HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Health Psychology

Table of Contents

I.ABSTRACT3

II.INTRODUCTION3

III.CASE SITUATION3

IV.BACKGROUND4

Multiple Myeloma symptoms4

Treatment6

Illness trajectory8

Psychosocial implications of the disease and treatment8

V.PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES THAT SURROUND THIS PARTICULAR CASE9

VI.COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THEORY WHY JENNY IS EXPERIENCING ANXIETY AND UNCERTAINTY10

VII.VALIDATED TREATMENT PLAN11

VIII.THE GOALS OF TREATMENT12

IX.RESEARCH FINDINGS12

REFERENCES14

Health Psychology Essay

Abstract

Myeloma bone pain usually involves the spine and ribs, and worsens with activity. Persistent localized pain may indicate a pathological bone fracture. This paper discusses a case of Jenny, who is suffering from Multiple Myeloma. This paper would help in identifying Multiple Myeloma symptoms, treatment, etc.

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (a-myelo, bone marrow), cancer is in the white blood cells known as plasma cells that produce antibodies. These plasma cells or B cells, are part of the immune system, formed in the bone marrow, as well as in numerous lymphatics. Myeloma is incurable, but the benefits may be due to the steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide and stem cell transplantation. Individuals who have an initial response to therapy, however, eventually relapse, as myeloma, are generally not considered curable. If relapse occurs more than 6 months after completion of initial therapy, initial therapy may be repeated. In addition, another mode is commonly used as initial therapy may be given. Participation in clinical trials is an option. (Zonder 2008)

Case Situation

Jenny is a 38 year-old Chinese woman who immigrated to Sydney one and a half years ago. She works in a restaurant full-time, lives alone and is divorced. She is fluent in English to the extent that she is able to perform her job, however she continues to have difficulty reading the newspaper. over the past two months, Jenny has been experiencing lower back and hip pain. She was unsure what caused her symptoms until she visited her doctor and learned that she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She has been prescribed to receiving chemotherapy next week, but is currently experiencing much anxiety and is unsure what to do. In addition to the chronic pain she is experiencing on a daily basis, she is having difficulty sleeping, concentrating at work, no longer engages in outdoor exercise, and has stopped communicating with her family in china. (Zonder 2008)

Background

Multiple Myeloma symptoms

Since many organs may be affected by myeloma, the symptoms and signs vary widely. A mnemonic sometimes used to remember the general books of multiple myeloma is CRAB: C = Calcium (elevated), R = renal insufficiency, anemia = A, B = Bone lesions. Myeloma has many possible symptoms, and symptoms may be due to other causes. They are presented here in descending order of frequency. (Weber 2005)

The involvement of the vertebrae can lead to compression of the spinal cord. Myeloma bone disease is due to the release of RANKL in plasma and bone marrow cells, which binds to RANK activatory receptor on osteoclast. These lytic bone damage, and is best seen in plain radiographs, which may show "punched-out" resorptive lesions (including the "pepper pot" The appearance of the skull on the X-ray). A breakdown of bone also leads to the release of calcium in the blood, which leads to hypercalcemia and associated ...