[Nipon Ginko]

Re: Cannot take the uncertainty anymore

by Nipon Ginko on Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:41 pm

Ragtop,

Use you mind instead of becoming depressed over this. Find some new outlet to keep you occupied. I had active multiple myeloma for just under a year in 2004. After treatment I had a lot of side effects from the medicine, some of which are still with me, but I pretty much ignore them as best I can.

This disease has curbed my ability to work on my favorite hobby, rebuilding and hot rodding old cars and pick ups. I've got 2 1953 ford F-100 pick ups both more or less hot rods, one finished and one still under construction of several years. Hope to get back on it as soon as the weather warms up as I cannot tolerate the cold as well as I used to,

The story I wanted to tell you is of a friend of mine, a big Greek guy who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 25-30 years ago. It spread and eventually settled in his bones. They had no medicine to treat this and it took a toll on him, but he refused to give up. I recall seeing him driving around town in his big black vintage Lincoln Town Car like he was king of the hill. He would join us 2 or 3 times a week for a couple of glasses of wine or ouzo and was always upbeat, always had a word of encouragement for those worthy of it. This guy was mentally tough as nails and someone's actions I would hope to duplicate if possible. He recently passed away at the age of 86 from heart problems (not cancer). We all miss him. In fact, I'm signing off right now to go have a couple glasses of wine with the remaining members of our group.

N.G.

[Stan W.]

Re: Cannot take the uncertainty anymore

by Stan W. on Tue May 15, 2012 5:22 pm

I've just been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma last month.

I'm having my ups and downs thinking about it. After learning a bit more about it, I'm starting to feel a bit more at ease.

I take 1000 mg of green tea extract and, 8 grams of curcumin daily. After reading about these, I'm hoping my next blood test will show a decrease in my IgG numbers. Or, at least remain stable.

20 years with MGUS is something I'd love my doctor to tell me I have to look forward to. I'm 58.

I won't let this get to me. I'll keep enjoying life, my wife, 2 golden retrievers, and riding my Vespa.

Don't let it get to you.