Hi Antelope,
I figure myeloma specialists live and breath myeloma and have seen hundreds of patients. And since myeloma is one of the cancers that has advanced VERY far in the last 10 years, I'd think a myeloma specialist (or two) would be your best source of information, since they would be up to date on the new therapies.
Do you see a myeloma specialist? if so, what do they think of the diet?
Good luck and hope all works out well!
Forums
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Stan
My oncologist is the one who first suggested the low carb diet but he has seemed sort of surprised at how well it is working for me. March 23rd I went in and asked him what I could do to prolong my remission. I told him I had heard you shouldn't eat sugar. I really thought he was going to say that was ridiculous, but he said it is not JUST the sugar you eat - it is the sugar level in your blood. He told me to find a good diabetic diet - so I went on Amazon and typed in "Diabetic Diet" and sure enough there was a great book by Dr Richard Bernstein.
The goal of the book was to teach you how to "normalize" your blood sugar - in other words, how to keep your blood glucose low and steady. I read that book and then I read another book by the same author called, "Diabetic Solution". Frankly, I thought he was a bit of an extremist. He said not to eat carrots and be careful of onions and tomatoes, so I started testing my own blood glucose 5-8x per day - before meals, after meals, after exercise etc. And, I was so surprised that Dr Bernstein was right!
Carrots, onions & tomatoes in large quantities did raise my blood sugar. I got more careful and I got rid of all my old recipes and started collecting new low carb recipes. After a month or so it was not so hard and after a few months, I quit taking my blood tests because I knew they would stay steady if I ate right.
All along I was reading articles on the internet and found that ketosis is something that you get into after eating low carb for a month or so - and the ketone level seemed to be associated with slowing down all sorts of cancer types. Another thing about low carb is that you have no insulin spikes - and tumor cells seem to have insulin receptors on them and insulin has been shown to stimulate tumor growth.
I have had no sweets and no grains or breads etc for over 4 months and my cancer markers were actually in the normal range July 28th, 2014 for the first time since right after my bone marrow transplant.
My daughter has told a few people about it and they couldn't understand what I was doing, so she suggested I start a blog. And Jerseygyrl has been a big encouragement too. I have been posting what I eat every day and what my recipes are and what my ketone levels are links to the articles I read.
I would love to live a couple more good years and watch my 5 sweet grandchildren grow up. I am celebrating my 35th anniversary in less than a month, so making changes in my diet and exercising is worth the effort.
My oncologist is the one who first suggested the low carb diet but he has seemed sort of surprised at how well it is working for me. March 23rd I went in and asked him what I could do to prolong my remission. I told him I had heard you shouldn't eat sugar. I really thought he was going to say that was ridiculous, but he said it is not JUST the sugar you eat - it is the sugar level in your blood. He told me to find a good diabetic diet - so I went on Amazon and typed in "Diabetic Diet" and sure enough there was a great book by Dr Richard Bernstein.
The goal of the book was to teach you how to "normalize" your blood sugar - in other words, how to keep your blood glucose low and steady. I read that book and then I read another book by the same author called, "Diabetic Solution". Frankly, I thought he was a bit of an extremist. He said not to eat carrots and be careful of onions and tomatoes, so I started testing my own blood glucose 5-8x per day - before meals, after meals, after exercise etc. And, I was so surprised that Dr Bernstein was right!
Carrots, onions & tomatoes in large quantities did raise my blood sugar. I got more careful and I got rid of all my old recipes and started collecting new low carb recipes. After a month or so it was not so hard and after a few months, I quit taking my blood tests because I knew they would stay steady if I ate right.
All along I was reading articles on the internet and found that ketosis is something that you get into after eating low carb for a month or so - and the ketone level seemed to be associated with slowing down all sorts of cancer types. Another thing about low carb is that you have no insulin spikes - and tumor cells seem to have insulin receptors on them and insulin has been shown to stimulate tumor growth.
I have had no sweets and no grains or breads etc for over 4 months and my cancer markers were actually in the normal range July 28th, 2014 for the first time since right after my bone marrow transplant.
My daughter has told a few people about it and they couldn't understand what I was doing, so she suggested I start a blog. And Jerseygyrl has been a big encouragement too. I have been posting what I eat every day and what my recipes are and what my ketone levels are links to the articles I read.
