Rejoining the world - An update on my... - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

8,264 members2,163 posts

Rejoining the world - An update on my cancer experience as a patient with cirrhosis

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner
17 Replies

People have been asking how I was doing so I thought it was time to provide an update.

A quick review. I was having very painful time with back muscle cramps and had a fall which resulted in 3 compression fractures. While dealing with that I saw my PCP who identified that I was having a critical calcium event. My calcium was very high and that can cause a lot of damage to heart and kidneys besides potentially being fatal. A rush to the ER led to admittance to the hospital where, during the treatment of my calcium problem, they diagnosed me as having multiple myeloma stage 3 (the highest stage) and immediately put me on a chemo program.

Long story short, I was very fortunate. I suffered no organ damage from the calcium event. Lots of tests and lots of drugs later, I'm happy to report that my cancer is in remission and I'm going to be in a maintenance program from now on. Myeloma typically relapses at some point so more chemo in my future but there is lots of research on new therapies so I'm optimistic.

I'll write about some of my observations from the experience, but one important point is worth mentioning here. As a cirrhosis patient, I was at very high risk with the cancer. Could I tolerate the basket of drugs they would give me to control the cancer without going into liver failure? I'm pleased to report that due to treating my liver kindly since diagnosis in 2015, I had no liver related difficulty with the chemical stew they gave me.

For those who aren't familiar with my journey, my liver stiffness at diagnosis was 21.5. Over time I had improved that to 9.6, a stage 2. Had I not done that I probably wouldn't be here today. For liver patients the importance of diet and exercise can't be overstated.

My thanks to all who expressed their concern for my situation. I'll be offering my perspectives from this experience in the blog from time to time so stay tuned.

fattyliverfoundation.org/an...

Written by
nash2 profile image
nash2
Partner
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
17 Replies
Jkf1 profile image
Jkf1

God is good! So happy for you Wayne. You surely have been blessed.

latingutz70 profile image
latingutz70

Glad to hear you’re doing well bud. That’s awesome that the cancer did not worsen the liver! You’re definitely a fighter! And yes all the good stuff you did to keep your liver healthy definitely helped. God bless and your in my prayers.

Livmar profile image
Livmar

Always in my prayers and thoughts 🙏.

Millie09 profile image
Millie09

Hi Wayne Wow , you've been on a rollercoaster of a journey .

I was wondering how you were, im really really pleased to hear your on the right track again.

An absolute importance where diet and also exercise is concerned in anyone with liver problems.

I wish you well Wayne and the very best going forward

Linda

Onesmallstep1969 profile image
Onesmallstep1969

Hi Wayne,

You are one of the most important people in the world of liver recovery and regression of fibrosis, bar none. You've always shared news that you find helpful to those of us in the struggle against fibrosis/cirrhosis.

I have learned Wayne that magnesium is essential in the body's fight against cancer. Studies have found that men who get adequate supplies reduce their cancer risk significantly. (I believe the figure was 50%) and magnesium also has been found helpful in treating cancer post-diagnosis. The target is 425 mg per day for men, I believe.

The second thing I can share is that mushrooms help immensely in actually treating cancer, especially turkeytail mushrooms.

Finally, sulforophane (cruciferous vegetables but, among them, broccoli, and especially broccoli sprouts) is the only known compound that inhibits all 3 phases of many different types of cancer --initiation, progression and metastasis. In fact, there is no type of cancer studied to date where sulforaphane did not trigger apoptosis of cancer cells. You're a researcher, so I know you will double check/verify everything. The very, very best to you and your family.

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/8/697....

TFNAugust profile image
TFNAugust in reply toOnesmallstep1969

Which magnesium should we take?

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply toTFNAugust

I prefer the citrate personally. The oxide is hardest to absorb

MINTVCX profile image
MINTVCX

Can I ask if your Gilbert's syndrome was a problem considering your chemo program? What I found (I think all is about drugs metabolism which can be different when you have GS).

"Drugs that should be avoided, if possible, are:

Atazanavir and indinavir, used to treat HIV infection

Gemfibrozil, for lowering cholesterol

Statins, also used for reducing cholesterol, when taken with gemfibrozil

Irinotecan, used to treat advanced bowel cancer

Nilotinib, for the treatment of some blood cancers"

But as you wrote you are ok so not your case. As I found it is not so big issue. Good luck. I wish you a lot of health.

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

The Gilberts was not an issue with any of the drugs I took but they were all blood cancer drugs

lusitania84 profile image
lusitania84

Thank you sir, you are truly an inspiration! Glad to hear you are doing better.

Golendoodle profile image
Golendoodle

Wayne can’t wait until you’re back sharing new tests and information leading us all forward to better health. I thank God for you and all you’ve done to provide information we need to be as successful as we can be. I had the ELF test done because of the information you posted. I never even heard of that until you said you had it done . I’m looking forward to learn more from you and reverse this as you have . God Bless you and your in my prayers.

Bluegirl52 profile image
Bluegirl52

Wayne, praying for your speedy recovery. You are certainly an inspiration to all of us.

sophiaS1980 profile image
sophiaS1980

I am so happy you are doing better, you have been there for many on this site, I thank God for people such as yourself.

Onesmallstep1969 profile image
Onesmallstep1969

Wayne,

Been meaning to ask you, did you have any other signs of multiple myeloma (cancer of the white blood cell plasma)? Did you have any of the following signs that The Mayo Clinic lists:

Symptoms

Early in multiple myeloma, there might be no symptoms. When signs and symptoms happen, they can include:

Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips.

Nausea.

Constipation.

Loss of appetite.

Mental fogginess or confusion.

Tiredness.

Infections.

Weight loss.

Weakness.

Thirst.

Needing to urinate often.

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply toOnesmallstep1969

My symptoms were muscle cramps due to high calcium levels. Didn't have anything on that list

Ilovejoe profile image
Ilovejoe

Wonderful to hear. You have many people hoping for the best for you! Thanks always for all you do for us!

Bloomwithgrace profile image
Bloomwithgrace

Wayne so happy you are on the mend! You do so much for others, always encouraging us, and doing research! We appreciate you so very much! You are one of God's beautiful human beings that is a blessing to so many! Take care and God Bless You! <3

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

I had a medical crisis, I didn't die, I wonder why

Last summer I had a medical emergency. The odds were it would kill me but I survived with few life...
nash2 profile image
Partner

What is liver disease really like, a post transplant reflection on the experience

a good read from a cirrhosis warrior There are some things I would like to say. Things I realized...
nash2 profile image
Partner

Uuuuggghhhh

Hi all, I am 42 yo female. I have been Type 2 diabetic for 7-8 years. I was told I had NAFLD over...
MemeLou profile image

I survived the Unimaginable, therefore, I can do the Impossible

Well, it all started way too soon. I was 27 with a Case of Stage 4 Cirrhosis- Advanced Parenchymal...
Mariah1203 profile image

As a patient or caregiver would you be willing to share your experience for an hour or two and earn $450 for doing it? Contact Maggie

Would you be willing to share your experience as a patient or caregivers for $450 and have a chance...
nash2 profile image
Partner

Moderation team

See all
AfternoonCoffee profile image
AfternoonCoffeeAdministrator
SuryaGP7 profile image
SuryaGP7Moderator
RobynD profile image
RobynDModerator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.