Good to hear you sounding much more positive. There are some amazing stories out there. I recently met a number of myeloma patients who had well and truly smashed the 10 year mark ... and those were people who weren't in the low risk category like us. Treatment has moved on so far since all the figures have been published and it is amazing what they can do now.
I get the feeling it is only once you have had your first stem cell transplant that you really get a feel for how long you are likely to get. All seems to be down to whether or not you get complete remission (as complete as they can hope for with multiple myeloma) and how long you stay drug-free first time round.
In fact, I have heard Prof. Morgan from the Marsden say that it was unlikely that anyone would ever get to 3 stem cell transplants because by the time that came round, there would be different treatments and stem cell transplants probably wouldn't be used anymore! So there is lots in the pipeline by the sounds of it.
I am so pleased your figures are all looking better. It makes such a difference to your state of mind getting results like that
As for the curcumin, I followed the usual regimen and don't think there's anything to lose, especially while you're not on treatment. Consultants are often wary as they don't like to see their patients pay out lots for these things when there isn't yet any solid proof. I would definitely recommend starting it slowly; it can affect your bowels! Quite a few people I know haven't got up to the full 8000 mg a day due to that! I did, but wouldn't say it wasn't without a small side effect that I got used to eventually!
I've dropped off the regimen now that things seem to be getting worse for me, but that's just me. There are an awful lot of success stories out there. Don't know if it's coincidence or reality, but again it's something where mind over matter is pretty important!
Take care,
Debs
