My name is Ariunsanaa and last year my mother was diagnosed with myeloma. At that time, both my sibling and I were living abroad. We soon realised there was no available treatment in our hometown, so we made the difficult decision to move her to an overseas location where she could receive proper care.

Hearing a diagnosis of an unfamiliar disease is overwhelming. Fear, anger and confusion set in. I felt powerless, but I focused on what I could control. My priority was to find a haematologist in my mother’s new home town. I sought advice from others who had faced similar situations and asked for help when needed. I delegated tasks, understanding I couldn’t do everything alone, and accepted that not everyone would respond as I had hoped.

To manage stress, I engaged in small, manageable activities that provided a sense of stability. I researched the disease, connected with online patient groups, and took short breaks when possible. Talking to friends and loved ones offered some relief. Discovering a Facebook support group and Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) helped me understand the disease and connect with others. However, I still miss having an in-person caregiver support network.

Throughout this journey, I leaned on my advisor or a trusted person for emotional support. Their empathy helped when nothing else did. I also learned to step back when necessary, sharing caregiving tasks with others and prioritising my own well-being. I paid attention to my health, recognizing that stress takes a toll.

This journey is long, and its lessons only become clear in hindsight. I’ve learned that while I cannot control everything, I can manage how I respond. Seeking support, taking small steps to care for myself, and accepting help make all the difference.

Check Faces of myeloma series to read more stories.