I would love to live a couple more good years and watch my 5 sweet grandchildren grow up. I am celebrating my 35th anniversary in less than a month, so making changes in my diet and exercising is worth the effort.
-
antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Dear Cathy,
I am very interested in complementary protocols and supplements that could help to curb myeloma. Even if I know that you cannot knock this monster with a stick and that chemo is necessary, I also believe that there are supplements out there and things we can do - like diet - that can help.
I was nine months under the care of Dr. Gonzalez and one of the things he had me do was to drink 8 ounces of carrot juice twice a day and a spoon of molasses once a day. SUGAR!!!
Also I could eat grains and breads on his diet, but I did not do much of that. He encouraged me to eat healthy fats like butter and coconut oil. And a lot of red meat and vegetables.
Unfortunately, my cancer, which was stable when I first saw him, grew and got worse. I have been on chemo since April. Very slowly my numbers are coming down. I really got a stubborn one that in four cycles only has come down by half, but I am going to see Dr. Anderson at Dana Farber in two weeks. From what I read he is one of the best myeloma experts, so I hope he can help me further. In the meantime I am ready to learn to monitor my glucose levels and to start new ways of eating because it makes sense and I have nothing to lose.
What a fantastic job you are doing on your blog! I love it. I cannot thank you enough for all the work you are putting into it. The recipes are great. I have to try the Juicy Lucy Hamburgers! I just ordered Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution and I am going to buy a Freestyle Life blood glucose monitor. I hear 18 gauge is the right lancet to buy. Is that the one you use?
And please do not say you would like to have a couple of good more years! I sincerely hope it will be more than that. There is so much going on in the study of this disease, so much discovered, and so many new drugs on the works!
Until later
Cassy
Ps; I apologize if my English is a bit peculiar at times. It is my second language and sometimes I write like I speak: with an accent.
I am very interested in complementary protocols and supplements that could help to curb myeloma. Even if I know that you cannot knock this monster with a stick and that chemo is necessary, I also believe that there are supplements out there and things we can do - like diet - that can help.
I was nine months under the care of Dr. Gonzalez and one of the things he had me do was to drink 8 ounces of carrot juice twice a day and a spoon of molasses once a day. SUGAR!!!
Also I could eat grains and breads on his diet, but I did not do much of that. He encouraged me to eat healthy fats like butter and coconut oil. And a lot of red meat and vegetables. Unfortunately, my cancer, which was stable when I first saw him, grew and got worse. I have been on chemo since April. Very slowly my numbers are coming down. I really got a stubborn one that in four cycles only has come down by half, but I am going to see Dr. Anderson at Dana Farber in two weeks. From what I read he is one of the best myeloma experts, so I hope he can help me further. In the meantime I am ready to learn to monitor my glucose levels and to start new ways of eating because it makes sense and I have nothing to lose.
What a fantastic job you are doing on your blog! I love it. I cannot thank you enough for all the work you are putting into it. The recipes are great. I have to try the Juicy Lucy Hamburgers! I just ordered Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution and I am going to buy a Freestyle Life blood glucose monitor. I hear 18 gauge is the right lancet to buy. Is that the one you use?
And please do not say you would like to have a couple of good more years! I sincerely hope it will be more than that. There is so much going on in the study of this disease, so much discovered, and so many new drugs on the works!
Until later
Cassy
Ps; I apologize if my English is a bit peculiar at times. It is my second language and sometimes I write like I speak: with an accent.
-
Cassy66 - Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Cassy,
I'm very sorry that your alternative treatment choice didn't go as well as one might hope. I was struck by your mention about sugar, and thought I would include this link here:
"Don’t believe the hype – 10 persistent cancer myths debunked", Cancer Research UK, March 24, 2014.
which talks about sugar and cancer cells, among other persistent cancer myths.
Best wishes,
Alex
I'm very sorry that your alternative treatment choice didn't go as well as one might hope. I was struck by your mention about sugar, and thought I would include this link here:
"Don’t believe the hype – 10 persistent cancer myths debunked", Cancer Research UK, March 24, 2014.
which talks about sugar and cancer cells, among other persistent cancer myths.
Best wishes,
Alex
-
dnalex - Name: Alex N.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Cassy.
