Being told you have multiple myeloma can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.
Coping with fear
It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning about multiple myeloma and your treatment options can help you feel less afraid. It also helps you work with your healthcare team and make the best choices for your treatment. You can also ask to speak with a counselor.
Working with your healthcare team
You'll likely have different kinds of healthcare providers on your healthcare team. These might include:
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Hematologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating diseases of the blood. These include cancers such as multiple myeloma.
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Medical oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer, including blood cancers like myeloma, with medicines. These medicines may include chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
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Radiation oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer with radiation therapy.
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Bone marrow transplant specialist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treatment using bone marrow transplants, also called stem cell transplants.
Many other healthcare providers and professionals will be part of your team as well. They may include an orthopedic surgeon, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, and dieticians. They'll answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each of the steps you’ll take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll guide you in making treatment decisions and help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.
Learning about treatment options
To decide the best course of treatment for you, your healthcare team needs to know as much as they can about your cancer. This may involve getting tests and working with more than one healthcare provider. And you may decide that you want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment. Your healthcare team can help you do this.
Getting support
Coping with cancer can be very stressful. Talk with your healthcare team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You can also join support groups to talk with other people coping with multiple myeloma. Ask your healthcare team about local or online support groups.
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