The cancer is almost non-existent as my M-spike is still within/below normal range. :) My Kappa/Lambda free light chain ratio remains around 2:1. It should be at 1:1, but it is only slightly above the norm. If these numbers confuse you, then don't worry about it. Only other MM warriors will be able to relate. :)
The bottom line is that I remain in remission. I credit the maintenance chemotherapy that I take every day for that success. :) As you know, from previous posts, the Revlimid is also the cause of my side effects of extreme fatigue, digestive issues, muscle spasms, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in my feet, and chemo brain (duh!!). It does get me down sometimes, but at the end of the day, it is saving my life. The longer I can remain in remission, the closer we will be to a cure when I relapse. :)
I have embarked on a few different approaches to address those side-effects. I have begun a yoga class on Sunday mornings. It leaves me feeling strong, spent, and in control. although I cannot embark on a full scale exercise program, the yoga helps to keep my muscles moving, blood flowing to all tissues, and strengthening my core for balance and spinal alignment.
Yoga also provides an outlet for me to interact with other women in a safe and non-judgmental environment. It does not matter that I am 80 pounds overweight, or that I cannot feel my feet and topple over during tree pose. It does not matter that I have to rest mid-way through the hour. It does not matter that I eat meat and sugar and gluten. It does not matter that sometimes I have a glass of wine after yoga (we meet at a winery). It does matter, though, that I am accepted and supported.
My yoga teacher, Rachael, also provides advice and guidance on alternative, natural therapies. We met last week and she has provided a number of suggestions for me with regard to using essential oils. Although I hold a membership in DoTerra and have amassed a plethora of essential oils, I have used them primarily for diffusion. She has provided suggestions to assist in a number of areas that I have concerns. The good news it that I already have most of those oils already!! Now I can put them to better use.
Of course I had to check with my oncologist about ingesting certain oils as anything that could "boost" my immune system could also kick-start my cancer. Blood cancers, especially multiple myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow and the blood cells produced there. MM produces rogue or mutated anti-bodies and boosting production of anti-bodies will boost the production of the good and the bad. Lucky for me, many of the proposed strategies are either topical or diffused so there are no issues to worry about.
I will keep you posted on what I find is working for me.
Until then, Namaste!
1 comment:
You, my lovely lady.....are a fighter. I take inspiration from you and others I know now as well. We can do this! And EO's are fabulous!
With love and shared strength. KC
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