Whether you have treatment or not for multiple myeloma, you will need regular checkups to monitor your health. Your doctor will decide how often you need checkups because everyone is different. Checkups will become less frequent if your condition has stabilised or you have no further problems.

Blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, scans and sometimes bone marrow biopsies may be used to check your health.

If you notice any symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as they appear. Don’t wait until your next appointment.

Will myeloma affect me in the future?

For most people with multiple myeloma, the typical course of the disease is a number of episodes of disease activity, followed by a plateau when you experience good health for months or years. Although treatment options have improved and many people may go into remission, particularly after a bone marrow or blood stem cell transplant, it is still likely that at some stage in the future you will have symptoms again.

More information

• Talk to your doctor about what to expect if the multiple myeloma was to come back.
• Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

• Contact the Myeloma Foundation of Australia, which has specialist myeloma support nurses who can answer your questions and refer you to seminars, support groups or workshops. Phone 1800 051 532 (Monday and Tuesday) or 1800 444 996 (Thursday and Friday). See also www.myeloma.org.au.