I do not think I could add much to that.
In southern california we have no problem getting enough sun to make Vitamin D. I simply do not hear much about Vitamin D deficency around here at all, skin cancer is more of a concern.
I have tried sleeping pills and they did not work well for me too. I have flexibilty in my schedule though so I sleep when I can.
Best wishes,
Eric
Forums
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
I just got a way to look at my online labs since my SCT
2013-11-17 Stem cell transplant
2013-01-07 Creatinine 2.151933 (29.23%)
2013-01-21 0.305
2013-02-04 7.7 Creatinine 1.806 (34.83%)
Started Revlimid 5mg eod
2013-03-04 27 Creatinine 1.975153 (31.85%)
2013-04-01 31.8
2013-04-18 31.8
2013-05-29 48.8 Increased Revlimid to 10 mg eod
2013-07-09 26.6 Creatinine 1.9377 (32.08%)
2013-08-20 62.9
2013-09-10 38.4
2013-10-02 47.8
2013-11-17 One year since stem cell.
Dropped Revlimid to 5mg eod because sick all the time.
Had immunizations
2013-12-02 27.8
2013-12-31 33.3
2014-03-17 27.2 Creatinine 1.69 (36.74%)
After this I started low carb but not carefully.
I didn’t really think it would work.
2014-04-28 25.4 (41.9%)
Encouraged that my cancer markers came down, surprised
kidney function improved, started taking blood glucose
readings and being more careful.
2014-06-20 22.5 I switched over to taking ketone readings – average
around 0.5 at night & added coconut oil to raise ketones
2014-07-21 14.87 Normal 5 mg Revlimid once a week
2014-08-18 12.23 Normal
2014-09-24 16.21 Normal
2013-11-17 Stem cell transplant
2013-01-07 Creatinine 2.151933 (29.23%)
2013-01-21 0.305
2013-02-04 7.7 Creatinine 1.806 (34.83%)
Started Revlimid 5mg eod
2013-03-04 27 Creatinine 1.975153 (31.85%)
2013-04-01 31.8
2013-04-18 31.8
2013-05-29 48.8 Increased Revlimid to 10 mg eod
2013-07-09 26.6 Creatinine 1.9377 (32.08%)
2013-08-20 62.9
2013-09-10 38.4
2013-10-02 47.8
2013-11-17 One year since stem cell.
Dropped Revlimid to 5mg eod because sick all the time.
Had immunizations
2013-12-02 27.8
2013-12-31 33.3
2014-03-17 27.2 Creatinine 1.69 (36.74%)
After this I started low carb but not carefully.
I didn’t really think it would work.
2014-04-28 25.4 (41.9%)
Encouraged that my cancer markers came down, surprised
kidney function improved, started taking blood glucose
readings and being more careful.
2014-06-20 22.5 I switched over to taking ketone readings – average
around 0.5 at night & added coconut oil to raise ketones
2014-07-21 14.87 Normal 5 mg Revlimid once a week
2014-08-18 12.23 Normal
2014-09-24 16.21 Normal
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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,
This is a great thread,and I am so happy that your health is improving. I believe you are on the right track with the low carb diet and myeloma. There is a lot in the literature about IGF-1 and myeloma. The low carbs reduce circulating IGF-1 but I am also looking at the research that lowering protein in the diet decreases it also. Interested in any comments by the readers here, since IGF-1 has a lot of attention as a target in myeloma and other cancers.
This is a great thread,and I am so happy that your health is improving. I believe you are on the right track with the low carb diet and myeloma. There is a lot in the literature about IGF-1 and myeloma. The low carbs reduce circulating IGF-1 but I am also looking at the research that lowering protein in the diet decreases it also. Interested in any comments by the readers here, since IGF-1 has a lot of attention as a target in myeloma and other cancers.
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Ron.
IGF-1 is a hormone much like insulin, right? I will have to look up some studies that you are talking about - thanks for the tip.
When I printed all my results like I did in that post, I was actually surprised I kept working so hard on this with only a little response in my cancer markers at first. (1.8 mg/L drop first month, 2.9 mg/L drop second month, but then 7.63 mg/L drop the 3rd month) I actually ate almost exactly the same number of carbs from the middle of April until now.
I wonder if cutting glucose and insulin just did not stimulate the cancer but the actual ketones seem to have been most effective against the cancer cells? I am not sure, but as my nephrologist said, "Well, you can't argue with those numbers! Keep doing whatever you are doing."
IGF-1 is a hormone much like insulin, right? I will have to look up some studies that you are talking about - thanks for the tip.
