Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the cells in your blood. While it is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplantation, exercise may prove to be beneficial when used in conjunction with traditional treatment. Exercise can help improve both your mental and physical condition, even when performed during treatment regimens. See your doctor first before beginning an exercise routine to determine if exercise is appropriate for you.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in your body called plasma cells. Plasma cells are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found inside your bones. These cells function to help your immune system fight infections. Multiple myeloma causes these cells to grow uncontrollably, which can cause damage to your bones, as well as make you more susceptible to infections. Patient with multiple myeloma typically experience bone pain, bone fractures, recurrent infections, fatigue, weakness and weight loss.
Benefits
Exercise can be very beneficial for individuals with multiple myeloma. Exercise may increase your energy, range of motion, balance and quality of life. It may also help decrease anxiety, stress and depression. Strength training, in particular, increases muscle mass, which helps to increase bone strength, decrease bone pain and decrease the risk of fractures and falls, according to the Seattle Cancer Alliance.
Studies
A study by Elizabeth Ann Coleman, PhD, RNP, AOCN, and colleagues published in 2003 in "Cancer Nursing" found that multiple myeloma patients who did both strength training and aerobic exercise had a higher lean body mass, fewer sleep disturbances, better mood and less fatigue than patients who did not exercise. The study followed 24 patients with multiple myeloma who were on high dose chemotherapy and had received a stem cell transplant.
Recommendation
Strength training should be done every other day, but no more than three times a week, recommends the Orlando Health System. Start with 1- or 2-lb. weights and then slowly increase the weight up to 5 lbs. Do not lift more than 5 lbs., unless under the supervision of a physical therapist or trainer, as this could cause damage to your bones. Before beginning any exercise, you should warm up for several minutes and then stretch. This will relax tight muscles and prevent injury. Try to hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.
Tips
The Orlando Health System recommends that you work with a personal trainer or physical therapist who has been trained to work with individuals with multiple myeloma. They can help design a specific work-out routine for you and help you perform the exercises using correct form.
Warning
If you feel short of breath, dizzy, nauseous, very fatigued or a sharp pain in your bones during exercise, decrease the intensity or stop the exercise. If you experience these symptoms for longer than one day, contact your doctor immediately.
