Multiple myeloma is different from other cancers in several ways. First of all, it’s a very rare cancer — so the diagnosis may come as a bit of a shock. It’s also more of a chronic disease. “It’s what’s known as a treatable cancer, not a curable cancer,” said Sarah Kelly, an Oncology Social Worker at Cancer Care. “So someone with multiple myeloma can have a meaningful life, can live their life to the best of their abilities, but will always be in treatment in some shape or form.”
But how do you get on with your life when you know you are dealing with an incurable disease? Kelly said that for people with multiple myeloma — more so than people dealing with other types of cancer — finding a way to cope long-term is really important. “I find that a lot of it is reconnecting with hope,” Kelly said. “It’s still there … I think that a lot of the work can be done through support.”
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