Talking With Your Doctor

Name: Standing in the Gaap
Keywords: multiple myeloma, standing in the gaap, african americans

It’s important to be open and honest with your doctors and nurses. Always tell them how you’re feeling at every visit. Feel free to ask questions about your health and your treatment.

It may be helpful to bring a list of questions to each appointment. You may want to ask your doctor or nurse questions about:

Your diagnosis

How is multiple myeloma different from other cancers, like breast or lung cancer?
How would you describe my risk level?
What is my prognosis (outlook)?
What doctors will be involved in my care?
Will there be one doctor or nurse coordinating my care?

Testing

What should I expect when I go for testing?
What types of tests will I undergo, and how often?
What will I need to do to prepare for these tests?
Where will I go for these tests?
When and how will I get the results of my tests?
Can you explain what my results mean after each test?

Treatment

What types of treatments are available for multiple myeloma?
Could a stem cell transplant be an option for me?
Do I need chemotherapy as part of my multiple myeloma treatment?
What are the risks and benefits of each treatment?
What treatment do you recommend, and why?
Will I be able to continue my normal work schedule with this treatment?
What are your thoughts on visiting a multiple myeloma specialist? Is there a multiple myeloma specialist you would recommend and would coordinate with?

Paying for care

Is this treatment covered by my insurance?
Are there patient assistance programs?
Is there a financial counselor or someone in the office I can speak with about affording treatment?