Dear Friends:
My first SCT was in May. It was a very very hard time in the hospital. But the outcome is very good. So I am very satisfied.
But on the other hand: How I am feeling know? I had given up my job when I got ill two years ago. My husband and I moved to another town. I have some very nice relatives here.
But I am feeling not good. I am missing my job, my colleagues, and so on.
What can I do? I hope for your advice.
Kind regards,
Elfriede
59 years old
Forums
-
Elfriede - Name: Elfriede
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Hello Elfriede,
I am so sorry you are not feeling good. It sounds like you are feeling sad?
Does your body hurt? Does your body still feel bad?
Or when you say you are not feeling good, do you mean you miss your job and friends so much?
It sounds like you are feeling sad and missing your life before. That is very understandable. If that is the case, then is it possible you can visit your friends from time to time?
I will keep you in my thoughts. Please write back to let us know what in particular is making you feel badly so we can help.
Toni
I am so sorry you are not feeling good. It sounds like you are feeling sad?
Does your body hurt? Does your body still feel bad?
Or when you say you are not feeling good, do you mean you miss your job and friends so much?
It sounds like you are feeling sad and missing your life before. That is very understandable. If that is the case, then is it possible you can visit your friends from time to time?
I will keep you in my thoughts. Please write back to let us know what in particular is making you feel badly so we can help.
Toni
-
Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Elfriede,
That's great news about your SCT. Looks like you had waited a while after diagnosis for your SCT. My insurance has approved the stem cell harvest but not sure if they will approve of storage. So I am waiting on that.
I feel your pain as to missing the workplace and the co-workers. After breaking several ribs in January of this year, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Due to slow healing of one rib and the need to get some major dental work done before starting Zometa, I am not able to go back to work.
Since I have been home, i try to exercise as much as possible. Mostly walking and some cycling in my neighborhood. There is a state beach where I live so I will walk those trails also. For now, the walking and biking just makes me feel better. Clears the mind.
Changing jobs is a tough one. Before going to my current job, I was with a company for 18 years. They went out of business. Never thought i would work anywhere else. In one day over 120 people lost there jobs. Several were close friends. Most of them I never saw again.
Do you have job restrictions? Maybe a part time job would be a good start. Something that starts out part time with possibility of full time if you wanted it.
My wife works at a local hospital and they have a lot of part time employees. Most of them get all the benefits with minimal hours. After a while they go full time, so the part time positions open up.
It's hard starting over at a new job, but making new friends through work could be the answer. The work itself and also that paycheck would feel pretty good also.
Castaway
That's great news about your SCT. Looks like you had waited a while after diagnosis for your SCT. My insurance has approved the stem cell harvest but not sure if they will approve of storage. So I am waiting on that.
I feel your pain as to missing the workplace and the co-workers. After breaking several ribs in January of this year, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Due to slow healing of one rib and the need to get some major dental work done before starting Zometa, I am not able to go back to work.
Since I have been home, i try to exercise as much as possible. Mostly walking and some cycling in my neighborhood. There is a state beach where I live so I will walk those trails also. For now, the walking and biking just makes me feel better. Clears the mind.
Changing jobs is a tough one. Before going to my current job, I was with a company for 18 years. They went out of business. Never thought i would work anywhere else. In one day over 120 people lost there jobs. Several were close friends. Most of them I never saw again.
Do you have job restrictions? Maybe a part time job would be a good start. Something that starts out part time with possibility of full time if you wanted it.
My wife works at a local hospital and they have a lot of part time employees. Most of them get all the benefits with minimal hours. After a while they go full time, so the part time positions open up.
It's hard starting over at a new job, but making new friends through work could be the answer. The work itself and also that paycheck would feel pretty good also.
Castaway
-
Castaway - Name: George
- Who do you know with myeloma?: just myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/24/14
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Dear Toni, dear George:
Thank you so much for your very fast and nice replies.
Yes, what is the matter with me? Now since my illness is much better (no pain and the hair is growing) my feelings are bad.
I am missing my life when I was healthy. I had a great job, lots of great colleagues, and friends in a big German city.
And now I am here at home with my husband (the best husband possible) and don't know what is happening with me. I miss my former life.
Tomorrow, at least, I am riding to my former city, visiting friends and my former working place. I will stay a couple days hoping I feel better after that.
Kindest Regards
Elfriede
Thank you so much for your very fast and nice replies.
