The Role of a Caregiver in Multiple Myeloma

As an RN, I knew the relevance of a caregiver. Merriam-Webster defines a caregiver as "a person who provides direct care." I have done that for so many others in 25 years of nursing. Who knew it was my turn?

Utilizing home health services after treatment

Newlyweds have no idea what they will encounter in their married life. We were no exception. "In sickness and in health" took on legitimate meaning. Even our kids became part of that team.

When diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I was managing a home health team. Located in my spine, a neurosurgeon repaired what the myeloma had destroyed. I was going to need help at home. I knew the requirements for services and decided to utilize them.

I was discharged with so many new medications. Even for a nurse, it was completely overwhelming! I was so relieved to have an RN come out and organize them for me. A CNA came out to help me safely get in and out of the shower. It was so exhausting and wonderful at the same time! Home health was incredible!

Community support with meals and daily errands

Our small community planned out a schedule for delivering meals to us. It was no small feat. For one, we live 21 miles in the country. Two, we had twin boys that were always hungry. It was a lifesaver!

All different types of caregivers were stepping out of the woodwork! People would drive me to appointments. People would pick up grocery orders and bring them out. One wonderful lady came out to help me plant flowers in my barrels! I can’t forget the sweet friend who sent me a card and message every week. That kind of mail makes anyone’s day brighter.

There were also those who just showed up. No agenda. Only to listen and BE with me. One of my neighbors would simply sit and read to me.

My mother's steadfast presence and advocacy

There’s one caregiver that needs mentioned: my mom. You see, she’s an RN, too. She stayed with me all through my hospital time. My rehab time. She was my cheerleader, my encourager, my coach.

My husband had to keep the kids in their routine at home, 2 ½ hours away. She was my advocate. She knew charting, so she kept meticulous records for me. She probably saw more than a mom should have to. She never left me though. She never gave up on me. As hard as it was seeing me in pain. Seeing me cry at the realization of cancer. I was entering the world of the ‘c’ word that none of us wants to touch us.

Household support and emotional strength from my family

My daughter lived in Washington at the time. Her contribution was very valuable. Her ‘job’ was to facilitate facetiming between me and my grand babies. Talking to those littles brought so much light into my world. "Caregiving" from 31 hours away. Never underestimate what time can do for a patient.

My husband and boys were on ‘home’ duty. This meant everything else. Lifting my feet into bed. Flushing my port. Witnessing my lowest moments. Having enough faith to lift me back up. Even having enough courage to ask their friends at school to pray for me. Yep. That one got me too.

The saying ‘it takes a village’ truly applies here. It’s what carried me through a very difficult time. I didn’t want to be as strong as I was being asked to be.

The caregivers, in all their varied roles, carried me through.