Take Charge of the Future

Be Realistic
The "future" is a big concept for someone living with multiple myeloma. It's an unknown and it can be scary. No one is really ever ready to have a discussion about living wills, advance directives, medical power of attorney, or do not resuscitate (DNRs) orders. But by planning ahead you can ensure that your loved one receives the type of medical care he or she wants and relieves you and other family members of guessing at what should be done.

If you need guidance from an impartial third-party, it may also make sense to meet with an attorney or an oncology social worker with expertise in this area.

As one patient said, "It's an emotional conversation that needs to happen, and I've found having a caring third party to provide information makes things a little less overwhelming."

Another patient advises, "Be gentle, always gentle, when discussing these issues, don't force them, but do them in small bite size pieces."

Even though you didn't plan for it, you are a caregiver. While some days may be more challenging or more frustrating then you hoped for, remember that you're making many positive differences every day, in ways both large and small.

Remember, being a caregiver is probably the hardest – and, possibly the most meaningful – job you never asked for.