Tip Card: Ask Your Doctor These Important Questions

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Important Questions to ASK YOUR DOCTOR

after a Myeloma Diagnosis

Many questions arise upon a diagnosis of myeloma. A consultation with a myeloma specialist can give you the answers you need and help guide your treatment selection.

Getting started

 What type of myeloma do I have?

 What stage of myeloma do I have?

 Do I have standard-risk or high-risk myeloma?

 Will my age or other health issues affect my treatment options or treatment outcome?

 Which factors in my case indicate a good or a poor prognosis?

 What is the length of expected survival with myeloma?

Treatment planning

 What tests do I need to have performed before we can decide on treatment?

 What are my treatment options? Are some more toxic than others?

 Is a stem cell transplant recommended in my case?

 Will I receive treatment by infusion, by injection, or by mouth?

 Will I receive treatment at a clinic or at home?

(continues on reverse side)

 Can taking other medications, vitamins, or supplements interfere with myeloma treatment?

 Will treatment or its side effects have an impact on my daily activities, and my personal and professional obligations?

 Can side effects be prevented or minimized?

 How do I know if the treatment is working?

 What are my options if the chosen treatment doesn’t seem to be working?

 Should I consider a clinical trial or stick with FDA-approved treatments?

 Which myeloma test results should I keep track of during and after treatment?

Financial considerations

 Which part of my treatment will be covered by my insurer?

 What will my financial responsibility be?

 Are there financial resources to help me pay for my treatment?

Support

 What support services are available to me?

 Are there support groups in my area for myeloma patients, caregivers, and family?

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Tip Card: Ask Your Doctor These Important Questions by International Myeloma Foundation - Issuu