Emotional care

Everyone deals with a diagnosis of myeloma differently and throughout the course of their disease, a patient’s thoughts and coping abilities may change.

Some people find a sense of relief when they are diagnosed as it provides an explanation of the cause of their symptoms. Often though, patients describe the experience as being like an emotional and psychological roller coaster. Once the shock of the diagnosis has passed, they may go through periods of anger and resentment; anxiety and fear of what lies ahead; sadness at the sense of loss of life and opportunities, and worry about how this might impact on family and friends.

Some changes however are positive and may, for example, improve relationships between patients and their families and friends or help patients reassess the priorities in their life.

Understandably, many patients feel a great deal of fear, anger and frustration but by learning more about myeloma and the treatment options, patients can begin to come to terms with their diagnosis and take control of their situation.

Watch this video on the emotional effects of living with myeloma: