Most people ask more questions when ordering a meal at a restaurant or purchasing a cell phone than they do during an appointment with their healthcare provider. But there are plenty of questions to at least consider asking your doctor if you have multiple myeloma — at least 20 of them.

Twenty questions may seem like a lot, but asking questions of your cancer care team is a vital step in making well-informed decisions about your myeloma treatment. And studies show that people who are involved in cancer treatment decisions:

• Have fewer regrets about treatment
• Are more likely to stick with their treatment plan
• Feel more satisfied
• Spend less on healthcare

Making Decisions in Partnership With Your Doctor

Asking questions is a critical part of shared decision-making. Shared decision-making is an approach to healthcare in which you and your doctor discuss your multiple myeloma treatment options and goals and come to a mutual decision about which treatment is best for you.

In shared decision-making, your doctor explains the potential benefits and risks of each treatment for multiple myeloma, and you help the doctor understand what is most important to you.

It's good to ask questions about the cost of myeloma treatment, too. There may be programs that can help.

For shared decision-making to work, you must identify your priorities and goals and communicate them to your doctor. Your main goal may be:

• Achieving or maintaining remission
• Avoiding uncomfortable side effects or serious potential complications
• Maintaining your current lifestyle as much as possible during treatment

You may not need to ask all 20 questions, but the list below can help you make the most of your time with your doctor and make sure you have all the information you need to participate in shared decision-making.

Write down the questions that are the most helpful for you, or print this list for your next doctor’s appointment. Even better, bring a loved one along to help you make sure all your questions are answered and record or write down key points.

When You’re First Diagnosed

It’s normal to have questions when you get your myeloma cancer diagnosis, and this list will help you get the information you need to understand what’s going on with your body.

1. How advanced is my multiple myeloma, and what does that mean?
2. Will I need further testing before we decide on treatment?
3. What do you recommend as first-line treatment, and why?

When Myeloma Relapses (Returns)

Almost everyone treated for myeloma will eventually have a recurrence, or relapse. Remissions (time that the cancer’s signs and symptoms are gone) tend to get shorter over time with each relapse as the cancer becomes more resistant to medications. There are many new treatments for myeloma that offer more options than ever before after a relapse.

4. What does it mean that my myeloma has relapsed now?
5. What are my next treatment options?

At Any Point: Discussing Treatment Options

Asking these important questions about treatments can help make sure you understand your options and what to expect with each.

6. What are the potential risks and benefits of this treatment?
7. What is the goal of this treatment?
8. How effective is this treatment in cases like mine?
9. What are the common side effects?
10. Are there any potentially severe side effects, and how common are they?
11. What is the schedule of treatment like, and how long will it last?

In shared decision-making, you tell your doctor about your priorities and preferences for treatment. They help you understand the potential risks and benefits of each option.

During and After Treatment

After choosing a treatment, understanding what to expect is key to following through with your plan. Ask questions about what you should look out for.

12. What can I do to prepare for treatment?
13. Is there anything I can do to manage side effects if I have them?
14. Are there signs of severe complications I should look for, and what should I do if I notice them?

Lifestyle During Myeloma Treatment

Knowing how to live well while undergoing treatment for myeloma will help you get the most out of your treatment, keep your quality of life high, and catch any problems before they become major issues.

15. How will I know if my treatment is working?
16. How often will I need checkups or follow-up appointments?
17. Do I need to change what I eat or drink during treatment?
18. Do I need to take extra precautions to avoid infections?
19. Are there any other lifestyle changes I can make that could help me feel better?

There are more treatment options than ever before for relapsed multiple myeloma. Ask your doctor which they recommend and why.

Getting Assistance With Cost and Travel

If you need help paying for treatment or getting to treatment and other medical appointments, your oncology team can help you find solutions.

20. Are there any programs to help with the cost of treatment or transportation?

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There are more treatment options than ever for multiple myeloma, and survival continues to improve. But it’s important to understand everything you can about how to slow cancer progression and improve your prognosis (outlook).

Shared decision-making can help you choose the best treatment for you, with the guidance and expertise of your healthcare team and the support of family members. If you encounter problems with staying on your myeloma treatment, there are resources to help.

Join the Conversation

On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are there any questions you wish you had asked your myeloma specialist sooner? Let others know in the comments below.