Living with Multiple Myeloma podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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.

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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.

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This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

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”.

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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.

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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.

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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

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This podcast has been produced by Fuzion Communications.

In this podcast, Caroline Devery shares her inspiring personal journey from mild symptoms of a ‘painful swollen leg’ to a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.

She gives an open an honest account of her treatment plan from initial treatment, through Stem Cell transplantation to maintenance therapy, all whilst planning her wedding!

Her story provides great insight, information and support for all patients living with Multiple Myeloma and their families.

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In Part 2 of a two part podcast, Prof. Paul Browne continues his conversation on managing Multiple Myeloma.

In this episode Prof Browne outlines the importance of supportive treatments and the role of patient in managing their Multiple Myeloma . He also provides an update on the latest research and developments in Multiple myeloma.

Prof Paul Browne is a Professor of Haematology at Trinity College, Dublin and Consultant Haematologist and Director of the National Adult Stem Cell Transplant Programme at St James Hospital, Dublin.

He is an expert in Multiple Myeloma.

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In this podcast, part 1 of a 2 part series, Prof. Paul Browne outlines the pathway to a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.

He provides details on the treatment approach to control and manage Multiple Myeloma, all from an Irish perspective.

An excerpt specific to Infections and vaccination management in Multiple Myeloma is provided in part 3.

Prof Paul Browne is a Professor of Haematology at Trinity College, Dublin and Consultant Haematologist and director of the National Adult Stem Cell Transplant Programme  at St James Hospital, Dublin. He is an expert in Multiple Myeloma

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