I would definitely try a low carb diet - the studies seem to show that cancer cells have insulin receptors on them! Insulin and glucose seem to both cause tumor growth. Also, some of the studies seem to show that people with cancer have many metabolic characteristics in common with diabetics - cancer patients and people with diabetes have inflammation inside. Low carb diets seem to help reduce the inflammation - maybe some of the reason they help kidneys is because you don't have so much glucose in the blood?
Some studies seem to show that the ketones in the blood might actually be part of what suppresses tumors. So, you need to stay low carb consistently enough to begin to have ketones. It seems coconut oil has some effect on ketones too.
All of this is being studied, but I have to make decisions right now about how I will live - we don't get to wait 10 years to see what the results show. Also, while I appreciate pharmaceutical companies finding helpful drugs, we have to realize that they are not going to fund big studies that are expensive and will bring them no money in return.
I started to look at Alex's 10 myths but I didn't find them very helpful. You know that there were 2 doctors / researchers who found out that ulcers were caused by bacteria and not stress and it took 10 YEARS for doctors to start acting on that! I have wonderful doctors - and my oncologist is the one who suggested keeping my blood glucose low and steady.
I am not trying to prove anything or argue with Alex. He doesn't have to give up sugar and carbs if he doesn't want to. All I know is that my blood tests have improved dramatically since I started eating this way. I am willing to be realistic and honest and if my blood tests start to show that my cancer or my kidneys are getting worse, I will change something. But until then, it is my life and I am willing to eat this way as long as I see good results.
I don't have my glucose meter with me - when I get home, I will check to see what kind of test strips I use and I will write.
I would definitely try a low carb diet - the studies seem to show that cancer cells have insulin receptors on them! Insulin and glucose seem to both cause tumor growth. Also, some of the studies seem to show that people with cancer have many metabolic characteristics in common with diabetics - cancer patients and people with diabetes have inflammation inside. Low carb diets seem to help reduce the inflammation - maybe some of the reason they help kidneys is because you don't have so much glucose in the blood?
Some studies seem to show that the ketones in the blood might actually be part of what suppresses tumors. So, you need to stay low carb consistently enough to begin to have ketones. It seems coconut oil has some effect on ketones too.
All of this is being studied, but I have to make decisions right now about how I will live - we don't get to wait 10 years to see what the results show. Also, while I appreciate pharmaceutical companies finding helpful drugs, we have to realize that they are not going to fund big studies that are expensive and will bring them no money in return.
I started to look at Alex's 10 myths but I didn't find them very helpful. You know that there were 2 doctors / researchers who found out that ulcers were caused by bacteria and not stress and it took 10 YEARS for doctors to start acting on that! I have wonderful doctors - and my oncologist is the one who suggested keeping my blood glucose low and steady.
I am not trying to prove anything or argue with Alex. He doesn't have to give up sugar and carbs if he doesn't want to. All I know is that my blood tests have improved dramatically since I started eating this way. I am willing to be realistic and honest and if my blood tests start to show that my cancer or my kidneys are getting worse, I will change something. But until then, it is my life and I am willing to eat this way as long as I see good results.
I don't have my glucose meter with me - when I get home, I will check to see what kind of test strips I use and I will write.
-
antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Cathy,
I am absolutely not trying to tell you (or anyone else) to incorporate back sugar in your diet, nor am I making any sort of suggestions for you in terms of treatments and/or lifestyle changes. In the end, it is one's life one must live, and far be it for me to provoke you to do otherwise.
My point in the earlier post is just to challenge the idea that somehow when you eat foods containing sugars, you are somehow fostering the growth of cancer cells. You are not, at least when we are talking about normal amounts. As was said in the article, (nearly) all cells in the body metabolize sugar, albeit at different rates. Even in your current diet, you are still consuming some amount of sugar, and have not (cannot) eliminate it totally.
Having said all that, I am certainly one of those people who believe that most people have way too much sugar intake, and certainly can do to decrease it. I admire your pro-active efforts to take control of this insidious disease, and wish you the best in your journey.
Sincerely,
Alex
I am absolutely not trying to tell you (or anyone else) to incorporate back sugar in your diet, nor am I making any sort of suggestions for you in terms of treatments and/or lifestyle changes. In the end, it is one's life one must live, and far be it for me to provoke you to do otherwise.
