Myeloma Coaches Help Navigate Unfamiliar Territory

When my husband was diagnosed with myeloma in 2015, we found ourselves on a road that was completely unfamiliar.  We didn't what the terrain was going to look like, where to start, how to navigate, or where the road would end. This road begins at different places for each individual: some start when monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance is identified, for others it may be smoldering multiple myeloma and many start further down the road with multiple myeloma.  For most of us, this is a foreign road that we have no experience traveling and you may feel frightened, alone and completely unprepared. Others may have been traveling on the road for some time, but face a hill that they are not sure how to climb. This is why I lead the Myeloma Coach program.

If you’ve found yourself on this path, a Myeloma Coach can guide you in your travels.  Myeloma Coaches are myeloma patients or caregivers who have volunteered to give back by offering knowledge gained through personal experience.  They serve as guides to important resources. One of these essential tools is HealthTree which can serve as a detailed, personalized road map specific to your individual journey.    HealthTree will show you where to turn to find a myeloma specialist, clinical trials matched for you,  and provide myeloma education by renowned experts.  Using these tools will help you gather knowledge to make informed decisions about which course to take.  Coaches can also share how to stay physically, mentally and emotionally fit for your myeloma journey and resources to weather financial or insurance storms that may come along.  

If you’re in unfamiliar territory, don’t travel alone.  Reach out and find someone else who can offer shared experience and insight.  Even, experienced myeloma travelers may find themselves in need of encouragement and support at times and can also work with a Myeloma Coach.   The program is open to all myeloma patients and caregivers at any stage or course of treatment.  Individuals can work with multiple Coaches at a time depending on what questions or needs may be present.  Find your personal myeloma guide today!  Visit our website: www.myelomacoach.org to find a Myeloma Coach or to become a Coach.  Contact us with any questions at myelomacoach@crowdcare.org.