Hi Walter,

You can have calcium levels tested on your next doctor visit, and he/she will be able to tell you whether or not to supplement.

Beth

Do you have bloodwork that shows your calcium levels? Taking calcium may or may not be good. When I was diagnosed, my serum calcium levels were high from the bone loss. In that case, you wouldn't want to take more calcium. If you do take calcium supplements, you should probably take a combination supplement with vitamin D and magnesium.

Thanks, I'll ask on my next visit. I don't have any bone loss as yet.

Hi Walter,

The calcium supplements are recommended, at least when you are getting infusions for bisphosphonates such as Zometa and Aredia. This is because these bisphonphonates coat the bones and prevent calcium leeching into the blood from the bones. The calcium supplement maintains adequate calcium in the blood when the bones are coated. If you are not on bisphosphonates and taking calcium supplements I would be concerned and want an explanation from my oncologist.
Try googling bisphosphonates for a good overview or get it from a myeloma site.

Tom