Talking to Your Doctor About Multiple Myeloma

by Michael Jubinville, MPH

You have your own health past. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with multiple myeloma (MM). By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can make the best choices for you and your family.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will help you to talk to your doctor:

Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write out your questions beforehand so you don't forget them.
Write down the answers you get and make sure you grasp what you are hearing. Ask for help, if needed.
Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About MM

What is the stage is it in?
What does the stage mean?

About Treatment Options

What is the best way to treat this?
What are the risks and benefits?
What other ways to treat it are there?
How long will they take?
Will my insurance cover the costs?
What are the side effects?
How will this affect my day to day life?
How will I take care of myself?
What happens if these methods do not work?

About Lifestyle Changes

Are there lifestyle changes I can make to help?
How to do I find a support group?

About Outlook

How will I know if my treatments are working?
Can I join a clinical trial?

References:

Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Updated January 19, 2018. Accessed May 2, 2019.

Multiple myeloma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116888/Multiple-myeloma. Updated March 29, 2019. Accessed May 2, 2019.

What should you ask your doctor about multiple myeloma? American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html. Updated February 28, 2018. Accessed May 2, 2019.

Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 5/2/2019

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