NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS:

YOUR TOP QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Over the years, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) has collected questions from newly diagnosed patients like you. Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer where certain cells, called plasma cells, in the bone marrow grow out of control. These cancerous cells damage the bones and cause bone pain. Other problems caused by myeloma include infections, anemia, problems with bruising and bleeding, and damage to some of the body's organs (particularly the kidneys).

While multiple myeloma is considered to be incurable, it is a treatable disease. There are more treatments today than ever before that are helping patients live longer, healthier lives.

Click here to learn more about multiple myeloma.

What are the treatments for multiple myeloma?

Due to advances in myeloma research, there are many treatment options available today. Treatments range from newer targeted treatments (such as Revlimid, Thalomid and Velcade) to high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Some of these medications are taken orally, while others are given intravenously (by needle). Although each of these treatment approaches may be used alone, combinations of two or more anti-myeloma medications are common. In addition to standard treatments, clinical trials are an option for many patients.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no one standard therapy for multiple myeloma. You and your doctor will decide on the best treatment approach for you. Click here for more information on how multiple myeloma is treated.

How can I find a doctor who specializes in multiple myeloma?

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a doctor who specializes in myeloma, called a hematologist-oncologist. He or she will coordinate your care throughout the course of the disease.

There are several ways to go about finding and choosing a hematologist-oncologist. Depending on your health insurance plan, you may need to get a referral from your family doctor, usually referred to as your primary care physician. Usually, your primary care physician will know one or more hematologist-oncologists in your area who specialize in treating multiple myeloma. Or, go directly to your health insurance company and ask them for a list of hematologist-oncologists who are part of your health insurance plan.

In addition, several national groups' websites can provide the names of hematologist-oncologist in your area.

• American Society of Hematology's "Find a Hematologist" helps match patients with doctors who specialize in treating blood cancers.
• Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), our sister organization, is made up of the nation's top cancer centers specializing in multiple myeloma. Click here to learn more.

Do I need a second opinion?

It is recommended that people with multiple myeloma seek a second opinion from a doctor with expertise in treating multiple myeloma soon after their diagnosis. In fact, most doctors will encourage patients to see more than one doctor before proceeding with treatment and care and many insurance companies require it. Seeking knowledge and expertise from more than one doctor will help you learn more about your diagnosis and treatment options, and will help empower you to make health-care decisions in the future.

Click here to visit our sister organization, the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), for more information about cancer centers that specialize in multiple myeloma. Click here to visit the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) designated cancer centers. Or, click here to visit the American Society of Hematology's "Find a Hematologist" to locate doctors who specialize in treating blood cancers.

What do I tell people about my diagnosis?

A multiple myeloma diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming - not only for the patient, but also for friends and family. People often don't know what to say or what questions to ask. Your loved ones may find it helpful if you explain what multiple myeloma is and how the disease is treated. Click here for more information about multiple myeloma. Click here for more information about how multiple myeloma is treated.

You may also want to suggest that they learn more by listening to our webcasts or attending one of our free educational programs. Click here to listen to our webcasts.Click here for a calendar of programs.

How can my family and friends help?

There are many ways for your family and friends to help. One of the most meaningful ways is to make a donation to the MMRF in your honor. Click here to make a donation to the MMRF.

The MMRF also holds events nationwide that your family and friends can attend to support you in your journey with multiple myeloma and to help the MMRF in it mission to bring new treatments to patients and find a cure. Click here to find an event near you.

Your friends and family may also want to create a web-site in your honor through CaringBridge.org to offer words of support and encouragement as you go through treatment. Click here to learn more.

How can I connect with other patients?

There are many ways to connect with other people with multiple myeloma. Meet other patients and family members at an MMRF event in your community. Meet our Myeloma Mentors or read about other patients' journey with multiple myeloma. Join our groups on Facebook or LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter. Or, ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to a support group in your community.