My point in the earlier post is just to challenge the idea that somehow when you eat foods containing sugars, you are somehow fostering the growth of cancer cells. You are not, at least when we are talking about normal amounts. As was said in the article, (nearly) all cells in the body metabolize sugar, albeit at different rates. Even in your current diet, you are still consuming some amount of sugar, and have not (cannot) eliminate it totally.
Having said all that, I am certainly one of those people who believe that most people have way too much sugar intake, and certainly can do to decrease it. I admire your pro-active efforts to take control of this insidious disease, and wish you the best in your journey.
Sincerely,
Alex
-
dnalex - Name: Alex N.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
I am not a doctor, but I have a degree in science and I have cancer and I am motivated to make the effort to look at what researchers are studying. Look up any of these - just copy and paste them into a search engine like Google: Or find any good article and look at the bibliography at the end of that article.
Derr RL, Ye X, Islas MU, Desideri S, Saudek CD, Grossman SA: Association between hyperglycemia and survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. J Clin Oncol 2009, 27:1082-1086.
Stattin P, Bjor O, Ferrari P, Lukanova A, Lenner P, Lindahl B, Hallmans G, Kaaks R: Prospective study of hyperglycemia and cancer risk. Diabetes Care 2007, 30:561-567.
Weiser MA, Cabanillas ME, Konopleva M, Thomas DA, Pierce SA, Escalante CP, Kantarjian HM, O’Brien SM: Relation between the duration of remission and hyperglycemia during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia with a hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone/methotrexate-cytarabine
regimen. Cancer 2004, 100:1179-1185.
Wolpin BM, Meyerhardt JA, Chan AT, Ng K, Chan JA, Wu K, Pollak MN, Giovannucci EL, Fuchs CS: Insulin, the insulin-like growth factor axis, and mortality in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2009, 27:176-185.
Melnik BC, John SM, Schmitz G: Over-stimulation of insulin / IGF1 signaling by Western diet may promote diseases of civilization: lessons learnt from Laron syndrome. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2011, 8:41. 60. Pollak M: Insulin and insulin-like growth factor signalling in neoplasia.
Nat Rev Cancer 2008, 8:915-928
Kunkel M, Reichert TE, Benz P, Lehr HA, Jeong JH, Wieand S, Bartenstein P, Wagner W, Whiteside TL: Overexpression of Glut-1 and increased glucose metabolism in tumors are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer 2003, 97:1015-1024.
Young CD, Anderson SM: Sugar and fat - that’s where it’s at: metabolic changes in tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2008, 10:202.
Fery F, Bourdoux P, Christophe J, Balasse EO: Hormonal and metabolic changes induced by an isocaloric isoproteinic ketogenic diet in healthy subjects. Diabete Metab 1982, 8:299-305.
Semenza GL: Tumor metabolism: cancer cells give and take lactate. J Clin Invest 2008, 118:3835-3837.
Gatenby RA, Gawlinski ET, Gmitro AF, Kaylor B, Gillies RJ: Acid-mediated tumor invasion: a multidisciplinary study. Cancer Res 2006, 66:5216-5223.
Priebe A, Tan L, Wahl H, Kueck A, He G, Kwok R, Opipari A, Liu JR: Glucose deprivation activates AMPK and induces cell death through modulation of Akt in ovarian cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2011, 122:389-
Here are excerpts from 2 of the studies:.
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21179032?dopt=Abstract
During the last decade, epidemiological studies uncovered the tremendous impact of metabolic syndrome/diabetes mellitus type 2 as risk factors of the progression of cancer. Therefore, we studied the impact of diabetogenic glucose and insulin concentrations on the activities of tumor cells ...
RESULTS:
...high levels of glucose... and insulin... did promote the proliferation of the tumour cell lines HT29, SW480, MCF-7, MDA MB468, PC3 and T24.
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14520474
Brain tumours lack metabolic versatility and are dependent largely on glucose for energy. This contrasts with normal brain tissue that can derive energy from both glucose and ketone bodies ... Our results in a mouse astrocytoma suggest that malignant brain tumours are potentially manageable with dietary therapies that reduce glucose and elevate ketone bodies.
Derr RL, Ye X, Islas MU, Desideri S, Saudek CD, Grossman SA: Association between hyperglycemia and survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. J Clin Oncol 2009, 27:1082-1086.