When I printed all my results like I did in that post, I was actually surprised I kept working so hard on this with only a little response in my cancer markers at first. (1.8 mg/L drop first month, 2.9 mg/L drop second month, but then 7.63 mg/L drop the 3rd month) I actually ate almost exactly the same number of carbs from the middle of April until now.
I wonder if cutting glucose and insulin just did not stimulate the cancer but the actual ketones seem to have been most effective against the cancer cells? I am not sure, but as my nephrologist said, "Well, you can't argue with those numbers! Keep doing whatever you are doing."
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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 glad I found your thread and at just the right time.
I have had radiation and am now starting my second cycle of radiation / Revlimid etc. for 6 months. My glucose level was high today, I had 2 pieces of cake at work just before my appointment! Yikes! I have been reading about cancer feeding on glucose and have been gearing up to cut WAY back at least refined sugar from diet. That high reading was an eye opening and will be doing so sooner rather than later. At the very least it will add to my overall health, which other than cancer is really good save for allergies and mild asthma.
I am mostly a vegetarian with the exception of occasional poultry and fish. I don't smoke and quit drinking over 2 years. It's scary to think what my bottle of wine most nights would be doing to me now - that's a lot of excess sugar! I am single and live alone -- no one has to change eating habits with me and, other than sugar, it's not a big change. Like with alcohol I am an all or nothing person, so will likely have stop sugar altogether as one bite leads to a binge.
There is really no reason not to try this tactic, it's a win/win. I appreciate you sharing your story and it's very encouraging seeing posts from others who are living / thriving years after diagnosis. Best of luck.
I have had radiation and am now starting my second cycle of radiation / Revlimid etc. for 6 months. My glucose level was high today, I had 2 pieces of cake at work just before my appointment! Yikes! I have been reading about cancer feeding on glucose and have been gearing up to cut WAY back at least refined sugar from diet. That high reading was an eye opening and will be doing so sooner rather than later. At the very least it will add to my overall health, which other than cancer is really good save for allergies and mild asthma.
I am mostly a vegetarian with the exception of occasional poultry and fish. I don't smoke and quit drinking over 2 years. It's scary to think what my bottle of wine most nights would be doing to me now - that's a lot of excess sugar! I am single and live alone -- no one has to change eating habits with me and, other than sugar, it's not a big change. Like with alcohol I am an all or nothing person, so will likely have stop sugar altogether as one bite leads to a binge.
There is really no reason not to try this tactic, it's a win/win. I appreciate you sharing your story and it's very encouraging seeing posts from others who are living / thriving years after diagnosis. Best of luck.
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Ann P
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
This is an interesting thread. I'm only smoldering, but I started on a low carb diet a few months ago, right before my diagnosis (diabetes runs in my family, both sides 
).
I'm also vegetarian with fish as my primary source of protein (salmon, sardines, trout, shrimp) with some tempeh thrown in for good measure. I stick to red wine on the weekends now.
I test my glucose levels fairly regularly, and my goal is to keep it as stable as possible, avoiding large spikes, even if they are still within the range considered to be normal. My problem is that I have a massive sweet tooth. I am fine doing without rice, regular pasta, etc. But I have a real problem with cookies, cake, pie; once I start, I'm all in and can't stop.
I'm hoping this new way of eating will help delay my progression.
For those of you doing low carb, what is your typical macronutrient intake %s (carb, protein, fat)? Sometimes I feel like I'm eating too much protein or fat, but if you cut back on carbs, you have to increase intake of the other two, so I guess it's unavoidable.
). I'm also vegetarian with fish as my primary source of protein (salmon, sardines, trout, shrimp) with some tempeh thrown in for good measure. I stick to red wine on the weekends now.
I test my glucose levels fairly regularly, and my goal is to keep it as stable as possible, avoiding large spikes, even if they are still within the range considered to be normal. My problem is that I have a massive sweet tooth. I am fine doing without rice, regular pasta, etc. But I have a real problem with cookies, cake, pie; once I start, I'm all in and can't stop.
I'm hoping this new way of eating will help delay my progression.
For those of you doing low carb, what is your typical macronutrient intake %s (carb, protein, fat)? Sometimes I feel like I'm eating too much protein or fat, but if you cut back on carbs, you have to increase intake of the other two, so I guess it's unavoidable.
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FingersCrossed - Name: FingersCrossed
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Oct 2014 (Smoldering)
- Age at diagnosis: 44
Re: Ketogenic diet and multiple myeloma
Hi Ann.
