What to expect from chemotherapy for multiple myeloma

Your team may combine chemotherapy with other medicines and may use it before a stem cell collection or transplant, or to control myeloma that needs ongoing treatment. The exact medicines depend on your health, kidney function, previous treatment, and the features of the myeloma. Treatment may be given through a vein, by injection, or as tablets. A cycle includes treatment days followed by recovery time; the schedule can change if blood counts or side effects need attention.

Common effects can include tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, changes in bowel habits, mouth soreness, hair changes, and a lower ability to fight infection. Some medicines can affect nerves, kidneys, or blood counts. Your clinicians can prescribe anti-sickness treatment and adjust doses when needed.

Keep a written list of medicines, symptoms, temperature readings when requested, and questions for the cancer team. Drink according to the advice given for your kidney health, eat small nourishing meals, and plan help with transport or daily tasks after treatment. Wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Do not start supplements or pain medicines without checking, because some can interfere with treatment or kidney care.

Call the oncology team promptly for a fever or chills, new breathlessness, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea, confusion, marked weakness, bleeding, or much less urine. Seek urgent help for severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, or sudden loss of strength. Use the emergency number supplied by your clinic, even if symptoms begin outside appointment hours.

Ask which medicines you will receive, how each cycle is timed, which symptoms need a same-day call, how kidney function and blood counts will be checked, and whether you need infection prevention or clot prevention. Ask who to contact overnight and what support is available for eating, pain, or transport.