Myeloma Patient Resources

From the Experts

The Leukemia and Lyphoma Society of Canada offers resources related to all blood cancers, including myeloma.

The BC chapter of the Society has lots of information to help patients, families, and caregivers including Patient Education and a guide to the resources available in British Columbia: 
British Columbia Blood Cancer Resource Guide (online pdf)

Tips from the Hospital Bed

Chad learned a few things throughout his treatment:
  • Stay active and keep your body strong. Whether it is laps around your bed, or your block, physical strength helps with your physical recovery, and your mental health.
  • Listen to your body. If you are competitive, like Chad, you might need to remind yourself that sometimes strength is recognizing what your body needs, and that includes rest.
  • Hydrate. Water is your friend, cramps are your enemy.
  • Ask. You are in new territory and there is a lot to learn to find your way around. Don't be afraid to ask what the doctor means. You may want a notebook and someone else with you at appointments to help you track all the information. 
  • You are an expert in your own health. You will have many health care workers doing their best to keep you well, and they can not possibly know everything your other health care workers have said or done. You are the only one who knows everything about your situation. Chad got into the habit of asking every nurse who brought him a medication what it was, and what it was supposed to do. He could give feedback on how he had reacted to certain medications in the past (something that was good for his heart, could be very hard on his kidneys), and sometimes he could avoid mistakes (as when a new nurse brought a medication Chad did not recognize.)
  • Get help. You are going to feel up and down. Medications can make mood swings worse. You are Superman on steroids, and when they wear off… not so much. No one can imagine what you are going through, please tell those around you what you need. If you find the "dark shadows" do not go away, talk to your doctor about depression.
  • You are not a statistic. Everyone reacts to myeloma, and its many variations, differently. Sometimes your doctors will have good news for you, sometimes they will have bad - but no one can predict your future.