Preparing
for your appointments

Preparingfor your appointments

Preparing in advance might build your confidence in having a conversation with your healthcare team about what really matters to you. This could help you get the most out of life with MM.

Before your appointment, you can download a printable list of questions you may want to ask your healthcare team. The checklist covers a wider range of topics but you don’t have to go through all of the questions with your healthcare team. You can choose the ones that matter most to you and write down any of your own.

It may be useful to review the checklist before each appointment as things can change over time. You can download the PDF and save it to your phone and you may also want to share it with your care partner.

Questions your doctor might ask

During your appointment, your healthcare professional might ask you questions. It could help you prepare by thinking about what your answers might be beforehand. Remember to bring a care partner to your appointment if having their support will help you.

Have your symptoms changed since I last saw you? Consider keeping a diary of how you feel, day-to-day, and take it with you

Are there any tasks or hobbies you can no longer do? Explain why you think this may be

Has your treatment caused side effects? If you experience side effects, please discuss them with your healthcare team. Also mention them during any appointments you have

How do you cope with your treatment? If you’re finding your treatment difficult to manage in any way, whether this is the way you take it, how often, the location, or something else, mention it to your healthcare team

How do you feel in your daily life? If your MM or care plan is affecting your daily life, please speak to your healthcare team

Has your appetite changed? Keeping a diary of your meals could help you notice if you’re eating less, more, or your tastes have changed

Have you noticed a change in weight? Taking a regular note of your weight will help you to see if you’ve lost any, which your doctor will want to know

Are you supported by loved ones or care partner(s)? Think about the people in your life you can rely on

Also, don’t forget to take a list of your priorities to your appointments. This could help you speak about what your options might be and how they fit in with what matters to you in your daily life.

Explore more

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‘Communicating effectively’ booklet

A handy booklet is available to help you with STEP 2

Download booklet
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START STEP 3:
Wellbeing with MM

The next section contains tips to help you live well with multiple myeloma

Start Step 3
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Speaking with your healthcare team

Helping your doctors understand how you really feel and what your priorities are

Read more
PP-UNP-GBR-4446. May 2024