Once you decide to have a transplant, a whirlwind of activities will take place. During this time, you will need to meet with many members of your transplant team and make important decisions about when and where you will have the transplant performed. You will also need to select your caregiver, make arrangements for loved ones at home, deal with healthcare insurance and work matters, and undergo an additional round of tests and procedures.  

Most likely, you will be bombarded with a variety of emotions, many that may be similar to what you felt when you were initially diagnosed with myeloma, such as anxiety, fear, hopelessness and despair, depression, anger, a sense of disequilibrium, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Since it is such a hectic time and you have so much to do to get ready for your transplant, you may opt to put your feelings on a back burner, ignore them, or hold them inside. Unfortunately, these are not good options.

Instead, take a few quiet moments to try to relax, reflect on what you are feeling and their intensity, and consider sharing your emotional responses with someone you trust.  

This might be a time to reach out to a myeloma coach to obtain extra emotional support. A coach who has undergone an ASCT might be especially helpful. Additionally, a myeloma support group may be of considerable value.  

However, if your negative feelings increase in severity, make it difficult to concentrate, and/or interfere with your ability to function, then share your concerns with a member of your treatment team and request professional counseling. Remember, your feelings are important in terms of your treatment and recovery and need to be carefully monitored.