired the next. Rest when your body asks for it. Instead of rushing things, focus on progress like finishing treatment, rebuilding strength, or learning more about your care.
Find a partner in care. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or fellow patient, having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Connection helps protect your emotional and mental health.
What to Expect
Multiple myeloma is a lifelong illness. The goal is to stay in remission as long as possible. Without a cure, ongoing care is part of life with this disease.
Here’s what to expect along the way:
Treatment happens in phases. Most people take several chemotherapy medicines followed by a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. After that, ongoing therapy helps keep the disease in remission.
Remission doesn’t mean you’re done. Even when the cancer is under control, you’ll keep up with follow-up visits and monitoring. Your care plan may change based on how your body responds or if new treatments become available.
The disease can shift over time. Myeloma may affect different parts of the body at different stages. It often targets the bone marrow, bones, or kidneys. That’s why your care team keeps a close eye on your lab results and scans.
Your schedule may revolve around care. You might have frequent doctor visits, blood draws, and treatment sessions, especially in the early months. Appointments usually spread out over time.
Side effects and symptoms can vary. Fatigue, changes in appetite, and discomfort are common. Your symptoms may come and go or change from week to week.
How Your Condition Might Change Over Time
Multiple myeloma can often be managed for many years through a three-step process:
- Induction. You take multiple medications that target cancer cells.
- Transplant. A stem cell or bone marrow transplant helps clear out any remaining cancer cells.
- Maintenance. Ongoing therapy helps keep any remaining cancer cells from growing.
Even after remission, myeloma can return. It may not show up the same way it did at diagnosis. For example, it might first affect the bones or spine, then later involve the bone marrow or kidneys.
Because the condition can shift, regular follow-up visits (often every one to three months) are important. This helps your care team track any changes and adjust treatment as needed. The goal is to keep the cancer under control and your body as healthy as possible.
Getting Support
Living with a rare disease like multiple myeloma can feel overwhelming at times, but help is out there. Support organizations and advocacy groups can connect you with reliable information, emotional care, and practical help for daily life.
Myeloma-specific groups:
- International Myeloma Foundation
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
Cancer networks and peer support groups:
- American Cancer Society
- Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)
- CancerCare
- Cancer Support Community
- HealthTree Foundation
- Imerman Angels
- MMRF Myeloma Mentors Program
More financial and logistical support:
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CancerCare)
- Patient Advocate Foundation
- Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
- RareCare Patient Assistance Programs (National Organization for Rare Disorders)
Caring for Your Emotional Health
Multiple myeloma affects how you feel day to day. It’s normal to have moments of worry, sadness, or frustration. But you don’t have to go through it by yourself.
Use these tips:
Lean on your support system. Ask someone you trust to be part of your care. They can come to appointments, help you stay organized, or simply listen when you need to talk.
Reach out for professional help. Many cancer centers have counselors, psychologists, or social workers who specialize in cancer care. They can help you manage stress, anxiety, or fear and connect you to helpful resources.
Connect with others who understand. Talk with others who’ve been through something similar. Groups like the International Myeloma Foundation or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation offer peer programs and online communities where you can share experiences and support each other.
Focus on what you can control. Some parts of this journey are unpredictable. But staying informed, following your care plan, and celebrating small wins can help you feel more grounded and hopeful.
Be kind to yourself. Studies show that people with cancer who practice self-compassion have less emotional distress and are more likely to stick with treatment. Take time to rest, acknowledge your effort, and treat yourself with the same care you’d offer a friend.
Information for Caregivers
Caring for someone with multiple myeloma can be rewarding. It can also be draining. Between treatments, appointments, and emotional ups and downs, it’s easy to let your own needs fall away.
Here are some tips to help you stay strong and present:
- Ask family or friends to help with errands, meals, or rides.
- Join a caregiver support group to share or get advice.
- Stay informed, but set limits on how much you research.
- Keep up with routine health checkups.
- Eat well, exercise regularly, and focus on sleep.
- Learn mindfulness and other relaxation techniques.
- Set boundaries and say no when you’re overwhelmed.
- Talk to a counselor or therapist.
Evidence shows that care partners who join support programs, learn coping skills, and maintain their own health report less stress, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and a better quality of life.
You can find caregiver-focused guidance, peer connections, and emotional support through national myeloma and blood cancer groups.
Takeaways
Living with multiple myeloma isn’t easy, but treatment options keep improving. Many people live active, fulfilling lives for years after diagnosis. Until there’s a cure, the goal is to keep the disease in remission for as long as possible.
Specialized care matters. Myeloma experts can connect you to the newest treatments and clinical trials. Even one consultation can help guide your treatment plan.
Daily habits can make a difference. Gentle movement, good nutrition, and hydration can support your bones, kidneys, and overall health. Track your test results and symptoms so you can stay informed and involved in your care.
Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Support groups, counselors, and loved ones can help you manage stress and stay grounded.
And if you’re a caregiver, take time for yourself. Rest, ask for help, and reach out for support when you need it. You’re part of the care team, and your well-being matters, too.
