Do you exercise daily while in multiple myeloma treatment?

Just a side note: I am in the pool three times a week doing exercises suggested by an aqua therapist. I had a MM tumor removed and much of my right hip replaced a year ago. It helps a lot. Used to hit the gym for weights/walking prior to surgery, hoping to get back in there this summer.
Judd

I have high risk SMM and on the 2-mo blood work plan; I will start I-VRD treatment if/when I reach a threshold. I'm working on getting in the best shape I can before treatment. If weights/resistance and other exercise is new to someone, getting a personal trainer/therapist can help prevent injury while new to or ramping up workouts. With I-VRD treatment one can lose some muscle mass because the CD38 protein that is targeted by "I" is concentrated on myeloma cells can also be on muscle and nerve cells. I'm hoping bulking up before will keep me strong enough to be able to stay in shape once treatment starts. I'm 72 and used to bike a lot, now more walking.

Popping into the conversation to offer a Welcome to both @okiebon and @mumyrh2025. This was a good question regarding exercising while undergoing treatments for MM. And actually we can expand on that to include chemo for other cancers.
@kayabbott, you’re definitely onto something with wanting to get in good shape before starting your treatment. From my own experience with developing an aggressive blood cancer 7 years ago, my doctors have attributed much of my success and recovery for having kept physically active before, during and after chemo. Besides working with stretch bands at the time (easier than bringing kettle balls to the hosptial) of my chemo, I never stopped my daily walking, even when in-patient for weeks at a time. During the chemo drip, I’d push my IV cart around the bed tower. 8 laps equaled a mile. I did that 4 times during the day for a total of 4 miles. Admittedly there were days when it was a struggle to get out of bed. But it felt good to be moving. And I’d stick my head in other rooms to coax my ‘chemo buddies’ to form a parade! LOL The nurses loved it!

Anyway, for exercise, do what you can and also listen to your body. If it’s calling for rest, heed the call! Rest is vital during treatment for cell recovery.

But the value in exercising, walking, weight lifting, swimming, etc., whatever you can during treatment, has been shown to dramatically aid in recovery with increased blood flow, avoiding muscle and bone atrophy, helps to manage side effects, and a more positive mental attitude.

Here are a few articles.
-This from the National foundation for cancer research:
https://www.nfcr.org/blog/exercise-during-and-after-cancer-treatment-building-strength-for-healing/
-Cancer.org https://www.cancer.org/cancer/supportive-care/nutrition-activity-with-cancer/physical-activity-when-you-have-cancer.html

The only concern I have for working out at a gym would be exposure to other people and bacteria on equipment. So if you’re mindful to workout when there are fewer people and make sure equipment has been wiped down that would be ideal. I know it can be challenging to work out wearing a mask but that is also another good way to avoid any airborne illnesses at the gym. With having a blood cancer/condition, our immune systems are already compromised. Then adding the burden of cancer treatments can reduce our immunity even further. So that’s why it’s important to take precautions to avoid exposure.

Good question though! I hope other members drop into the discussion. What did you find most helpful with exercising during chemo?

Rest and avoiding stress are important to health and healing. There is some evidence that exercise during and following chemo can help healing and boosting the immune response. Always check with doctor(s) of course.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6523821/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37793350/
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/exercise-during-cancer-treatment.h00-159781179.html

@kayabbott
I’m 66, high-risk SMM and in my 6th week of Darzalex treatment, which is going well (no side effects except mild tiredness for a day after they stopped steroid prep). As soon as I got my diagnosis in 9/25, I have upped my Pilates routine. I use a resistance chord and throw in a few bits of yoga. Like you, I really feel getting my body in the best shape I can (within reason as I can be very lazy!) can only help it deal with things. Instead of three times a week, I’ve upped Pilates to 5-6 days a week. I do it at home (started 15 years ago with a DVD; not one for gyms), followed by guided meditation (which I never would have thought to get into). It’s a great help in feeling positive and that I am doing what I can to help my body and head. Thanks for sharing and good luck everyone finding a self-care routine that works for you.

@hlwd7
What guided meditation do you recommend?

I found Calm (the app) and Jeff Warren a good fit. There are several others in the app who do guided meditation. I know it (using an app) may sound hokey, but I have found Warren’s short guided meditations ideal for me as a beginner. Good luck finding someone with whom you click.

I am 64 and diagnosed with MM just over 1 year ago with metastasis to my spine. During my quad treatment, I walked an average of 3.5 miles several days /week, did lots of yard work, strengthening with weights less than 10#, and performed body weight exercises 3x/week. I did all my workouts at home. During stem cell transplant and the initial recovery period afterwards, I walked (sometimes indoors depending on the weather during the winter) and performed the leg and squat exercises the program allowed me to do. No weights until about 2 mos post SCT, but I was snow shoeing a couple of times / week at about 2 months post SCT. Working out at the gym may be higher risk due to the potential for germs/bacteria, though wearing gloves and cleaning the weights/ equipment would be recommended. I believe that I recovered more quickly because I exercised and stayed active. I had few side effects from the quad treatment and monitored fatigue. Good luck.

post transplant

@3sew1
Thx! I just finished first quad treatment on Thursday 4/23 and am just now feeling more steady. Likely the steroids? How soon were you able to get going?