Multiple Myeloma Ireland

In this podcast, Theresa Meenaghan an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Haematology, discusses the importance of early recognition and early intervention of treatment side effects. By raising the red flag early she explains we can maintain patients on treatment longer and get the best results. Theresa highlights how newer multiple myeloma treatments are less associated with the traditional side effects of chemotherapy, but have their own unique side effect profile. Theresa outlines very clearly the effects of treatment on the ‘blood factory’, kidneys, bones and nerves. Theresa also provides important tips on how patients can manage common side effects of steroids, bone medication as well as managing symptoms including fatigue and peripheral neuropathy. Finally, Theresa highlights the importance of not suffering in silence, healthcare professionals are there to help you manage any side effects, don’t be afraid to ask no matter how trivial or embarrassing it may be for you, our aim is to keep you on treatment with the minimum side effects for as long as they are effective. “Cancer is only one chapter in your life it’s not the whole story”. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Dr Gerard Crotty, Consultant Hematologist explains Monoclonal Gammapathy of Undermined Significance (MGUS) a non-cancerous condition of the plasma cells and the slow growing cancerous process or early form of myeloma, Smouldering Multiple Myeloma. Dr Crotty explains how treatment outside a clinical trial is not indicated in patients with either condition, however close monitoring is required. For patients living with MGUS only a small no of patients will progress to Multiple Myeloma and will require treatment. For patients with Smouldering Multiple Myeloma abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow and an abnormal protein can be detected in the blood or urine but patients have none of the typical symptoms of active disease and monitoring regularly for signs that may indicate progression to active disease is the mainstay of management. Understanding MGUS or SMM can be challenging for patients, Dr Crotty highlights the key symptoms patients need to report to their treating team. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Joanna Sweeney a systemic family therapist, explores the impact and challenge of “Not Knowing” following a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. “Not knowing” what MM is, what it means for me, for my family, not knowing how to cope and make sense of all the changes. Joanna discusses understanding loss following a diagnosis and finding empowerment. She outlines the importance of building resilience, finding inner strengths, meaning and purpose in the patient and family unit. She also describes how emotional regulation and family therapy strengthens family resilience to cope with adversity and perhaps even grow from it together. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this short episode Prof Paul Browne, Professor of Haematology at Trinity College, Dublin, outlines Important information on managing infection in Multiple Myeloma and the role of vaccinations including Covid 19 vaccination Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.