YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAVE BEEN NEWLY DIAGNOSED

NOW WHAT?

Informed decisions about your health care is important to your quality of life, and your survival. To make these decisions easier for you, we have compiled a list of suggested questions, as a starting point, to help you learn more about your cancer, your care, and your treatment. We encourage you to visit other websites, cancer support groups, but most importantly, talk to your doctor and health team. Feel free to print this list of questions, and bring it to your appointment.

Am I certain that I have multiple myeloma?
What type of multiple myeloma do I have?
Can I get a second opinion on this diagnosis?
How many multiple myeloma patients are treated at this cancer centre?
What stage is my myeloma at?
What do the different stages mean?
What are my symptoms?
What other health problems and concerns are caused by multiple myeloma?
Can you explain my laboratory test results to me?
Should I start treatment immediately?
What treatment plan are you recommending, and why?
What are the benefits, and the risks, of this treatment plan?
Are there any other treatment options?
What clinical trials are open to me?
How will this treatment plan affect my daily life? Can I work, exercise, or do daily household activities?

Because appointments can often be brief, and because there is typically a lot of ground to cover when you are with your treatment plan medical team, it is a good idea to be well prepared. Here's what you can do to prepare beforehand.

Note the symptoms that you are experiencing. If you have had signs and symptoms of illness or are just not feeling well, write those details down along with when you first noticed them. List your other medical conditions. Include any and all prescription, or over-the-counter, medications that you are taking, as well as all vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

Take a family member or friend along with you since it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed, or forgot. Don't be afraid, or embarrassed to surround yourself with a support system, and stay positive. Stress and anxiety are not helpful attributes when it comes to coordinating a treatment plan for you.

OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

Myeloma Canada

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Knowledge is Power. 12 additional questions to ask your Medical Team

Informed decisions about your health care are important to your quality of life, and your survival. To make these decisions easier for you, here are some additional questions, to you to help you learn more about your cancer, your care, and your treatment plan. We encourage you to visit other websites, cancer support groups, but most importantly, talk to your doctor and his medical team. Be vocal, be prepared, and be a part of your plan.

Who will be a part of my health care team, and what is the role of each member?
What are the possible short and long-term side effects of the treatment?
How long does it typically take to recover from treatment?
How often will I be at the clinic?
How often will I be tested for multiple myeloma?
How long will multiple myeloma stay in remission?
Could treatment affect my ability to have children, or become pregnant?
What additional support services are available to me?
What can my family, friends, and caregivers do to help me?
Where can I get more information?
The costs related to my medical care are expensive. Who can I turn to with these concerns?
Who should I call with any questions or problems?

Looking for someone nearby to talk to? We are here....and we've been there..

We, too, have been affected by multiple myeloma. Either as patients, or caregivers to loved ones. When you are first diagnosed everything can disorienting, confusing, difficult, and quite possibly all of the above. If you, a family member, or a friend has been affected by multiple myeloma, we will be here for you. No one has to face the cancer journey alone. We've been there, and can help.

We understand that support groups aren't for everybody, but here you'll find valuable information and education, a friends you can talk to, friends that can advocate for you when you're not feeling up to it, friends who are here to help you navigate your process, or at least help point you in the right direction, which we hope will make a difference for you, and for us.