[anastassia]

Mother on Velcade + dex - any dietary restrictions?

by anastassia on Thu Apr 17, 2014 9:16 am

Hi everyone.

I'm Indonesian and my mom (age 63) has been sick for 2 years. Misdiagnosed for osteoporosis and leukemia. Until the point that the doctor said she only has 1 month to live. We evacuated her to Singapore on January 12 and she has been diagnosed with Stage 3b light chain kappa multiple myeloma.

For our family, this is something very new. We have never heard of this disease. We had never had anyone sick in our family. Well, now after 3 months in ICU in Gleneagles Hospital, I learned so much about this disease. And I would like to know more information on how to take care of my mom. She was discharged for two weeks, and then readmitted to the ICU for a lung infection. She is still sedated on a ventilator right now, and I am writing from the ICU ward.

I would like to know as much information as possible, especially about the diet of myeloma patients during and after Velcade and dexamethasone treatment. Because I am so afraid to make any mistake in taking care of her. Our doctor gave no restrictions in her diet, but I'm not sure if that is accurate.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Mother on Velcade + dex - any dietary restrictions?

by Nancy Shamanna on Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:53 pm

Hi Anastassia, Thanks for writing in and hoping that your mother does well on her treatments. A good source of information for new patients is from the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). They have a series of free downloadable booklets on many myeloma topics.

When I took Velcade, I was warned not to take foods containing antioxidants, such as green tea or Vitamin C. Since then I have read reports contradicting this info, but it's something you could look into. It's good to report on what supplements or vitamins you are taking to your oncologist.

Best wishes to you!

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Mother on Velcade + dex - any dietary restrictions?

by Ron Harvot on Thu Apr 17, 2014 1:36 pm

Besides the great information you received from Nancy, I would add that specifically grapefruit is to be avoided, but the same does not hold true for oranges.

Also, with respect to pain medication, ibuprofen is to be avoided, but Tylenol [paracetamol, acetaminophen] is ok, so long as you don't take more than the limits listed on the package. Baby asprin (81mg) once a day is encouraged if a patient is taking thalidomide, Revlimid [lenalidomide], or Pomalyst [pomalidomide], but not more.

Ron

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Mother on Velcade + dex - any dietary restrictions?

by Beacon Staff on Thu Apr 17, 2014 2:56 pm

Hello anastassia,

We're very sorry to hear about your mother's situation. We hope she gets over the lung infection soon, and that she responds to the treatment she receives for her myeloma (which sounds like it will be Velcade and dexamethasone).

There was a discussion here in the forum recently that you may find helpful as far as Velcade, supplement, and diets go. Here's is a link to it:

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/velcade-supplements-peripheral-neuropathy-t3030.html

Please give us updates now and then about how your mother is doing.