Can you work with RRMM? Here’s what you should know.
Fact-checked by A diagnosis of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is a life-altering event that ripples through your physical health, mental well-being, and financial security. Beyond the clinical shift, this diagnosis often forces a re-evaluation of your daily rhythm, from managing fluctuating energy levels to navigating the complexities of staying employed.
Many patients face the immediate challenge of balancing intensive treatment schedules with professional demands and persistent fatigue. By understanding your rights, your body’s limits, and your workplace options, you can gain the clarity needed to make informed decisions about working with RRMM.
Can people with RRMM continue working?
Deciding whether to stay in the workforce after a diagnosis is a deeply personal choice. For many, working with RRMM offers a vital sense of purpose, a way to fulfill long-held ambitions, or essential financial stability. Conversely, others may find that the physical and emotional demands of the condition make continuing a career feel overwhelming.
The decision to continue working involves weighing your professional goals against the physical and financial realities of the condition. These include:
- the type of work you do
- the flexibility of your work schedule
- RRMM treatment schedules
- side effects of treatment
- financial needs
- insurance coverage
If you want to continue to work, talk to your employer about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Together, you can formulate a flexible work plan that balances work and cancer treatment while also acknowledging that disease progression and treatment needs may require adjustments to your work schedule or temporary breaks.
Symptoms and side effects that may impact work
RRMM treatment usually includes a combination of medications. Some medications may be given orally, while others are administered by injection or infusion in a medical clinic. For clinic visits, you may need to take some time off from work or schedule appointments late in the day.
It’s also important to consider your RRMM treatment side effects at work, as some medications may make it hard to concentrate or make you feel unwell. For example, several multiple myeloma treatments can cause gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects can be inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing, making it difficult to continue your regular work schedule.
Fatigue is another common side effect of RRMM therapy. For some, there are ways to cope with fatigue at work, but for others, fatigue can be severe or persistent, making it hard to complete even the simplest of tasks.
Workplace accommodations and support
Talking to your employer about cancer can be intimidating, but it is necessary to discuss what kind of support you need while you undergo treatment. Be honest about your situation, as managing appointments and treatments will likely impact your regular work schedule.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. employers are required to provide reasonable workplace accommodations for cancer. With this in mind, think about what kind of accommodations you might need, such as a flexible schedule, remote work, or different responsibilities, before you meet with your employer.
Balancing work and health
If you’re concerned about how to balance RRMM and employment, you’re not alone. Learning to juggle work commitments with cancer treatment can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can successfully balance work and your health.
Some strategies that can help:
- Maintain open, proactive communication: You don’t have to discuss every detail of your treatment plan, but letting your employer know how your treatment may affect your work schedule or normal responsibilities will be helpful.
- Utilize workplace accommodations: Once you and your employer discuss what kind of accommodations you will need, don’t hesitate to use them. Your health is your most important priority right now.
- Prioritize your job responsibilities: There might be days when your energy is low, making it hard to be productive. Making a to-do list and prioritizing your tasks can help you focus on what is most important.
- Schedule treatments strategically: If you’re able, schedule your treatments on Fridays so you can rest and recover over the weekend.
Ultimately, continuing to work after an RRMM diagnosis is a personal decision, shaped by your health, treatment plan, and individual priorities. While it may present challenges, many people successfully balance employment with treatment by utilizing workplace accommodations, planning strategically, and prioritizing their well-being.
Rare Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
