A view of myeloma from a caregiver’s perspective
by Jackie Smith
January 6, 2012 was a day that changed our family’s lives, especially the life of our 43 -year-old daughter, as she was diagnosed with myeloma. Her marriage collapsed at the same time, which made the whole situation extremely sad and demanding.
Since she could not count on her husband’s support, my husband and I decided to move her and her two daughters from San Diego, California to our home in Utah. Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a very reputable institution with great history in the treatment of this disease. Their protocol for many myeloma patients is called the “tandem treatment” which is two stem-cell transplants. It was an arduous process which required patience and hope. As a mother, the pain that I experienced to see my beautiful, energetic daughter fight for her life had to quickly give way to a strong and effective care giver.
We went through different stages, all difficult. All required a lot of prayer, good doctors, medication and luck. For ten days we moved to a Huntsman-operated apartment (a “clean” apartment) close to the facility. While my daughter went through her transplant, I remained with her to make sure that the food she ate, every activity she got involved in, everything she touched did not pose a risk to her health. I also managed her many medications, which is not an easy task.
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Since she could not count on her husband’s support, my husband and I decided to move her and her two daughters from San Diego, California to our home in Utah. Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a very reputable institution with great history in the treatment of this disease. Their protocol for many myeloma patients is called the “tandem treatment” which is two stem-cell transplants. It was an arduous process which required patience and hope. As a mother, the pain that I experienced to see my beautiful, energetic daughter fight for her life had to quickly give way to a strong and effective care giver.
We went through different stages, all difficult. All required a lot of prayer, good doctors, medication and luck. For ten days we moved to a Huntsman-operated apartment (a “clean” apartment) close to the facility. While my daughter went through her transplant, I remained with her to make sure that the food she ate, every activity she got involved in, everything she touched did not pose a risk to her health. I also managed her many medications, which is not an easy task.
Keep reading...
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