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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does the fatigue and chemo brain (brain fog) get better?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
El Paso, TX
January 14
 · 
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Short answer is yes, but only after you start reducing the number of MM drugs you’re taking, or the concentration level of MM drugs or completely eliminating these drugs. I found once I was close to complete remission, and went off MM maintenance, symptoms cleared up in about a week.

January 15
MyMyelomaTeam

Does fatigue and chemo brain improve over time?

Fatigue can be challenging with myeloma, and unfortunately, it doesn't always completely go away. However, there are reasons to be hopeful. As your myeloma treatment progresses and the disease gets better controlled, fatigue often improves along with it.

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Does fatigue and chemo brain improve over time?

Fatigue can be challenging with myeloma, and unfortunately, it doesn't always completely go away. However, there are reasons to be hopeful. As your myeloma treatment progresses and the disease gets better controlled, fatigue often improves along with it.

Your healthcare team can identify and fix reversible causes of fatigue, such as:
* Anemia (low hemoglobin) - treatable with blood transfusions
* Thyroid problems like hypothyroidism
* Adrenal suppression from steroid use
* Low testosterone levels

The tricky part is that while treating myeloma can reduce fatigue, the treatments themselves can also cause it. This creates a temporary cycle that usually improves as you progress through treatment.

Taking a slow, steady approach to managing fatigue requires patience, but it's typically the most effective way to see results. Many people find that staying as active as possible with gentle exercise actually helps combat fatigue, even though it may feel counterintuitive at first.

One MyMyelomaTeam member shared their experience: "It's very tempting to lie around or sit in the recliner. I try to walk twice daily with a nap in between."

While there's no perfect fix for fatigue, working with your doctor to address controllable factors and maintaining light activity can make a meaningful difference over time.

January 14

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