TEN STEPS TO STRESS CONTROL - FROM FEAR TO HOPE

1. Be open to the idea that stress reduction is achievable and is a worthwhile objective.
   
   
2. Identify non-cancer-related stresses in your life that may be having a negative impact, such as worry about children or your job.
   
   
3. Use a scale of 1 - 10 (1 being lowest/10 highest) to assess your stress levels.
   Assess your level of stress
   • at the time preceding your diagnosis.
   • at the time the myeloma became active.
   • during a stem cell transplant.
   Was the level of stress significant enough to have had a negative health impact?
   
   
4. Assess the level of stress you experience when you are fearful.
   • As you await test results to see if treatment is working.
   • When you are worried about relapse.
   • When you are starting a new type of therapy.
     
     
5. Talk to your doctor about your options. Be honest with your doctor, and don’t be afraid to get a second or third opinion if needed.
   
   
6. Reduce stress where you can. This might call for drastic steps—don’t be afraid to
   • Change your job.
   • Move if necessary.
   • Amend your lifestyle.
     
     
7. Let others help you. It will help them feel better too.
   
   
8. Have confidence that the treatment will work!
   • Myeloma can be controlled.
   • Myeloma can be a “chronic” disease.
   • Novel therapies and new approaches to treatment do work.
   • Long term survival is feasible.
     
     
9. Be open to the healing power of hope—it is right there for you:
   • From your fellow patients who are doing well,
   • From your doctor,
   • From your nurse,
   • From within yourself.
   • From the IMF!
     
     
10. Turn to the IMF for information and guidance.
    • Call the Hotline: 800/452-CURE (2873)
    • Go to the website: myeloma.org
    • Use the free IMF publications to guide you