Advice for Myeloma Patients Undergoing CAR T-Cell Therapy
Advice for Myeloma Patients Undergoing CAR T-Cell Therapy from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.
How can patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy be prepared? Yu Mee Song, an oncology social worker, shares three key pieces of advice for patients and care partners getting ready for CAR T-cell therapy.
Yu Mee Song, LCSW, OSW-C is a Social Work Program Coordinator at the Center of Excellence for Multiple Myeloma Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. Learn more about Yu Mee Song.
See More From Thrive CAR T-Cell Therapy
Related Resources:
Considering CAR T-Cell Therapy For Myeloma? Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor. |
|
|
Transcript:
Katherine Banwell:
For patients who are considering CAR T-cell therapy, what three key pieces of advice would you have for them?
Yu Mee Song:
I think it’s really important to have someone accompany you to maybe the initial consultation.
Or if they can’t physically be with you to have them available by phone or to listen in on a conference call because there’s so much information that’s provided. It’s – it’s a multi-step, complicated process, so it’s good to have a – another set of ears helping you to stay organized, take notes maybe, keep a calendar.
Another thing is to plan ahead. Plan for time away from work. You may need to apply for FMLA. If you are a caregiver of young children or older parents, make arrangements for that. Especially if you live a distance from the treatment center, you may need to stay close to the hospital for a couple of weeks after your discharge for your CAR T-cell infusion.
Katherine Banwell:
Yeah.
Yu Mee Song:
And then I would say another tip is to stay connected to home, so there are many online forums that you can use to – for – for your friends and family to provide support in that way and for you to share information. And maybe bring pictures or something cozy from home to remind you of home because you will be – be away for some time.
