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What questions should I ask my doctor?

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There is a website http://www.bestdoctors.com that has a page on Multiple Myeloma written by Dr. Dalton, one of the MM specialists. At the bottom of the page is a link to questions to ask the doctor. I have taken the liberty of copying it here. If for some reason it doesn't print, go to the site and print out the questions yourself. As time goes on, you will have plenty of questions to ask. I found it helpful to keep index cards at various places in the house to jot down questions as they occurred to me so I wouldn't forget. Then I would take the cards with me to the doctor's office. Most doctors will allow you to go through the list of questions and actually like to see that you are focused enough to do this. It saves time and gets right to the point.   Karen in Hawaii

Multiple Myeloma

William S. Dalton, M.D.
Clinical Investigations, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
Oncology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Questions for patients with an Multiple Myeloma to ask their physicians

  1. What criteria do you use to make the diagnosis of multiple myeloma?
  2. Do I have MGUS, smoldering myeloma or solitary plasmacytoma as an explanation for my elevated level of monoclonal protein?
  3. What stage of multiple myeloma do I have?
  4. What are my therapeutic options and how did you arrive at your current treatment recommendation?
  5. What are the side effects of treatment and is there anything I can do to reduce the severity of side effects? What directions will you and your staff provide me if and when side effects do occur?
  6. Am I a candidate for high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue or allogeneic bone marrow transplant?
  7. Am I a candidate for supportive care treatments including bisphosphonates or erythropoietin?
  8. What diagnostic tests will you perform to monitor the status of my disease and at what frequency will these be performed?
  9. Will you or your office staff direct me to a support group for patients and their families?
  10. What is your opinion of research trials and am I a candidate for any clinical trials designed to improve the treatment of myeloma?
  11. Do you work with clinical investigators who might have access to new treatments for myeloma?

You should ask these questions to assure yourself that the doctor takes a meticulous, thorough approach to diagnosis and treatment, and that he or she is accessible and flexible.

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