It’s a sugar. It fuels cancer.
June 15
I drink alcohol very moderately, maybe 2 or 3 drinks a week and haven't noticed any issues.
June 15
This is a really common question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your specific treatment plan. Oncologists generally advise caution or avoidance of alcohol during myeloma treatment, but the best person to ask is your own doctor since every case is different.
Here's why alcohol can be a concern during treatment:
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This is a really common question, and the honest answer is: it depends on your specific treatment plan. Oncologists generally advise caution or avoidance of alcohol during myeloma treatment, but the best person to ask is your own doctor since every case is different.
Here's why alcohol can be a concern during treatment:
- Immune system: Myeloma and its treatments already weaken immunity. Alcohol weakens it further, raising infection risk.
- Bone health: Myeloma already affects bones, and alcohol can make them weaker and more prone to fractures.
- Chemotherapy effectiveness: Both alcohol and chemo drugs are processed by the liver. Drinking can overwork the liver, potentially making chemo less effective.
- Worsened side effects: Alcohol can worsen fatigue, nausea, dehydration, and mouth sores — all common treatment side effects.
- Stem cell transplant: If this is part of your plan, doctors strongly recommend avoiding alcohol before and after, as it can slow bone marrow recovery. Experiences vary widely among people with myeloma. One MyMyelomaTeam member shared that even a small glass of wine made them very ill while on myeloma medications. Another was given the green light by their doctor to enjoy a celebratory glass of wine at their 100-day checkup.
The key takeaway: be open and honest with your treatment team about your drinking habits. They can give guidance tailored to your specific medications and health situation. And as always — listen to your body.
June 14
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