Questions to ask your doctor about RRMM treatment

The experience of starting or changing treatment with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) can feel overwhelming. While there’s no cure for the disease, many RRMM treatment options are available to help slow or stop disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve day-to-day functioning.

It’s natural to have questions about how exactly a treatment works, whether you may experience any side effects, and how it might affect your quality of life.

Knowing what questions to ask your doctor can help you make more informed decisions about your RRMM treatment plan. It can help you feel more confident when you talk to your doctor and advocate for your needs.

Why asking questions matters

It’s important to ask questions before starting RRMM treatment because therapies for the condition can affect many aspects of your life. Asking the right questions can help you:

Consider the risks and benefits: If your doctor suggests more than one treatment option, weigh them carefully. Comparing your options can help you decide what’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Feel more in control: Asking questions can help you feel like a more active partner in your treatment plan, which can support your sense of control.
Personalize treatments: RRMM can affect people differently, so treatments should be personalized. Asking questions can help you and your doctor tailor treatment to your specific needs, symptoms, and preferences.
Plan ahead: Some RRMM treatments involve infusions, frequent clinic visits, or monitoring. Knowing timing and logistics in advance can help you schedule work, caregiving, and other responsibilities.

Questions about the treatment itself

RRMM can be managed with various therapies, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, which can affect your body in different ways. Learning as much as you can about your recommended options can help you prepare for RRMM treatment.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor about an RRMM treatment:

How does this treatment work in the body?
How long will I need to receive it?
How is it administered? Is it given via pills, infusions, or injections?
How will we know if it’s working?
Is it fully covered by my insurance plan?

If you have further concerns about paying for treatment, you can also inquire about copay assistance programs with the drug manufacturer and with other organizations, such as Blood Cancer United and HealthWell Foundation.

Questions about safety and monitoring

Understanding the potential side effects and complications of myeloma treatment is essential to helping you feel safer and better prepared. Monitoring is a key aspect of RRMM care, and it’s important to know what to expect, what to watch for, and what to tell your doctor.

Examples of questions to ask:

What are the most common side effects, and how can they be managed?
Which side effects should I report right away?
Are there serious or long-term risks of this treatment?
Will this treatment affect my immune system or infection risk?
How often will I need lab tests, imaging, or follow-up visits to monitor the effects of this treatment?
What are we monitoring for?
When should I call a doctor about side effects?

Questions about lifestyle and daily life

RRMM treatments can affect your energy levels and daily activities. Asking about their potential impact can help you plan and avoid surprises.

Some lifestyle questions you can ask:

Will I need time off for infusions or recovery?
Will this treatment affect my energy levels, fatigue, pain, or sleep?
Will it interfere with work, school, or travel?
Are there any foods or supplements that I should avoid?
Are there any activities I should avoid during or after treatment?
Can I manage side effects at home? If so, how?

Discussing your goals and concerns

An effective treatment plan for RRMM should reflect your goals and priorities, such as slowing disease progression or delaying the need for more intensive treatments.

Through this approach, you and your care team — which may include a myeloma specialist, an oncologist, and a hematologist — can work together to manage your condition as comprehensively as possible.

Questions you can ask yourself and your care team:

What are my main goals for treatment?
How will this treatment affect my quality of life?
Are there alternative options if this treatment doesn’t work or causes serious side effects?
How do we balance disease control with day-to-day well-being?
Do you think my treatment plan may need to be adjusted? If so, when?

Finally, keep in mind that your RRMM symptoms and life circumstances may differ from someone else’s. You may have other questions for your doctor about treatment, so don’t hesitate to bring them up.

Overall, your treatment plan should be aligned with your needs, goals, and priorities. Asking strategic questions can help you communicate more effectively with your care team and guide you toward more informed decision-making about your care.

Rare Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.