Stattin P, Bjor O, Ferrari P, Lukanova A, Lenner P, Lindahl B, Hallmans G, Kaaks R: Prospective study of hyperglycemia and cancer risk. Diabetes Care 2007, 30:561-567.
Weiser MA, Cabanillas ME, Konopleva M, Thomas DA, Pierce SA, Escalante CP, Kantarjian HM, O’Brien SM: Relation between the duration of remission and hyperglycemia during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia with a hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone/methotrexate-cytarabine
regimen. Cancer 2004, 100:1179-1185.
Wolpin BM, Meyerhardt JA, Chan AT, Ng K, Chan JA, Wu K, Pollak MN, Giovannucci EL, Fuchs CS: Insulin, the insulin-like growth factor axis, and mortality in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2009, 27:176-185.
Melnik BC, John SM, Schmitz G: Over-stimulation of insulin / IGF1 signaling by Western diet may promote diseases of civilization: lessons learnt from Laron syndrome. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2011, 8:41. 60. Pollak M: Insulin and insulin-like growth factor signalling in neoplasia.
Nat Rev Cancer 2008, 8:915-928
Kunkel M, Reichert TE, Benz P, Lehr HA, Jeong JH, Wieand S, Bartenstein P, Wagner W, Whiteside TL: Overexpression of Glut-1 and increased glucose metabolism in tumors are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer 2003, 97:1015-1024.
Young CD, Anderson SM: Sugar and fat - that’s where it’s at: metabolic changes in tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2008, 10:202.
Fery F, Bourdoux P, Christophe J, Balasse EO: Hormonal and metabolic changes induced by an isocaloric isoproteinic ketogenic diet in healthy subjects. Diabete Metab 1982, 8:299-305.
Semenza GL: Tumor metabolism: cancer cells give and take lactate. J Clin Invest 2008, 118:3835-3837.
Gatenby RA, Gawlinski ET, Gmitro AF, Kaylor B, Gillies RJ: Acid-mediated tumor invasion: a multidisciplinary study. Cancer Res 2006, 66:5216-5223.
Priebe A, Tan L, Wahl H, Kueck A, He G, Kwok R, Opipari A, Liu JR: Glucose deprivation activates AMPK and induces cell death through modulation of Akt in ovarian cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2011, 122:389-
Here are excerpts from 2 of the studies:.
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21179032?dopt=Abstract
During the last decade, epidemiological studies uncovered the tremendous impact of metabolic syndrome/diabetes mellitus type 2 as risk factors of the progression of cancer. Therefore, we studied the impact of diabetogenic glucose and insulin concentrations on the activities of tumor cells ...
RESULTS:
...high levels of glucose... and insulin... did promote the proliferation of the tumour cell lines HT29, SW480, MCF-7, MDA MB468, PC3 and T24.
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14520474
Brain tumours lack metabolic versatility and are dependent largely on glucose for energy. This contrasts with normal brain tissue that can derive energy from both glucose and ketone bodies ... Our results in a mouse astrocytoma suggest that malignant brain tumours are potentially manageable with dietary therapies that reduce glucose and elevate ketone bodies.
-
antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Cassy.
You say that English is your second language? What is your first language? Thank you for your encouragement.
Here is the blood glucose meter I got and the strips I got.
"FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System Diabetic Meter Kit," $15-$20
"Freestyle LITE Blood Glucose Test Strips NEW Butterfly Design 1 box of 50," $25-$35
God Bless
C
You say that English is your second language? What is your first language? Thank you for your encouragement.
Here is the blood glucose meter I got and the strips I got.
"FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System Diabetic Meter Kit," $15-$20
"Freestyle LITE Blood Glucose Test Strips NEW Butterfly Design 1 box of 50," $25-$35
God Bless
C
-
antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Cathy,
One of the major problems with cancer is that while we have an umbrella word to describe an illness, it's actually many different kinds of pathologies. Even in the context of multiple myeloma, this is still true. What is applicable to one cancer is not so for another. That's why it's really difficult sometimes to derive some especially meaningful insight. That is not to say that we want to disregard everything not related to myeloma, but it means that we DO have to be careful in trying to make the translation.
