BUILDING YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK
A support network is a group of people who can assist during times of need. A support network is helpful whether or not you have a single go-to care partner.
Who can benefit
Everyone can benefit. Developing a support network lessens the burden on any one individual. Research* shows that social support is “protective.” People with a more robust support network tend to have better health and a lower risk of premature death.
How to begin
1. Identify your social network. Family members, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and other people you know through shared interests (e.g., work, worship, hobbies, volunteering, or support groups). Include people regardless of location, as they may be able to help from a distance or travel to be with you.
2. Make a list of your support needs. What kind of support do you need? A listening ear, a ride to a medical appointment, or help with activities of daily living (e.g., cooking, laundry, yard work)?
Do you need extra help during a stem cell transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, or bispecific antibody therapy?
Ask family members to discuss the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla with their employer if you need them to assist you. Triage Cancer® triagecancer.org is a non-profit organization that helps with work, insurance, and legal issues.
3. Consider professional services. Counseling, nutrition, laundry, yard work, or grocery delivery services may be helpful. Check with your insurance or Medicare plan to understand your coverage for professional services. Check with the pharmaceutical company that makes your therapy, as many have patient assistance programs. Reach out to local schools, scouts, and churches – kids looking for volunteer hours may be able to assist you.
4. Match your needs with support. Consider which of the people in your support network can help you with a specific task that matches their skill set and availability. Can someone help you coordinate your support network and ask for help on your behalf? Technology tools such as Caring Bridge® caringbridge.org can help coordinate assistance on your terms and Meal Train™ mealtrain.com can help organize meals.
5. Myeloma is a marathon, not a sprint. You can grow your support network.
Find or start a support group in your area myeloma.org/support-groups.
If you don’t have a primary care partner, check out the IMF’s “Solo & Strong” support group myeloma.org/solo-and-strong.
Rekindle relationships by taking the initiative to reach out.
Build new relationships through activities like volunteering, worship, hobbies, etc.
Strong relationships involve give and take. Consider how you can give back to the people in your support network.
Use the QR code below or visit carepartners.myeloma.org for more information.
As always, the IMF urges you to discuss all medical issues with your doctor, to visit myeloma.org for more information, to contact the IMF InfoLine with your myeloma-related questions and concerns at infoline@myeloma.org, and to contact the IMF support group team at sgteam@myeloma.org.
* Pinquarta, M. & Dubersteinb, P. (2010) Associations of social networks with cancer mortality: A meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 75(2): 122–137.