Sometimes multiple myeloma patients can’t afford to hire a round-the-clock caretaker to monitor their condition at home. For patients with a wealth of family and friends ready to step in as caregivers, here is a list of some common problems identified by the American Cancer Society for those battling the disease and things caregivers can do if their loved one's condition seems to be worsening at home.
In 2016, there will be an estimated 30,330 new cases of the blood cancer – which is twice as common in African Americans than in whites.
1. Anemia
A condition triggered by low blood hemoglobin.
Friends and family members can prepare balanced meals that include protein, clean the house and do any other activities around the house to keep the patient off their feet.
Meanwhile, look out for worsening tiredness in the patient, chest pains and shortness of breath during activities, pale skin/nail beds/gums, dizziness, weakness, discolored stool and dark brown or bright red vomit.
2. Poor appetite
This is sometimes a side effect of cancer treatment.
Caregivers can take turns giving the patient six to eight small meals and snacks daily – including starchy foods like potatoes and high-protein foods like fish and chicken. If the patient is turned off by the smell of the food, try serving bland foods cold or at room temperature. If that doesn’t help, offer a fruit smoothie or milkshake.
Make sure to call a physician if the patient feels nauseated or couldn’t eat for more than a day. Other things to look for include losing more than five pounds, smelly urine, vomiting for more than 24 hours or uncontrollable pain.
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3. Low blood platelets count
These are the cells that help clot the blood to prevent excessive bleeding.
If a nosebleed occurs, caregivers can help the patient sit up and tilt their head forward. This keeps the blood from dripping down the back of the throat. Put an ice pack on their nose and pinch the nostrils close for about five minutes. Patients should avoid any activity that can lead to injury and anti-inflammatory pain medicines like Motrin and Advil, unless otherwise instructed by a physician.
If the patient has trouble speaking or moving, call a physician.
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4. Mouth sores
Little ulcers and cuts can form in the mouth one to two weeks after chemotherapy.
Caregivers should check the patient’s mouth for red areas or white patches that could become sores. Try offering liquids with a straw to help bypass the sores, or soft foods for easier eating. Another tip is to coat the sores with Anbesol or Orajel before meals to numb them.
Call a physician if the patient has a temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher, or if the sores last more than 48 hours.
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5. Seizures
High fevers, head injury, infections of fluid around the spine and brain, and tumor growth in the spine or brain can cause seizures in cancer patients.
If a seizure happens while the patient is in bed, family and friends could cradle their loved one to keep them from falling to the floor or hitting their head. Loosen any clothing around the patient’s neck and make note of how long the seizure lasts. Don’t try to open the mouth during the seizure or move the patient unless they are in a dangerous area.
Once the seizure is over and the patient is comfortable, call emergency personnel. Make sure someone stays with the patient until the medical team arrives.
6. Stomas
These are new openings in the body for body functions such as breathing, urinating and eating.
When taking care of a someone who had a tracheostomy, clean the tube in their windpipe once a day. Wash your hands carefully before and after handling the trach to prevent the spread of infection. Also, be careful to keep water out of the trach when bathing the patient.
In patients with urostomy or colostomy, gently clean the skin around the opening with warm water and pat dry. Showers or baths can be taken with the pouch on or off. Make sure to empty the pouch when it’s about a third full, and apply pastes to the skin around the opening before putting on the pouch.
