Planning ahead for the end of life Infopack

Supporting people with myeloma to plan ahead for the end of life.

Reading about the end of life can be difficult for many people. We therefore created this Infopack in partnership with Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity. This Infopack can be read at any point following a myeloma diagnosis. It has been designed with clear sections on each topic, helping you find information as and when you feel ready for it.

This Infopack discusses the key topics myeloma patients have told us they have about the end of life. This Infopack offers clear and honest information in response to these questions including:

• Why you may want to plan ahead for the end of life
• Your thoughts and feelings about end of life
• How to get your affairs in order
• What to expect when myeloma treatment is no longer an option
• Symptoms you may experience at the end of life
• Choosing where to spend your last days

Key points you can read about in this Infopack include:

• There is no right time to plan ahead. However, making plans in plenty of time allows time to consider the different options and it may make it easier for your wishes to be respected
• Palliative care is the emotional, physical and spiritual care that may be offered to someone with myeloma at any time following their diagnosis
• Nearing the end of life can come with many complex emotions. Allow yourself time and space to process these emotions
• Getting your affairs in order, such as making a will or having a Lasting Power of Attorney (or equivalent), can make practical tasks much simpler in the future
• When thinking about where you want to be at the end of your life, your choice will likely be guided by what is important to you and what support is available
• In the last few weeks of life, you may experience certain physical and emotional symptoms and changes. There are many things that can be done to manage these symptoms and make you as comfortable as possible

Thinking about the end of life can bring many different emotions. If you would like further information or support, you can call the Myeloma UK Infoline on 0800 980 3332 or the Marie Curie Support line on 0800 090 2309.

Click ‘Download’ to view the Planning ahead for the end of life Infopack. Order your free physical copy online or by phoning Myeloma UK.

Planning ahead for the end of life

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