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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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First time posting...
Update: Fibroscan score down big time!
28 yr old female, 135 lbs and fatty liver?
