Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis – Cure vs. Control Debate

4 years ago
/ Multiple Myeloma
/ By David Emerson
/ 9 COMMENTS

“He told me that I could do whatever I wanted but that HE would not be doing the multiple myeloma chemo my way. It was his way or the highway.”

Hello David- I am 70 yrs young and have a recently received a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis (MM). Apparently the common kind (IgG). I had a cancerous prostate removed last sept 2014 with no complications.

The hematologist who gave the diagnosis of MM told me at my last visit that he would plan for chemo for 1-per-week for a whole year. I still don’t have a stage number but he said he was happy with my bone survey for now (good news I gather).

I asked if he could put the treatment off till I did a 20 day HBOT (100% Hyperbaric Oxygen) therapy to increase my stem cell count and that I would also be doing some natural herb intake (Red Reishi Mushroom extract and essence), Flor-essence liquid detoxifier (includes about 8 herbal extracts),and Immunocal powder. These are daily intakes at a minimum.

He told me that I could do whatever I wanted but that HE would not be doing the chemo my way. It was his way or the highway. We parted amicably enough and he will have an oncologist call me to set up a plan.

I am a new member of a non-profit, alternative health organization called “Inspire Health” in Vancouver Canada and look forward to a visit with their MD next week. They apparently have Oncologists that work with them on alternative treatment plans (through The Canadian or British Columbia Cancer Societies I think..?)

My question for you is:

If you have current knowledge of the most favorable treatment for MM with Stem cell harvesting and transplantation in mind for elderlies;
If you have any positive regard for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (20 treatments for 1.5 Hours Daily at 2.5 ATA) in order to increase stem cell population for harvesting (before chemo) and transplanting (after high dose chemo to kill cancerous bone marrow)?
What is the most common MM chemo combination used with Stem cell transplant in mind..? ( may be answered in number 1 above).

Thanks David- Sincerely, Sam

Hi Sam-

I am sorry to read of your Multiple Myeloma diagnosis however it sounds as though you are in good spirits and that you have no bone involvement or any other symptoms that you mention (“I still don’t have a stage number but he said he was happy with my bone survey for now (good news I gather).”

Just my opinion but regarding your oncologist- “my way or the highway…” you may be better off without this Dr. Your oncologist must support your needs.

I agree with your thinking to “prehabilitate.” This means that you are preparing your body for conventional therapy. Studies show that you will do better with this preparation. I have no experience with Inspire Health but their website sounds as though they will be more open-minded.

Regarding your questions-

1 Treatments to enhance stem cell harvesting- Yes, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has shown the ability to stimulate stem cell production–

2) Yes, I have both personal experience and research experience with HBOT. See the link and studies above- is HBOT covered in Canada?

3) Re chemo combinations for ASCT- as you can see from this link there are many combinations. My understanding is that different cancer centers use different combos- MDAnderson, MSK, Mayo, etc. I don’t know about Canada…

Lastly, please consider managing your MM with conventional, integrative and complementary therapies rather than undergoing aggressive chemo- this is the “cure vs. control” debate. In other words, you may live a better, longer life by taking a lower dose approach to your chemo and including evidence-based, non-toxic therapies.

With less chemo, less aggressive therapy, you may enjoy higher quality of life with fewer side effects. Especially if you understand non-conventional therapies such as flor essence, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions-

David Emerson

MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen

“DISCUSSION

The results from this study demonstrate that exposure to HBO₂ will cause rapid mobilization of SPCs in humans, and the number of SPCs remain elevated in blood over the course of 20 HBO₂ treatments. On the basis of the responses in normal human controls, it appears that previous exposure to radiation diminishes the response to one HBO₂ treatment. Radiotherapy is known to reduce the mobilization that occurs in response to chemotherapeutic agents and growth factors (19, 25)…”

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Tania says last year

I know that Mistletoe increases stem cell counts
also in Canada its Melpohan and Neupagen!

David Emerson says last year

Thank you for your input Tania-

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Christiane Hirt says 3 years ago

Thank you for your video. I am wondering if you have anything to say about Flor-essence, Wobenzyme or medicinal mushrooms or another natural therapies for myeloma?
Thank you for your time

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Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis – Cure vs. Control Debate

“He told me that I could do whatever I wanted but that HE would not be doing the multiple myeloma chemo my way. It was his way or the highway.”

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Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen

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