Show Notes
In this podcast Dr Norma Jean Murphy, Chartered Senior Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, chats to Maire Treasa about overcoming the overwhelming reactions patients may feel at diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma from shock, disbelief, anger, sadness, loss and for some relief they finally have a diagnosis particularly as many patients may have been unwell for some time. She explains there is no right way or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis, each person's experience is unique and each patients journey is personal and individual. Norma Jean explains the importance in processing emotions and coping with adjustment. She describes how reactions change over time from diagnosis to recovery. She outlines the importance of creating a pause and tuning in to our emotions. She stresses the need for self-care and compassion. She emphasises the benefit of understanding ones emotions as they occur as well as the importance of giving permission to feel those emotions. She describes how stress and distress levels are on a continuum but are often transient in nature. Throughout the podcast Norma Jean emphasises the importance of recognising and managing stress and distress levels whilst also focussing on ways to alleviate it. She provides excellent advice on self-awareness and self-care in adjusting to life with multiple myeloma. She emphasises patients are not alone and describes the importance of having support network around you when dealing with the new language a cancer diagnosis brings. Talking with others is important, however Norma Jean acknowledges the difficulties patients may experience in what she describes as the 'toothpaste moment' and dealing with other people's reactions. She stresses therefore the importance of going at your own pace and managing other peoples plans and expectations. Finally Norma Jean outlines the importance of connecting with others, gaining their support and the availability of specialist supports services nationally. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
More from Living with Multiple Myeloma podcast
In this podcast Orlaith Cormican a PhD student and Nurse chats with Maire Treasa and shares her findings from the research she undertook over the last number of years exploring psychosocial vulnerability in caregivers of individuals with a chronic blood cancer. She talks about the impact that caring for someone has on all aspects of a caregivers life, the life adjustment and the crucial role they play on the patient journey. She also talks about caregivers who are potentially more at risk of becoming psychosocially vulnerable and the need to include caregivers as part of the patient's treatment trajectory in order to move future care forward. Thanks for listening.
In this engaging podcast, Marie Treasa Ni Cheallaigh chats to Ally Bryne, whose husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2021. Sharing her family's experience, they discuss everything from diagnosis to fundraising to spreading awareness and the impact of Michael's diagnosis has had on their young family. Thanks for listening Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion.
In this podcast, legendary hurling manager Michael Bond, shares his experience of living for a number of years with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Chatting with our host MT, Michael outlines his previous cardiac health, and how he initially attributed his symptoms including shortness of breath to his underlying condition. Michael talks about the importance of advocating for one's own health and pushing for further investigations when symptoms persist. He candidly shares his journey from diagnosis to treatment, and his visits to the Royal Free AL Amyloidosis centre, Uk. He explains how the treatment he received has been effective in controlling his condition, and improving his quality of life with some minor adaptations. His positive attitude is uplifting and inspiring. It's clear his sporting career, 'can do attitude' and fighting spirit have helped him navigate his diagnosis, treatments and assisted him to overcome challenges faced, including weight loss and losing his identity. Michael has used fundraising as a powerful tool to raise awareness of AL Amyloidosis and a way to give back to the Amyloidosis centre, Uk. Michael speaks of the need for greater awareness of this rare condition and his donation to MMI to support their efforts in promoting further support and information to patients living with AL Amyloidosis. He stresses that being informed is so important to living well. Of course, no conversation with Michael could be complete without discussing his knowledge of hurling and predications for the future. This engaging and encouraging podcast provides great encouragement for any patient or family affected by this rare condition. We hope you find this podcast helpful. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
In this podcast, Maire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh chats to sisters Rachel and Laura, whose mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016. Sharing their experiences, they discuss everything from the initial shock of the diagnosis, to the limited information available for families of myeloma patients, touching on important issues such as patient autonomy, supporting someone close to you with myeloma, and the emotional impact that comes with a loved one receiving a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Thanks for listening. Multiple Myeloma Ireland: Website Facebook Twitter This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.
In this podcast, Episode 1 of the 2nd Series and our second in the Living with Amyloidosis series, Darren Foard and Angelique Smit, nurse experts from the Royal Free Hospital in London, provide an excellent overview of Amyloidosis focussing on disease symptoms, the patient's journey and diagnostic investigations to confirm AL Amyloidosis. They discuss their role in assisting patient navigate their diagnosis and outline the referral pathway for Irish patients for further investigation at the National Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Amyloidosis management requires a multidisciplinary approach and Darren and Angelique outline the collaboration which occurs between nursing and medical staff to coordinate the patient's diagnosis and management and the critical role each team member plays in supporting patients. Finally they discuss the opportunity for patients unfit to travel to the UK for assessment to be discussed with Amyloidosis experts at the Royal Free Hospital. We hope you find this episode useful and informative.