Questions to Ask About Multiple Myeloma

It’s important to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all your questions, so you can make informed treatment and life decisions.

Below are some questions to consider asking about your multiple myeloma.

Questions to ask when you’re told you have multiple myeloma

• Where is the cancer located?
• Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
• What is the stage (extent) of the myeloma, and what does that mean?
• Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• Is my kidney function being affected?
• Do the myeloma cells have cytogenetic changes (changes in the chromosomes)? What does this mean for me?
• Can you refer me to a social worker or psychologist who can help me cope with my diagnosis?
• Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals?
• If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?

Questions to ask when deciding on a treatment plan

• What are my treatment options?
• What do you recommend and why?
• How much experience do you have treating multiple myeloma?
• Should I get a second opinion? How do I do that? Can you recommend a doctor or cancer center?
• What would the goal of the treatment be?
• How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• Are there things I can do to reduce these side effects?
• How might treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work full time?
• What are the chances the cancer will recur (come back) with these treatment plans?
• What will we do if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer recurs?
• What if I have transportation problems getting to and from treatment?

Questions to ask during treatment

Once you begin treatment for multiple myeloma, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful.

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Can I exercise during treatment? If so, what kind should I do, and how often?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
• What if I need social support during treatment because my family lives far away?

Questions to ask after treatment

• Do I need a special diet after treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What kind of exercise should I do now?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• How often will I need follow-up exams and imaging tests?
• Will I need any blood tests?
• How will we know if the cancer comes back? What should I watch for?
• What will my options be if the cancer comes back?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For example, you might want to know more about recovery times. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials.

Remembering what the doctor says

It’s hard to remember all of the things you’re told at each doctor’s visit, especially when you’re anxious or afraid.

Even if the doctor carefully explains things, you might not hear or remember all that’s said or shown to you. Here are some ways to help you remember everything your doctor tells you.

• Take notes on what your doctor says.
• Ask if you can record your talks.
• Take a family member or friend with you. Ask them to remind you of questions you want to ask and ask them to take notes, so you can focus on listening and talking directly with the doctor.

Doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer a lot of your questions. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship.