New Year, New Outlook in Handling Your Myeloma

We're still at the beginning of a New Year. Are you ready to continue the fight in this long battle? Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or still hanging on after years of your diagnosis, there’s work to do.  What I’ve found with any kind of chronic situation is that there are those who strive through the storm and those that give up. If you want to change you’re outlook in handling your myeloma this year, then read on. As we settle into 2018, take these positive steps in continuing your fight… If it’s Broke, Then Fix It Many people I’ve spoken with over the years have expressed very different experiences, some good and some bad. Take charge of your experience! This is your life and you need the right tools to move forward. If experience with your team has been negative, then this is the year to make changes. If you need better care, you have the opportunity to make sure you have a myeloma specialist on your team. (https://www.myelomacrowd.org/myeloma-directory/). If your progress is stagnant or your options are not working, discuss how to effectively move forward. Teamwork Fighting myeloma is a team commitment, so if you have negative people on your team, this is the year to bid them adieu! Whether it’s your oncologist, nurses, home support, if you’re not getting what you need to move forward in battling this disease, then something has to change.  I know that’s easily said than done for negative caretakers, especially if they’re family. Sometimes our family team can be overwhelmed with it all, so perhaps look at other options and arrangements to lessen the load. My Lifeline Support Groups If you’ve been going through this process for some time, or freshly new then perhaps a support group would help. Sometimes just hearing other people discuss their strides in making it through is what you need to move positively. Joining the Myeloma Patient and Myeloma Family/Caregiver Facebook groups or  Patients Like Me are great resources with just a click of a button. Reaching out to myeloma organizations is helpful if you want the closest support group in your area, for face to face support. Positive Space I truly believe when you change your thinking about situations it can change your mental happiness. We can’t always be in a slump, multiple myeloma is awful, harsh and sad, but life for you has to go on. Live life to the fullest, as if like your life depended on it… and it does! Fitness Mind and Body As I built my fitness business, I find exercising has helped me, and is the key in moving forward with chronic diseases. Myeloma harshly affects the bones, you have to do something about the tightness of those joints, and light exercises does wonders. As for any fitness workout, you should always get a doctor to sign off to make sure it’s an appropriate addition to your treatment. Simply walking or taking on breathing exercises, or yoga can do wonders to break the slump in fighting myeloma. Let this be the best year in changing your frame of mind in how you want to move forward with myeloma. You have the keys in your hand in what door you want to open in making needed changes for 2018. Oftentimes you may be overwhelmed by it all, but may the above tips bring a light to a dark tunnel.