Multiple Myeloma Ireland

In her engaging conversation with Maire Treasa, Ruth Kilcawley Senior Nutritional Support Dietitian at University College Hospital, Galway describes the impact of what we eat on our physical health. Ruth outlines the role of good diet and nutrition in managing cancer, reducing infections and improving Multiple Myeloma patients quality of life. Ruth stresses the importance of maintaining strength whilst undergoing treatment. She shares advice on how to balance and manage food intake. Ruth explains the importance of food variety, mixed food colours and choosing safe foods to maximise nutrition in cancer and in living with multiple myeloma. Ruth also outlines the role of the dietitian in assessment of patients nutritional status and explains the role of dietary counselling techniques to address some of the issues Multiple Myeloma patients experience during their treatment. She provides excellent tips and advice on how to overcome challenges with taste and smell which will assist patients better tolerate treatment. She emphasises how eating regularly, fuels the body. In addition, she discusses the role of nutritional supplements and cautions on the risk of overuse of supplements. Moreover, she highlights the importance of getting the balance right, we all deserve the occasional treats once in moderation! Finally, Ruth provides advice on managing sources of information and where to seek evidence based advice on a balanced, nutritional, safe diet for cancer patients. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Dr Denis O’Keeffe, Consultant Hematologist explains that Multiple Myeloma will in the majority of patients come back, however today many options for treating and controlling the relapsed/refractory disease exists and patients survival has greatly improved. Dr O’Keeffe is keen to point out patients cannot stop Multiple Myeloma from coming back but it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr O’Keeffe advises early recognition of the disease relapse is possible due to close monitoring and before the disease can cause damage. Not all patients require treatment at relapse and the decision to treat or not is individualized and made in partnership with patients. The decision to treat is based on the patients individual disease, age, physical and mental health and the additional challenge of Covid risk. Dr O Keeffe highlights that at relapse patients are better equipped to cope and that through the difficult times there is great hope. Treatment options are increasing all the time moving towards the possibility of cure. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Ann shares her personal experience of living with Multiple Myeloma for over 5 years. Although, her multiple myeloma has relapsed more than once and requires ongoing treatment, she is living well and is hopeful for the future.   Ann’ s engaging conversation with Maire Tresa  provides advice on the importance of taking control of your life, being active and surrounding yourself with supportive people when coping with this relapsing, remitting cancer. She describes how learning to adjust her mindset and adapting her activities has helped her learn to live with relapsed disease.   Ann outlines how being more self aware and drawing on her inner reserves has helped her overcome the fear and disappointment of her Multiple Myeloma relapse and subsequent treatment.    Ann describes honestly how she has adapted to life from ‘living from blood test to blood test’ to learning to live and manage her disease both physically and emotionally. Throughout this podcast her positive attitude and drive is moving and inspiring.   Ann shares important advice for patients living with Multiple  myeloma, including staying informed, being aware of your limitations, seeking support for symptoms or side effects  adjusting activities and setting goals.     Ann highlights the importance of support groups for sharing advice and information. In addition she encourages others through her personal experience to savour the small and simple things in life and to remain hopeful for the future.    Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Nurse Liz Higgins, Transplant Co-Ordinator at St James Hospital, Dublin provides a detailed account of the autologous stem cell transplant patient pathway. Liz explains the role of stem cells, how stem cells are harvested and later given back to a patient following high dose chemotherapy.  Although, not curative, ASCT aims to treat Multiple Myeloma, prolong disease control and improve overall survival. Liz summaries the eligibility criteria and assessment process required prior to undergoing a ASCT. Liz clearly outlines the role of the multidisciplinary team in supporting patients through the transplant journey. This treatment is associated with many side effects however these can be very well managed. Reporting symptoms early is important. Finally Liz, clearly outlines the patients recovery period following a ASCT. This is an essential guide for patients, families and carers where ASCT is considered as part of their Multiple Myeloma treatment plan. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.