Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Remembering Questions and Answers
Many people with
multiple myeloma want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care and their multiple myeloma treatment. However, the shock and stress that often accompany a
multiple myeloma diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Some patients find that it is helpful to make a list of multiple myeloma questions before an appointment with their doctor.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Healthcare Providers
There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's multiple myeloma treatment. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating multiple myeloma, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat multiple myeloma include:
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Hematologists.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Getting a Second Opinion
Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion about the diagnosis and the multiple myeloma treatment plan. While some insurance companies require a second opinion, others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.
Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Treatment Options
The doctor is the best person to describe the multiple myeloma treatment choices and to discuss the expected results. The doctor and patient should work together to develop a multiple myeloma treatment plan that fits the patient's needs.
Depending on the type and extent of multiple myeloma, people may have:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Other medications (including high-dose corticosteroid therapy or Thalomid®)
- Stem cell transplant
- Bone marrow transplant
- Biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies
- A combination of these methods.
Treatment with bisphosphonate drug therapy may be given to slow bone loss and reduce bone pain and chemotherapy is the common treatment of amyloidosis. Patients may also receive
multiple myeloma supportive care to control the health problems (such as infections) that can be caused by multiple myeloma.
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