Deciding whether to work during treatment for multiple myeloma is a personal choice, with many factors to consider. Some people keep working full-time while others reduce their hours or switch to part-time. Others retire early or apply for disability benefits.

Factors that may influence your decision or ability to work include:

• Your physical health
• The type of job you have
• Your financial needs
• Treatment side effects
• Access to insurance

This article will help you understand what to consider when deciding to work when living with multiple myeloma and what resources you may have.

What Are Your Options for Working With Multiple Myeloma?

Work decisions vary for people with multiple myeloma. It often depends on the type of myeloma symptoms you experience. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. An oncologist (cancer specialist), hematologist (blood disorder specialist), or another healthcare professional can help you decide what’s best for you.

Many MyMyelomaTeam members share that they had to stop working due to symptoms like bone pain and fatigue. One member shared, “I had to retire early. I physically could not do my job.” Another said, “I had to retire when I was diagnosed. I had two surgeries at the time and just couldn’t work.”

Others continue working because of financial or insurance needs. One member said, “I don’t have a spouse, so I need to work. It is a challenge every day.” Another added, “My whole body hurts so bad, but I just push myself.”

Some members go on short-term or long-term disability. One member shared, “I was able to work at first but took time off for my third round of chemo. Then, I went on short-term disability for six months during my stem cell transplant recovery.” This member went on long-term disability two years after undergoing cervical spine surgery.

Changing jobs, reducing hours, or adjusting your schedule are also good options. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), employers in the U.S. are required to provide reasonable accommodations for people with cancer. This may include time off for medical appointments, blood tests, or treatments, as well as temporary adjustments to your work schedule.

Does Multiple Myeloma Qualify for Disability?

You may wonder, “Is multiple myeloma a disability?” The answer is that you may qualify for disability benefits if you have multiple myeloma, but it isn’t guaranteed.

There are different types of disability you might be eligible for. Your employer may offer short-term or long-term disability insurance. To learn more, talk to your supervisor or human resources (HR) department.

Short-term disability usually pays you a certain portion of your salary if you can’t work for a few weeks or months. Long-term disability does the same if you can’t return to work when the short-term period ends.

If your employer doesn’t offer disability insurance or you don’t qualify, you can apply for federal disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI is for people who have paid into Social Security through their paychecks and have a qualifying disability. You can apply for SSDI online.

SSI is for people with limited income who haven’t been able to work for at least a year due to a medical condition. You can also apply for SSI online.

Other Employer-Sponsored Benefits for Multiple Myeloma

You may also qualify for time off from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off work for medical reasons, either for yourself or a family member. Your job is protected while you’re on FMLA.

To qualify for FMLA leave for multiple myeloma, you’ll need to:

• Prove that you have a qualifying medical condition
• Work for an employer with more than 50 employees
• Have been with the employer for at least a year
• Have worked for at least 1,250 hours in the past year

One benefit of FMLA is its flexibility. You can take all your leave at once, spread it out over time, reduce your work, or adjust your schedule.

If you’re interested in FMLA, talk to your company’s HR department. They can help you apply and get the leave you need.

Additionally, some states have their own laws that provide paid or partially paid time off for similar situations.

Tips for Continuing To Work With Multiple Myeloma

If you decide to keep working with multiple myeloma, self-care is key to maintaining your quality of life. Here are some tips to help you manage.

Set Boundaries

You don’t have to share details about your health with your coworkers unless you want to. If you’re comfortable telling them about your multiple myeloma, let them know how they can support you.

Make a Plan To Manage Treatment Side Effects

Cancer treatment options can cause side effects that make work challenging. They can make it hard to remember meetings, focus on tasks, or meet deadlines. Coming up with a plan and making sure to write everything down can help you stay on track, even when you don’t feel great.

At work, take breaks often and ask your caregivers to help you remember medications or items like ergonomic seat cushions to work with you. Talk to your oncology team about managing side effects. They may have solutions to help.

Seek Outside Support

If you’re struggling to balance work and treatment, consider getting outside help. Therapists who specialize in cancer care and support groups for people with multiple myeloma can offer emotional support and practical advice. Others in similar situations may share strategies you haven’t thought of yet.

Lower Your Stress

Cancer can make work more challenging, and you may feel less productive at times — and that’s OK. Prioritizing your well-being might mean taking an extra day off after myeloma treatment if you’re not feeling well or adjusting your schedule to work when you have the most energy.

This can help you stay on track with your treatment plan and avoid burnout at work. If needed, talk to your healthcare team about adjusting your treatment schedule. For example, scheduling treatments later in the day might help reduce tiredness during work hours.

What Happens if You Lose Your Insurance?

Some people with multiple myeloma worry about stopping work because they might lose the insurance coverage they need for their cancer treatment. However, other options may be available.

These include:

• COBRA coverage — Allows you to keep your current insurance after leaving a job, though you must pay the premiums yourself
• Medicaid — Provides state-sponsored coverage based on income; eligibility and benefits vary by state
• Medicare — Offers federal health insurance for people over 65 or those who qualify due to disability
• State Health Insurance Marketplace — Lets you buy insurance plans if you’re unemployed
• Other group coverage — Enrollment in a spouse’s or family member’s employer-sponsored plan, if that’s an option

If you have questions about working while living with multiple myeloma, speak with your cancer care team. They can make referrals to other professionals, such as social workers or occupational therapists, who can give you advice on making your job easier while managing your condition.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMyelomaTeam is the social network for people with myeloma and their loved ones. More than 28,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myeloma.

What did you decide to do about work after your multiple myeloma diagnosis? What advice would you give others? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.