I started with a local general oncologist for VRD then switched to a specialist at UTSW. I had my stem cell transplant there. I am high risk Kappa. I have bone damage and some kidney damage. I have some cardiac issues. I love UTSW. I have benefitted from the specialized care there not just for myeloma itself but for the related conditions. I see a cardio-oncologist. A palliative care doctor specifically for blood cancer patients. He has helped reduce my pain enourmously. He has access to prescribing meds most doctors do not or will not. I can consult with pharmacist who only deals with cancer patients to make sure my meds are not interacting. An orthopedic oncologist for bone issues. An onco-dermatologist for skin side effects of treatment. These doctors are intimately familiar with the effects of myeloma and the drugs used to treat it. I would think every myeloma patient will need these specialized areas of care and up to date knowledge a large University myeloma team can provide.

I would 109% recommend a speciality myeloma center. Myeloma is so complex and changing so fast, the generalist doctors just can’t keep up as well. I went to UAMS in Little Rock and highly recommend them. They are very aggressive but have the best survival rates in the WORLD.

Thank you! Great feedback. I get the pillow thing- My husband has a favorite pillow we've used in previous hospital stays, I've even brought pillowcases from home for the other pillows

Also....today is the 16th, how did the appointment go? What were the results of the biopsy?

You can do both! I LOVE my doctor at TX Oncology but in Austin my insurance dropped my oncologists preferred imaging center, so I went to MD Anderson for a 2nd opinion and imaging workup. I am smoldering so I had the luxury of time. However, I did not care for my MDA MM specialist (not sure I can change?) In the end, I decided I will use MDA for their cutting edge technology, access to clinical trials, up to date knowledge on MM, etc but will execute the MDA plan with my TX Oncology doctor who is invested in me.