Let's take two examples:
- Curcumin. It has been argued that curcumin has a anti-myeloma effects. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen (I hope it is), but this effect is not broadly applicable to all cancers. Likewise, anti-myeloma drugs don't work for many other cancers, because the targets are completely different.
- Resveratrol. This is another substance that we looked at with a lot of hope, enough so that clinical trials were started. Unfortunately, at least in the context of myeloma, this has hit some major road bumps, and the trial had to be canceled.
As I said up above, I am not at all suggesting that you are going off the wrong path. I certainly don't know that, but I did want to at least insert some of the cautions that I have remained in my mind, as I try to learn more.
One of the major problems with cancer is that while we have an umbrella word to describe an illness, it's actually many different kinds of pathologies. Even in the context of multiple myeloma, this is still true. What is applicable to one cancer is not so for another. That's why it's really difficult sometimes to derive some especially meaningful insight. That is not to say that we want to disregard everything not related to myeloma, but it means that we DO have to be careful in trying to make the translation.
Let's take two examples:
- Curcumin. It has been argued that curcumin has a anti-myeloma effects. Whether that's true or not remains to be seen (I hope it is), but this effect is not broadly applicable to all cancers. Likewise, anti-myeloma drugs don't work for many other cancers, because the targets are completely different.
- Resveratrol. This is another substance that we looked at with a lot of hope, enough so that clinical trials were started. Unfortunately, at least in the context of myeloma, this has hit some major road bumps, and the trial had to be canceled.
As I said up above, I am not at all suggesting that you are going off the wrong path. I certainly don't know that, but I did want to at least insert some of the cautions that I have remained in my mind, as I try to learn more.
-
dnalex - Name: Alex N.
- Who do you know with myeloma?: mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2007
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Alex thank you for the link. I was aware of its existence already and I respect your opinion, of course, but I found it lacking the seriousness of the studies that Cathy includes. I also respectfully disagree about curcumin.
There are studies about curcumin and colon cancer for example. And it has worked for some people, but not for others. Just like chemo, which does its job very differently depending of the patient's particular set of medical circumstances. Some myeloma drugs are used for other cancers, like doxorubicin, which is used for leukemia and head and neck, breast, lymphomas, etc.
I hope your mom is doing well. I was almost her age at diagnosis, three moths shy of 56.
We all have to find our own way in fighting cancer. I believe we have great drugs available now; for most of us they have made - and they will continue to make - a difference in survival length. As toxic as they are, I am grateful they exist. I also believe there are foods and supplements that can help. There are some I am doing and of course my doctor always knows about them; probiotics, magnesium and vitamin D. A diet which seems quite logical based on the research available looks like a good weapon to try in this fight. This disease is very personal, it may not make a difference for me, but I am going to try it.
Cathy, thank you so much for the info about the glucose monitor. I went to the pharmacy and I also saw ketone strips to use in urineanalysis. Is that what you got too?
About my first language, it is Spanish. I was born in Spain, then I went to study two years in London. I learned English there and I came to the USA in my twenties. I do speak with a "mutt" accent and often I write with one too. Inexcusable for someone living here for so long, but I cannot help it.
There are studies about curcumin and colon cancer for example. And it has worked for some people, but not for others. Just like chemo, which does its job very differently depending of the patient's particular set of medical circumstances. Some myeloma drugs are used for other cancers, like doxorubicin, which is used for leukemia and head and neck, breast, lymphomas, etc.
I hope your mom is doing well. I was almost her age at diagnosis, three moths shy of 56.
We all have to find our own way in fighting cancer. I believe we have great drugs available now; for most of us they have made - and they will continue to make - a difference in survival length. As toxic as they are, I am grateful they exist. I also believe there are foods and supplements that can help. There are some I am doing and of course my doctor always knows about them; probiotics, magnesium and vitamin D. A diet which seems quite logical based on the research available looks like a good weapon to try in this fight. This disease is very personal, it may not make a difference for me, but I am going to try it.
Cathy, thank you so much for the info about the glucose monitor. I went to the pharmacy and I also saw ketone strips to use in urineanalysis. Is that what you got too?
About my first language, it is Spanish. I was born in Spain, then I went to study two years in London. I learned English there and I came to the USA in my twenties. I do speak with a "mutt" accent and often I write with one too. Inexcusable for someone living here for so long, but I cannot help it.
-
Cassy66 - Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
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