Myelofibrosis is a rare type of bone marrow cancer that causes excessive scarring of the bone marrow, preventing it from producing blood cells. This leads to low RBC, WBC, and platelet counts. Enlargement of organs like the spleen and liver is also common among patients with this condition. Doctor-recommended treatments and following a self-care routine are both equally necessary to alleviate the symptoms of myelofibrosis, which helps speed up recovery.

Eat healthy foods
Eating healthy is one of the most important self-care tips for patients undergoing myelofibrosis treatment. The foods to include in the meal plan are fruits, leafy, cruciferous vegetables (like kale, cabbage, and broccoli), whole grains, protein sources (lean meats, chicken, lentils, and fatty fish), and foods rich in beta-carotene and lycopene (peppers, carrots, and apricots).

Importance of treatment options
Jakafi (ruxolitinib)® and INREBIC® (fedratinib) are two targeted treatments that help reduce spleen size and manage other symptoms of the condition. Bone-marrow transplant, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical spleen removal are other commonly suggested procedures. Patients must consult a healthcare professional about developing a treatment plan as per their situation.

Avoid processed items and added sugar
Processed and deep-fried foods have unhealthy fats, high salt content, and artificial flavoring. These elements can increase inflammation and reduce the body’s strength to fight the disease. Sugar can also wreak havoc with one’s immune system, damaging organs like the liver, which are already affected by myelofibrosis. So, avoiding these harmful foods is another vital self-care tip for those using myelofibrosis treatments.

Maintain a proper sleep cycle
Myelofibrosis is often accompanied by symptoms like fever, night sweats, and fatigue that disrupt one’s sleep routine. However, sleep is crucial to support ongoing treatment and improve overall well-being. For better sleep, one should use a comfortable bed and ensure the room is dark and quiet with proper ventilation. Individuals should also avoid using electronic devices at night and refrain from caffeinated beverages.

Seek professional help for mental well-being
A myelofibrosis diagnosis brings severe anxiety and distress. Having to deal with mental and emotional challenges, together with the existing symptoms, can be highly overwhelming. It helps to connect with licensed mental health professionals and counselors and discuss the situation to find healthy coping mechanisms.

Apply for a disability certificate if needed
If a person cannot visit their workplace for more than 26 weeks due to myelofibrosis, they can avail of long-term disability (LTD) benefits from their insurance company. An LTD policy provides the patient 50 to 70% of the amount the person was earning before the health condition occurred. But one must carefully collate all evidence documents, including a copy of the LTD policy and biopsy test results.