As you prepare for your transplant, remember that many people care about you and want to stay updated on your recovery. While keeping them informed may be important to you, it shouldn’t become overwhelming during this critical time.

This section explores ways to maintain open communication with family and friends while staying focused on your health.

Set Expectations

If you choose to share your condition, share only what feels comfortable. Let others know that multiple myeloma is a serious blood cancer requiring intense treatment, which affects your energy and focus.

Set boundaries on when and how people should contact you. Decide how often you’ll provide updates and your preferred communication method:

• Phone calls
• Texts
• Emails
• Video calls
• Messaging apps (e.g., Facebook Messenger)
• Blogs (e.g., CaringBridge)

Plan your updates—daily, weekly, or as needed—and choose someone to help share them. During transplant, your schedule will be full with treatments, procedures, and recovery. Fatigue and side effects may make it hard to talk or write.

You can choose to share detailed updates or keep them brief. Decide whether you’ll include photos and how often you’ll check messages.

If they have the time, desire and capacity, a caregiver can act as your communication point person. Many patients find a centralized blog, like CaringBridge.org, helpful for sharing updates in one place. This allows you to post when convenient, while loved ones can respond with support and encouragement. 

Don Bathurst, a myeloma patient and HealthTree Coach shares, 

“While in the hospital, I wrote a few lines on my CaringBridge blog to keep family and friends updated. Their comments lifted my spirits—some even came from people I hadn’t spoken to in 40 years! I still update my blog after tests and appointments, and many continue to check in on my progress."

​​Prepare Messages in Advance

Planning your updates ahead of time can ease stress during treatment. Decide how you’ll share information—calls, texts, emails, or a blog like CaringBridge.

Since transplant dates can shift, outline key updates you may want to share:

• Pre-transplant clearance
• Mobilization & stem cell collection
• “The call” to report for transplant
• High-dose chemotherapy & stem cell infusion

You can adjust details later but having a framework will help.

Sample Messages

Before Transplant: “The Call”

As many of you know, I’ve been undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma. Today, I received “the call” to report for my stem cell transplant. I’ll be offline for about six weeks as I focus on recovery.

For those wanting updates, I’ve set up a CaringBridge blog where I’ll post when I can. Thank you for your support—I’ll check in when I’m able. 

Post-Transplant: Coming Home

I’m home after my stem cell transplant! Recovery will take months, and my immune system remains weak, so I need to limit exposure to infections. Here’s how you can help:

• Handwashing: Please wash your hands when visiting.
• Meals: I have a special diet—ask if you’d like to help with meals.
• Fatigue: Short visits are best; some days I may not be up for company.
• Memory & Focus: Treatment affects my concentration, so patience is appreciated.
• Caregiver Support: Helping with errands, childcare, or household tasks would be a big relief.

Thank you for your ongoing support—it means the world to me!

Remember, you choose how, what and with whom you want to communicate. This is your journey!