Support Systems and Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach

EP: 1.Introduction and Overview of Multiple Myeloma

EP: 2.Evaluation and Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma

EP: 3.Role of the Care Partner

EP: 4.Patient Perspective: Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma

EP: 5.Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

EP: 6.Treatment Initiation and Supportive Care Processes

EP: 7.Patient Perspective: Navigating Multiple Myeloma Treatment

EP: 8.Adverse Event Management and Treatment Response Assessment

EP: 9.Patient Perspective: Adverse Events and Tolerability

Now Viewing

EP: 10.Support Systems and Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach

City of Hope offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to support patients through their myeloma journey. Beyond the core medical team, patients benefit from pharmacists who provide detailed medication guidance and social workers who offer emotional and practical support to both patients and their families. Palliative care specialists are also available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life throughout treatment. Additionally, consultants such as cardiologists and infectious disease experts collaborate with the primary team to address specific health concerns, ensuring that complex issues like blood pressure control or infections are expertly managed. This team-based approach allows patients to receive coordinated care tailored to their unique needs.

One example of multidisciplinary care in action is managing adverse effects of specific myeloma drugs. For instance, some treatments can cause high blood pressure, requiring collaboration with cardiology to safely continue therapy. Similarly, neuropathy—nerve pain or numbness—can be a significant challenge for many patients. Palliative care and integrative medicine at City of Hope offer complementary therapies like acupuncture, tai chi, and mindfulness practices to help relieve these symptoms. These approaches work alongside conventional treatments to address both the physical and emotional aspects of living with myeloma, providing a holistic model of care.

Support groups play a vital role in helping patients and caregivers cope over the long term. Many find that emotional and social challenges become more pronounced years into their treatment, as they begin to process the impact of their diagnosis. These groups foster connection and encouragement by bringing together newly diagnosed patients and those who have been living with myeloma for many years. Sharing experiences creates a hopeful community where people can learn from one another and find strength in knowing they are not alone. This combination of expert medical care and strong psychosocial support is a hallmark of the patient experience at City of Hope.