Hi. Recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Started treatment 2 weeks ago. I’ve been nowhere other than hospital since treatment (I wear a mask and do my hands anll the time) and have still picked up an infection.
I’m currently day 2 in hospital. My anxiety levels are through the roof. Is it normal to pick up an infection so soon? My white blood cell count is .4 the doc say it has to be 1
I really need to speak to someone who can advise me on firstly is this all normal and secondly how to deal with my anxiety. I’ve tried McMillan and other cancer groups to try and speak to someone but no one must have cancer on a Sunday. They’re all closed.
I’ve told the staff at the hospital. They’re not interested. Anyone help.
Oh @Dee123 your anxiety really comes from your post, it sounds a very lonely time for you.
Personally I have found there is no ‘normal’ and that is because we are all very complex individuals with our own medical histories and treatment plans.
I would talk to your nurse or medical team and ask them if
Perhaps be pleasantly assertive tomorrow and ask who you can talk to about your anxiety as hospital and local services differ.
Unfortunately as you realise support services are often not available at weekends.
You have done the right thing posting on our forum and and I expect many of us understand how you feel, I get very tearful in hospital.
Be ever so kind to yourself and really look after yourself and please do keep posting on our forum, you are part of our forum family.
Thank you Erica.
I feel emotionally drained. They’re treating me for infection albeit not known what type of infection.
My mental health is rock bottom.
Just want to go home.
Oh, @Dee123 I know that feeling of just wanting to go home so well, I know that I do not make a ‘patient patient’.
I know some tests to find out exactly which infection I have take time.
After 10am the Blood Cancer UK support line is there for you on 0808 2080 888.
I know that you do not feel the staff are interested, but personally I just keep trying, very pleasantly, and I keep telling them how I am struggling and ask for help.
The day staff will be on now..
Please do keep posting and I will be copying your post to the Blood Cancer UK Nurses for you. @BloodCancerUK_Nurses
I know this must seem impossible, but sometimes I just take it an hour at a time.
Hello @Dee123
We are sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma and that you have picked up an infection.
We can imagine this is a difficult and frustrating time for you.
Unfortunately having a blood cancer diagnosis does make you more vulnerable to infections and the treatment itself can also do this by lowering your white blood cell count. This can happen at any point during treatment.
Could we ask if you have a clinical nurse specialist you could speak to? You should have been given the contact details for them and could give them a call or see if you can ask the nursing staff if they are available to come to the ward to speak with you. They should be able to provide you with support and go through things with you.
In case it is useful we have a page on infection that discusses when you are at highest risk of infection and questions you may have for the team Blood cancer and infection | Blood Cancer UK.
We can imagine this is an overwhelming time, so please know that you are not alone and if you would like to talk to one of our support services staff, do get in touch on 0808 2080 888