I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Here are some important steps and questions to consider when discussing his multiple myeloma (MM) with his doctor:
Questions to Ask Your Oncologist
1. Location and Stage of Myeloma:
- Where in my body is the multiple myeloma located?
- How advanced is the multiple Show Full Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Here are some important steps and questions to consider when discussing his multiple myeloma (MM) with his doctor:
Questions to Ask Your Oncologist:
1. Location and Stage of Myeloma:
- Where in my body is the multiple myeloma located?
- How advanced is the multiple myeloma, and what does that mean?
2. Treatment Decisions:
- How quickly do we need to make a decision about treatment?
- What will happen if I delay treatment?
- What will happen if I do nothing?
3. Treatment Options:
- Which treatment options are available to me now?
- Which treatment or combination of treatments do you recommend, and why?
- What is the goal of this treatment? Achieving remission? Maintaining remission? Slowing the spread of myeloma? Improving symptoms and feeling better?
4. Effectiveness and Side Effects:
- How effective is this treatment in cases like mine?
- What are the common side effects?
- Are there any potentially severe side effects, and how common are they?
- Could this treatment raise my risk of other health problems later on, years from now?
5. Monitoring and Follow-Up:
- How will I know if my treatment is working?
- How often will I need checkups or follow-up appointments?
Additional Considerations:
- Natural Killer Cells and CD Numbers:
- Ask your doctor to explain the significance of CD numbers in your husband's specific case.
- Inquire about tests to measure his natural killer cells and other relevant immune markers.
Support and Resources:
- Bring a Family Member:
- If you’re worried or overwhelmed, bring a family member to help you during appointments.
- Community Support:
- Consider joining a support network like MyMyelomaTeam, where you can connect with others who understand life with myeloma.
Shared Decision-Making:
- Identify Priorities:
- Discuss your main goals with your doctor, whether it's achieving remission, avoiding side effects, or maintaining your current lifestyle as much as possible during treatment.
Practical Help:
- Cost and Logistics:
- Are there any programs to help with the cost of treatment?
- If travel is required, what assistance is available?
Conclusion:
Starting with these questions can help you gather the information needed to make informed decisions about your husband's treatment. Always communicate your concerns and priorities to your healthcare team to ensure the best possible care.
October 7
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