Learning that treatment didn’t work for your multiple myeloma or that your cancer has come back after a period of remission can be challenging. Progressive multiple myeloma can make your future feel uncertain.

You may feel angry, scared, or confused by this diagnosis. These emotions are normal. But having progressive multiple myeloma doesn’t mean you can’t achieve remission again.

Although there’s no current cure for this type of cancer, it’s possible to live with multiple myeloma and manage your symptoms well.

Regular discussions with your doctor can help make this happen. Come to your appointments with your own set of questions to help make sure you and your doctor cover all the key topics regarding your care.

Here’s what you can ask your doctor about progressive multiple myeloma treatment options.

Your doctor can help you determine which treatment may have the best outcome for your cancer.

They may suggest targeted therapy drugs or biological therapy drugs. Targeted therapy attacks specific molecules involved in cancer growth. These drugs include:

  • bortezomib (Velcade)
  • carfilzomib (Kyprolis)
  • ixazomib (Ninlaro)

Biological therapy strengthens the immune system, which can help your body fight cancer cells. Drugs in this category include:

  • thalidomide (Thalomid)
  • lenalidomide (Revlimid)
  • pomalidomide (Pomalyst)

Your doctor may recommend one of these drugs on its own if your cancer stops responding to a prior therapy. They may also have you take these drugs in combination with another therapy.

Other options for progressive multiple myeloma may include chemotherapy or radiation to kill cancer cells. Your doctor may also recommend a bone marrow transplant to replace your diseased bone marrow.

Sometimes doctors recommend maintenance therapy to help manage symptoms once you achieve remission. This involves taking a low dose targeted therapy drug or corticosteroid to prevent the myeloma from coming back.

If your condition hasn’t responded to any treatment, the next step may be palliative care or hospice care. Palliative care treats your symptoms and not the cancer. Hospice care focuses on helping you live your last days in as much comfort as possible.

When traditional therapy doesn’t slow the progression of multiple myeloma, ask your doctor about clinical trials. Researchers conduct trials to see whether promising new experimental drugs can effectively treat certain conditions.

There are no guarantees for success in clinical trials. But if an experimental drug is successful, this may help extend your life.

Your doctor can refer you to a clinical trial specialist to see whether you’re eligible to participate in studies related to multiple myeloma.

It’s important to understand the goal of a specific treatment. Is your doctor recommending a particular treatment to help kill cancer cells and bring on remission? Or is the goal of treatment to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of your life?

Before committing to any treatment, ask your doctor about potential side effects. For example, chemotherapy side effects may include hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Also remember to ask your doctor about medications that can help relieve some symptoms of these treatment-related side effects.

Your doctor may say you’re a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. If so, make sure you know the risks. These include the risk of an infection during the first few months after the transplant. You may also need to stay in the hospital for a while after the procedure.

Other side effects of treatment can include:

  • blood clots
  • anemia
  • fatigue
  • gastrointestinal problems

It’s important to know how your body may respond to a specific treatment.

Your doctor may recommend aggressive therapy to stop the progression of the disease. Side effects can make it difficult to work or care for your family. You may have to take time off from work, change your activity level, or get help from a relative.

Side effects don’t occur in everyone. But if you know what to expect before beginning treatment, you can prepare yourself for this possibility.

Your doctor can’t guarantee that a specific treatment will improve your condition. But based on your health, they may be able to estimate the success rate. Knowing your outlook can help you decide whether a particular treatment is worth it.

It’s also beneficial to get a second opinion. Another doctor may suggest a different course of action. They may also provide new insight on how to treat the disease.

The out-of-pocket costs of treating multiple myeloma can be expensive. If you have difficulty covering the cost of treatment, discuss these financial concerns with your doctor.

Your doctor may refer you to a social worker or a caseworker. These professionals can give information on applying for financial help to cover some of your costs.

There’s no current cure for multiple myeloma, but you can achieve remission and live a long life.

For the best possible outcome, you’ll need to work with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment. The right treatment for you may not involve treating the cancer. Instead, it could be to improve your quality of life and help you manage symptoms.