Hi - my dear mum was recently diagnosed with spinal myeloma. (Age 80) She will finish her radiation treatment on 29th December and then start chemo at Pembury hospital, Tunbridge Wells. She has lost weight - eating ok but small portions. She is wearing a brace and waiting to go to the spinal unit at Stanmore. Looking for practical advice. What to feed her , best protein drinks? How much to encourage her to keep walking. What help are we entitled too? I am with her but have to leave in a week to return home abroad and my Dad is also not in good health. So where best to get home help to help wash her, ensure she eats etc. Then what to expect from the chemo? How I can we help her the most? Thank you
For our journey with myeloma I have just asked endless agencies for help - Carers UK, Myeloma UK, the local council who help everyone with adaptations regardless of housing situation, GPS, the hospice and hospitals, neighbours, Tesco for food deliveries, care agencies for cleaning and personal care. Some things we don’t need yet but I felt better for arming myself with what’s out there just in case. For times when my hubby can’t eat regular meals we sought the help of a dietician who advised lots of dairy - add cream and butter to potatoes, porridge, sauces etc. She provided useful recipes and MacMillan have a great cookbook. Hubby also drinks Complan which I get from Boots. The hospital physio gave us some exercises to do and again you’ll find exercise sheets on MacMillan and MyelomaUK sites. As for monetary help again Macmillan sorted out the available payments so please do avail yourself of their services. Everyone is here to help. I wish you all well. June.
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