Booklet: What You Need to Know about Multiple Myeloma

Treatment

Treatment depends on the extent of the cancer and the patient's symptoms. The doctor also considers the person's age and general health. The doctor may want to discuss the patient's case with other doctors who treat multiple myeloma. Also, the patient may want to talk with the doctor about taking part in a research study of new treatment methods. Such studies, called clinical trials, are designed to improve the treatment of this type of cancer. These studies are discussed in the Treatment Studies section.

Many patients want to learn all they can about their disease and their treatment choices so they can take an active part in decisions about their medical care. Patients have many important questions about their health, and the doctor is the best person to answer them. Most people want to know the extent of their cancer, how it can be treated, how effective the treatment is likely to be, and how much it is expected to cost. These are some questions patients may want to ask the doctor:

• What are my treatment choices?
• Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• What are the expected benefits of treatment?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
• If I have pain, how will you help me?
• Will I need to change my normal activities?
• How often will I need to have checkups?

Many people find it helpful to make a list of their questions before they see the doctor. Taking notes can make it easier to remember what the doctor says. Some patients also find that it helps to have a family member or friend with them when they see the doctor--to take part in the discussion or just to listen.

There is a lot to learn about cancer and its treatment. Patients do not need to ask all their questions or remember all the answers at one time. They will have other chances to ask the doctor to explain things and to get more information.

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