What should I bring to my Multiple Myeloma treatment appointments

What to Bring to Your Multiple Myeloma Treatment Appointments

Preparing for your appointments helps your care team provide the best possible care and ensures you get the most out of your visit. Here's what you should bring:

Essential Documents & [ID removed]

Insurance & ID

• Insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Any authorization forms your insurance requires

Medical History

• List of all current medications (including doses and how often you take them)
• List of any allergies or adverse reactions to medications
• Previous [ID removed] from other doctors, especially if you've been treated elsewhere
• Results from recent tests done at other facilities
• Documentation of any genetic testing results (like FISH results showing chromosomal abnormalities)

Treatment-Specific Items

Symptom & Side Effect Tracking

• A notebook or journal documenting:
  • Any new symptoms you've experienced since your last visit
  • Side effects from current treatments
  • How treatments are affecting your daily life
  • Questions that have come up since your last appointment

Lab Results & Imaging

• Recent blood test results (CBC, metabolic panel, immunoglobulin levels, M protein levels, free light chain assay)
• Recent imaging reports (PET/CT, MRI, or low-dose CT scans)
• Bone marrow biopsy results if applicable
• Any follow-up surveillance test results

Practical Items

Communication Tools

• A list of questions you want to ask (prioritized by importance)
• A notebook and pen to take notes during your appointment
• Your phone or recording device if you want to record the conversation (ask permission first)

Support

• A trusted family member or friend who can help you listen, take notes, and ask questions
• This is especially helpful during complex discussions about treatment options or test results

Insurance & Payment

• Co-payment or deductible information
• Any prior authorization paperwork

Questions to Prepare

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Multiple Myeloma, it's important to come prepared with questions about:

• How your current treatment is working based on recent test results
• What your M protein levels, free light chains, and other markers show
• Whether you're responding well to treatment or if adjustments are needed
• Side effects and how to manage them
• What follow-up tests you'll need and when
• If you're a candidate for a hematopoietic cell transplant (if applicable to your stage)
• Maintenance therapy options after primary treatment
• Clinical trial opportunities

Why This Matters

The NCCN Guidelines emphasize that cancer care works best when it's a partnership between you and your healthcare team. Coming prepared with organized information helps your doctors:

• Make informed decisions about your treatment
• Monitor how well your current therapy is working
• Catch any side effects or complications early
• Adjust your care plan if needed

Pro Tips

✓ Keep copies of all your test results at home for your records

✓ Use a folder or binder to organize documents chronologically so you can easily find information

✓ Bring a list of all supplements or over-the-counter medications you're taking—these can interact with myeloma treatments

✓ Write down your pharmacy's contact information in case your doctor needs to send prescriptions

✓ Ask for copies of all test results and imaging reports before you leave each appointment

✓ Consider a patient portal if your cancer center offers one—many now provide online access to test results and appointment summaries

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients recommend that you "ask a lot of questions, even the ones you're afraid to ask" and that you "ensure you make the best decisions for your particular situation." Being organized and prepared is one of the best ways to advocate for yourself.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.