[Jerseygyrl]

Re: Anyone refusing chemo?

by Jerseygyrl on Sun Jul 20, 2014 9:41 am

Hi Faye,

I am a firm believer in alternative medicine whenever possible. That being said, I agree with what the other's here have said.

You may want to consider getting a 2nd opinion from an Integrative Oncologist. An Integrative Oncologist will prescribe a regimen of conventional & alternative therapies for your personal situation. Often they suggest things like acupuncture, massage, yoga and chiropractic as well.

You should be able to locate one of these doctors in Dayton or close by. Don't quote me on this, because all insurances are different and have their own stipulations, but I believe integrative treatments are covered by insurance. As I said, don't take my word for it. I would suggest contacting your insurance company and inquiring before making an appointment.

Wishing you the best,
Kim

[NStewart]

Re: Anyone refusing chemo?

by NStewart on Mon Jul 21, 2014 12:52 pm

Barbara 1200,

Since you are asymptomatic at this time you have time to look for and research a myeloma specialist. Melphalan is one of the older chemo drugs that originally was used to treat myeloma. It isn't used as a first line treatment very often any more.

When I was diagnosed 6 years ago the oncologist who diagnosed me said that they had to be careful about what drug was used for initial treatment if I might be looking to stem cell transplant in the future. At the time, melphalan was most commonly used with people who weren't going to have transplants because they were too old, greater than 65 years old. Things have changed a lot in the last 6 years. Most people are started on combinations of Velcade, Revlimid and dexamethasone.

I would suggest that you speak with your oncologist about starting with something other than melphalan. I would also suggest that you find a myeloma specialist. Cleveland Clinic has a good myeloma program. Often people will use the myeloma specialist as a consultant who guides treatment with a person's local oncologist. You would need to find out if your local oncologist would be open to that kind of working relationship with a myeloma specialist.

All the best to you. Don't think of yourself as too old or let your oncologist think of you as too old for the more targeted newer myeloma drug therapies.

Nancy in Phila

[Faye]

Re: Anyone refusing chemo?

by Faye on Mon Jul 21, 2014 7:25 pm

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'm sort of holding my own at the moment. The only CRAB symptom is anaemia which I have opted to have blood transfusions (2 in the last 12 months). I'm taking curcumin too, which was suggested a while ago by another forum member to whom I'm very grateful. I'm also doing the FO/CC (Budwig) which I find raises my energy levels.

[barbara1200]

Re: Anyone refusing chemo?

by barbara1200 on Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:21 am

Nancy ,

Thanks so much for the good information. I was uncomfortable with the melphalan because it targets all cells & I don't want my immune system taking a hit if it is not necessary.

I will take your advice and let you know how I come out.