Yes, what is the matter with me? Now since my illness is much better (no pain and the hair is growing) my feelings are bad.
I am missing my life when I was healthy. I had a great job, lots of great colleagues, and friends in a big German city.
And now I am here at home with my husband (the best husband possible) and don't know what is happening with me. I miss my former life.
Tomorrow, at least, I am riding to my former city, visiting friends and my former working place. I will stay a couple days hoping I feel better after that.
Kindest Regards
Elfriede
-
Elfriede - Name: Elfriede
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Elfriede,
I understand now. It is very difficult to adjust to a new "life" isn't it?
I think it is good you visit your old town and friends.
When you come back, maybe you can try to make new friends in your new home. Are there opportunities to volunteer, to help somewhere?
George gives wonderful advice.
Try to find a group you can become part of. Maybe at church, at a local school, a library book club - anything where you can meet new people and also learn about something new.
It sounds like you are feeling depressed and that is understandable. You have gone through a lot and you have to adjust to a new life.
The best way to counteract depression is to get active, in as much as is possible, and find hobbies or activities that you like. And get out of the house as much as you can.
Thankfully you have a wonderful husband. I am sure he will support you.
If you do these things but still feel sad, please see your doctor and see if there are some medications you can take to help you feel better. There are a number of good antidepressants available which can help you.
All the best! Remember, the first step is reaching out for help and that is what you did by posting on this forum! You are half way to feeling better already
I understand now. It is very difficult to adjust to a new "life" isn't it?
I think it is good you visit your old town and friends.
When you come back, maybe you can try to make new friends in your new home. Are there opportunities to volunteer, to help somewhere?
George gives wonderful advice.
Try to find a group you can become part of. Maybe at church, at a local school, a library book club - anything where you can meet new people and also learn about something new.
It sounds like you are feeling depressed and that is understandable. You have gone through a lot and you have to adjust to a new life.
The best way to counteract depression is to get active, in as much as is possible, and find hobbies or activities that you like. And get out of the house as much as you can.
Thankfully you have a wonderful husband. I am sure he will support you.
If you do these things but still feel sad, please see your doctor and see if there are some medications you can take to help you feel better. There are a number of good antidepressants available which can help you.
All the best! Remember, the first step is reaching out for help and that is what you did by posting on this forum! You are half way to feeling better already
-
Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
I also retired from a job I loved because of the diagnosis and the time frame required to recover from the transplant and the need to keep my insurance by retiring. That was almost the hardest part of this whole darned thing! I grieved for a long time about leaving work.
We also moved to a different location to be closer to good medical care and closer to family. Although I was happy to be closer to family, I sincerely missed my job and had a very difficult time adjusting to my new life. It took some time but I found a water aerobics class that is available locally every day. I try to attend every day and it makes a world of difference. I used to work at a university, so I had been able to go to water aerobics at lunchtime each day I was at work.
Being able to once again do something that made my job so enjoyable really helped my psyche. Try to find something you liked to do in your old town or at your old job and embrace it!
Good luck - I empathize with you.
We also moved to a different location to be closer to good medical care and closer to family. Although I was happy to be closer to family, I sincerely missed my job and had a very difficult time adjusting to my new life. It took some time but I found a water aerobics class that is available locally every day. I try to attend every day and it makes a world of difference. I used to work at a university, so I had been able to go to water aerobics at lunchtime each day I was at work.
Being able to once again do something that made my job so enjoyable really helped my psyche. Try to find something you liked to do in your old town or at your old job and embrace it!
Good luck - I empathize with you.
-
Carol D. - Name: Carol D.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Dear Friends:
Reading your opinions and your advice is good for me.
I had a realy good time in my former city. I have stayed at my best friend, visited my former workplace. My former co-workers gave me a great welcome.
But now I am back home and the problems are like before. But I am now knowing, I am not alone. And it will get better.
Thank you so much!
Elfriede
Reading your opinions and your advice is good for me.
I had a realy good time in my former city. I have stayed at my best friend, visited my former workplace. My former co-workers gave me a great welcome.
But now I am back home and the problems are like before. But I am now knowing, I am not alone. And it will get better.
Thank you so much!
Elfriede
-
Elfriede - Name: Elfriede
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Hi,
Almost 4 weeks are gone.
My husband and I went to an island in the Baltic Sea. My brother and his wife were there as well.
We had a realiy good time - but I am not feeling better.
As I already told you - I am missing my "old" life.
If you have any advice - thank you.