I have been doing this now for 7 1/2 months and you should actually try to get into ketosis. If you just cut back on carbs but still eat some, I think it will be harder and you will be miserable.
If you can cut back enough to get in ketosis you will find it is not even hard to stay away from carbs.
I also didn't see as dramatic results until I had been in ketosis for over a month. From the things I have read
1. cancer cells themselves secrete something that makes your body to act as if you are diabetic.
2. The lower glucose and insulin definitely immediately helped - you can see from my numbers, but I was actually in ketosis starting the end of May and by July 21 it had made a big impact and my cancer markers (kappa free light chains) dropped the most between my June and July appointments.
I have been doing this now for 7 1/2 months and you should actually try to get into ketosis. If you just cut back on carbs but still eat some, I think it will be harder and you will be miserable.
If you can cut back enough to get in ketosis you will find it is not even hard to stay away from carbs.
I also didn't see as dramatic results until I had been in ketosis for over a month. From the things I have read
1. cancer cells themselves secrete something that makes your body to act as if you are diabetic.
2. The lower glucose and insulin definitely immediately helped - you can see from my numbers, but I was actually in ketosis starting the end of May and by July 21 it had made a big impact and my cancer markers (kappa free light chains) dropped the most between my June and July appointments.
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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 Fingers Crossed -
How interesting that both you and Ann P have been vegetarians.
I don't actually measure everything I eat but I would say I eat about the same amount of meat I used to, I eat a lot more vegetables than I used to and I have more fat than I used to.
A typical day for me is:
Breakfast - 2 eggs cooked in coconut oil, 2 pieces of frozen microwaved sausage or I put ham and cheese in eggs. I have coffee with cream, coconut oil and a little Da Vinci Sugar Free syrup.
Lunch - I have some of the previous nights dinner or meat and a salad
Dinner - I have meat, vegetable & salad
Snacks - a few nuts and sometimes another cup of herbal tea with coconut oil
How interesting that both you and Ann P have been vegetarians.
I don't actually measure everything I eat but I would say I eat about the same amount of meat I used to, I eat a lot more vegetables than I used to and I have more fat than I used to.
A typical day for me is:
Breakfast - 2 eggs cooked in coconut oil, 2 pieces of frozen microwaved sausage or I put ham and cheese in eggs. I have coffee with cream, coconut oil and a little Da Vinci Sugar Free syrup.
Lunch - I have some of the previous nights dinner or meat and a salad
Dinner - I have meat, vegetable & salad
Snacks - a few nuts and sometimes another cup of herbal tea with coconut oil
-
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
Ann & Fingers Crossed:
The book I have read and refer to several times per week is Dr Bernsteins Diabetes Solution. He has had type 1 Diabetes for more than 65 years and I follow what he says carefully: 6 carbs for breakfast, 12 for lunch, 12 for dinner. (1 c mixed greens and oil & vinegar and 2/3 c cooked vegetables are about 12 g carbs. Meat has none but I have about 4 oz meat at lunch and 4 oz at dinner)
Appendix C has Drugs that Can Affect Blood Glucose Levels
He does not call it a ketogenic diet, but it is.
The book I have read and refer to several times per week is Dr Bernsteins Diabetes Solution. He has had type 1 Diabetes for more than 65 years and I follow what he says carefully: 6 carbs for breakfast, 12 for lunch, 12 for dinner. (1 c mixed greens and oil & vinegar and 2/3 c cooked vegetables are about 12 g carbs. Meat has none but I have about 4 oz meat at lunch and 4 oz at dinner)
Appendix C has Drugs that Can Affect Blood Glucose Levels
He does not call it a ketogenic diet, but it is.
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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,
As you know, I have been low carb for 10 and a half years now. I sincerely applaud your decision to do this. In the beginning it isn't always easy, but you have persevered and your persistence and consistence is paying off! I'm so happy and so proud for you!
I totally agree with your doctor. Keep doing what you're doing. The numbers don't lie.
You are awesome and a true inspiration to lots of us here on this forum!
God Bless,
Kim
As you know, I have been low carb for 10 and a half years now. I sincerely applaud your decision to do this. In the beginning it isn't always easy, but you have persevered and your persistence and consistence is paying off! I'm so happy and so proud for you!
I totally agree with your doctor. Keep doing what you're doing. The numbers don't lie.
You are awesome and a true inspiration to lots of us here on this forum!
God Bless,
Kim
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Jerseygyrl - Name: Kim
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My Loved One
- When were you/they diagnosed?: February 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 58
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