Follow up

During treatment you will see your team about every 3 to 5 weeks. You have regular check ups to monitor side effects and to check how well the treatment is working. 

After treatment finishes, you have follow up appointments about every 1 to 3 months. Check ups are to check how active the myeloma is and to see if you have any problems or worries. The appointments also give you the chance to raise any concerns you have about your progress.

What happens

You will usually have blood and urine tests at each visit. This is to check whether the myeloma is active and whether you need more treatment. 

Your team will ask about how you are feeling, whether you had symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might need x-rays or scans (such as CT, PET or MRI) if you have new bone pain. 

Let your team know if you are worried or notice any new symptoms between appointments.

It can be helpful to write down any questions you might have for your doctor or specialist nurse before your appointment. You can also list any side effects or new symptoms you may have had. This helps you not to forget to ask about things you may have been worried about while you were at home.

It may help to take a friend or relative with you to the appointment. They can help support you and take notes to help you remember what your doctor or specialist nurse says during your appointment. 

How often you have check ups

These check ups will usually be every 1 to 3 months and will continue for life.

Your feelings

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. It can help to tell someone close to you how you are feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don't seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling after cancer treatment.

This page is due for review. We will update this as soon as possible.