I was diagnosed 1/21/21 I am now in my 5th year of .multiple Myeloma Dr gave me 5 years before I may have to start treatment of some level.
With multiple myeloma, treatment decisions are driven almost entirely by objective data, not just the diagnosis itself. Myeloma can behave very differently from person to person—some cases are aggressive and need immediate treatment, while others are slow-moving and can be safely monitored for a long time
Starting treatment too early can expose patients to serious side effects, resistance to future therapies, and reduced options later on—especially since myeloma is usually treated over many years, not just once.
That’s why early discussions often focus on monitoring, education, and planning, while labs, imaging, and bone marrow results guide when and how treatment should start.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, The International Myeloma Foundation and the Healthtree Foundation websites have lots of information on Myeloma treatments, side effects, clinical trials etc.
Mary,
If you have Multiple Myeloma, you should be on some type of treatment. If you are Smoldering like me, then it is wait and see, but you still should be having scans like I am. Are you seeing a Hematologist/Oncologist who is a MM Specialist? If not, you need one or a second opinion. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation has a list of MM Specialists around the country. They also have Counselors to talk to. HTTPS://www.themmrf.org/
Paula🌹
Why isn't treatment discussed immediately after a myeloma diagnosis instead of waiting on lab work?
It sounds like you may have been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma, which is an early stage that doesn't always require immediate treatment. Your doctor's approach of monitoring rather than treating right away is actually a Show Full Answer