Kindest Regards,
Elfriede
(Germany)
Almost 4 weeks are gone.
My husband and I went to an island in the Baltic Sea. My brother and his wife were there as well.
We had a realiy good time - but I am not feeling better.
As I already told you - I am missing my "old" life.
If you have any advice - thank you.
Kindest Regards,
Elfriede
(Germany)
-
Elfriede - Name: Elfriede
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 57
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Are you exercising daily? I think that is what any doctor would ask. Exercise is very important, not only for physical health, but for mental health.
Have you tried to become involved in any local community activities?
Do you or have you attended a local church?
Those are my suggestions.
Have you tried to become involved in any local community activities?
Do you or have you attended a local church?
Those are my suggestions.
-
Carol D. - Name: Carol D.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: My SCT went well, but I am not feeling good - advice?
Hello Elfriede,
Just thinking about your post that I replied to back in August. Hope all will get better for you. I have to say that, since I last posted, I had to stop Revlimid due to a reaction. I am now on Velcade with dex. No big deal. I don't mind the subcutaneous injections at all, but didn't realize that my injections will be days 1,4,8 and 11. Then, the day after the injections, I am kind of sluggish. Soon to start Zometa infusions also once per month.
I go into work every two weeks to see our human resource person and turn in all my oncologist treatment forms for my insurance (Aflac). My foreman and co-workers all ask when are you coming back to work. I just say not sure, but hopefully soon. Surprisingly, the last time I went in, they all said why do you want to come back anyway? You have put in 22 plus years already. You could get hurt and break more bones with all the heavy equipment we work on. Also, there is a new company in the area taking a lot of business away and things are very slow. They just said enjoy your life as much as you can. Come in and hang out with us at lunch time or break. When you feel up to it, let's go play a round of golf or just hang out for a while. Made me feel much better after that.
So I guess that I kind of see how you were feeling about work. At 63, I am close to retirement, but not close enough. My doc has said that I should think about permanent disability. My co-workers have given me encouragement and I have always wanted to get back into cycling. I am riding my mountain bike in my neighborhood a lot more. It's about a 5 mile loop. Not that far, but mostly hilly. My goal will be to do a metric century ride next year. Cycling always made me feel like a kid again.
I have found that exercise has made me feel so much better. I set goals even when I walk to go a certain distance or try a new trail. It really clears the mind. Plus, I always meet other nice folks when I am walking. Don't know if you're into any outdoor activities, but maybe find your type of activity that makes you feel good. Start out slow and have fun!
Best of Luck, Castaway
Just thinking about your post that I replied to back in August. Hope all will get better for you. I have to say that, since I last posted, I had to stop Revlimid due to a reaction. I am now on Velcade with dex. No big deal. I don't mind the subcutaneous injections at all, but didn't realize that my injections will be days 1,4,8 and 11. Then, the day after the injections, I am kind of sluggish. Soon to start Zometa infusions also once per month.
I go into work every two weeks to see our human resource person and turn in all my oncologist treatment forms for my insurance (Aflac). My foreman and co-workers all ask when are you coming back to work. I just say not sure, but hopefully soon. Surprisingly, the last time I went in, they all said why do you want to come back anyway? You have put in 22 plus years already. You could get hurt and break more bones with all the heavy equipment we work on. Also, there is a new company in the area taking a lot of business away and things are very slow. They just said enjoy your life as much as you can. Come in and hang out with us at lunch time or break. When you feel up to it, let's go play a round of golf or just hang out for a while. Made me feel much better after that.
So I guess that I kind of see how you were feeling about work. At 63, I am close to retirement, but not close enough. My doc has said that I should think about permanent disability. My co-workers have given me encouragement and I have always wanted to get back into cycling. I am riding my mountain bike in my neighborhood a lot more. It's about a 5 mile loop. Not that far, but mostly hilly. My goal will be to do a metric century ride next year. Cycling always made me feel like a kid again.
I have found that exercise has made me feel so much better. I set goals even when I walk to go a certain distance or try a new trail. It really clears the mind. Plus, I always meet other nice folks when I am walking. Don't know if you're into any outdoor activities, but maybe find your type of activity that makes you feel good. Start out slow and have fun!
Best of Luck, Castaway
-
Castaway - Name: George
- Who do you know with myeloma?: just myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 1/24/14
- Age at diagnosis: 62
32 posts
• Page 1 of 4 • 1, 2, 3, 4
Return to Member Introductions / Personal Stories