Multiple Myeloma (cont.)
How is multiple myeloma treated?
Staging
If the biopsy shows that you have multiple myeloma, your doctor needs to
know the extent (stage)
of the disease to plan the best treatment. Staging may involve having more
tests. You may have blood tests (including beta-2-microglobulin), CT scans, or an MRI
of your bones.
Doctors may describe the disease as Stage I, Stage II, or Stage III. Higher
numbers mean that a larger number of myeloma cells are in the body. The stage
also takes into account whether the cancer is causing problems with your bones
or kidneys.
Treatment
Many people with multiple myeloma want to take an active part in making
decisions about their medical care. It is natural to want to learn all you can
about your disease and your treatment choices. However, shock and
stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want
to ask the doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an
appointment.
To help remember what the doctor says, you may take notes or ask whether you
may use a tape recorder. You may also want to have a family member or friend
with you when you talk to the doctor - to take part in the discussion, to take
notes, or just to listen.
You do not need to ask all your questions at once. You will have other
chances to ask your doctor to explain things that are not clear and to ask for
more information.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, or you may ask for a referral.
Specialists who treat multiple myeloma include medical oncologists, radiation
oncologists, and hematologists.
Getting a second opinion
Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about the
diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second opinion if
you or your doctor requests it. It may take some time and effort to gather
medical records and arrange to see another doctor. Usually it is not a problem
to take several weeks to get a second opinion. In most cases, the delay in
starting treatment will not make treatment less effective. To make sure, you
should discuss this delay with your doctor. Some people with multiple myeloma
need treatment right away.
There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:
- Your doctor may refer you to one or more specialists. At cancer centers,
several specialists often work together as a team.
- The NCI's Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell you about
nearby treatment centers. Information Specialists also can provide online
assistance through
LiveHelp at http://www.cancer.gov.
- A local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school can
usually provide the names of specialists in your area.
- The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has a list of doctors who
have had training and passed exams in their specialty. You can find this list in
the Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists. This
Directory is in most public libraries. Or you can look up doctors at
http://www.abms.org. (Click on "Who's Certified.")
- The NCI provides a helpful fact sheet called "How To Find a Doctor or
Treatment Facility If You Have Cancer."
- Nonprofit organizations with an interest in multiple myeloma may be of help.
See the NCI fact sheet "National Organizations That Offer Services to People
With Cancer and Their Families."
Next: Methods of treatment »
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