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Just ordered a copy of ‘Eat Right for your Blood Type’ – we have been eating a clean diet for years now, grow our own veggies, organic eggs, no sugar, organic everything, non-toxic cookware etc etc But as my husband is a retired butcher, the not eating meat is impossible lol But we have cut back on portion size long time ago. Can not wait to get the book to refine our diet. We treat food as medicine and nothing toxic so our bodies do not have to clean up anything it does not have to. Belinda 🙂
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Hi Belinda-
Nutrition is an important step in managing health in general and MM in particular. “Eat Right…” fine tunes this issue for specific blood types. For example, I am O neg so my nutritional needs are different from AB whatever…I am going to post your comment on Beating Myeloma anonymously for the benefit of the group.
thanks,
David Emerson
Good
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Hello,
I have MM and been treated with D-VTD since June. I’m not eligible for a SCT as my kidney function is impaired (egfr 32).
I have not achieved complete remission although my numbers have come down since receiving chemo but I’m now on DRD but my Lambda chains seem to be increasing to 200.
Do you have any suggestions to improve my kidney function as doctors are saying that they cannot be improved. What is your opinion please?
I’m happy for you to email me privately.
Thank you
Kam
Please send me nutritional information on MM. Was diagnosed one year ago & had autologous SCT. Am in remission but on a loss-dose daily chemo pill. I feel great but need more health guidelines.
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I have smoldering myeloma after having numerous blood tests bone marrow extraction, skeletal – rays and PET. Does this same diet aid in helping SMM? Thank you.
Reply Hi Phyllis-
I am sorry to read of your SMM diagnosis. To answer your question, yes, the diet discussed in the post that you came in on is beneficial for both pre-MM (SMM) and full MM. I also encourage daily moderate exercise, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle therapies shown to reduce your risk of progression.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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I’ll be doing my ASCT in two weeks. I was diagnosed in Jan 2024 and went on vegetation eating and got to remission in 4 months. Looking for a long term eating plan. I’m o blood type.
Reply Hi Pam-
Congrats on achieving CR after only 4 months of induction therapy. This means that you have exposed your body to much less toxicity than the average MM patient. Consider holding off on your ASCT until you relapse in the future.
As for a long-term eating plan, I follow a primarily meditteranean diet. I say primarily because I do cheat on occasion. Further, I support my nutritional, anti-MM goals with nutritional supplementation- curcumin, omega-3, etc.
Consider also pursuing anti-mm lifestyle therapies such as sauna, daily exercise, etc.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Stontium seems to be touted as a good bone builder. Are you familiar with it David? Do you recommend it?
Reply Hi Zack-
I know of strontium for bone health. I don’t take it because it is contraindicted for people with heart issues aka me. I think there are some bone health supplements that contain strontium.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Hi John-
I’m not sure what you mean by fortified foods? I try to eat a diet with a high percentage of fruits and veggies, as organic as possible but I’m sure there is a percentage of processed foods. Is this what you mean?
David Emerson
Reply Hi David, I am referring to drinks such as 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Unsweetened Soy Beverage. There are vitamins and minerals added. As well, some cereals have added vitamins and minerals.
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I’m blood type o, and I’m following keto,
now I consider the vegetables and add a big dish of leafs.
Is there any problem if I eat organic meat every day?
Hi Ahab-
I don’t know much about the keto diet. In general, most studies agree that red meat in general and animal fat in particular is unhealthy in the long run.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply Hi John-
I had an omelette for dinner last night. Not a lot but yes.
David Emerson
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I am NDMM patient. I have mild anemia. I do not want to take chemo treatments. I have focused on a whole food plant based diet since diagnosis in Feb. 2024. Last week blood test shows red and white cells still dropping. I have read there are several different types of anemia. My Oncologist is not addressing the anemia. Would it be beneficial to try to get tested and treatment for the anemia. I know the MM destroys the white cells but maybe anemia treatment might help my body fight. I have no bone involvement or kidney issues.
Reply Hi Larry-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. It sounds as though you are early stage. This is good and gives you more therapy options. Anemia is a common MM symptom (the A in CRAB). You are correct in that there are sever different possible anemia therapies infusing iron supplementation and iron rich foods such as red meat.
An important first step is for you to establish a relationship with a MM specialist. Not simply a general oncologist or even just a hem/onc.
In my experience, it is not about chemo or no chemo but the amount of chemo to manage your MM. Low dose chemotherapy can be very effective for the NDMM patient with few symptoms. A small amount of chemo should bring your red and white blood cells back to normal levels. The MM specialist with thee best/longest survival rates, both 5 and 10 year, is named James Berenson. Dr. Berenson manages MM differently.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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I was wondering about mistletoe infusions with vitamin C and DMSO. I have been getting this treatment for about two months and I have been feeling better but there is no research on this treatment. If you know of any or a website please refer me to it! I was diagnosed in 12/19 with IgG mm. Interested in your diet plan.
Reply Hi Bruce-
Mistletoe, vit. C and DMSO all have benefits as you know. I do not know of any studies or website for this particular combo. Good luck and hang in there,
David Emerson
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Dear Mr. Miller and Mr. Emerson, my brother was diagnosed with MM in Nov 21 and he had undergone all of the available conventional treatments, so now we are looking for alternative approaches. Can you recommend us how to administer mistletoe, vit.C and DMSO? Do you have any other suggestions that would be efficient? Thank you in advance! Best wishes!
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I would love more info about the diet. I was diagnosed with MM march 2023. Had autologus transplant in sep 2023. Now on maintenance chemo with revlimid and dexa injection once a month. I want to be brave but Im still scared…
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I finished my second round of treatment Feb 2024. I was in remission for 21 months. I am currently taking cayenne pepper and wonder what your take is on cayenne pepper. The PA in my oncologist office was not supportive of the idea because she was concerned about the fact that it is reported to be a blood tonic and vessel support. HOWEVER— when I ran it by my oncologist he didn’t seem to have a problem with it. I’m not asking you to go against the doctor I’m just interested in what you may know or feel about cayenne pepper as a supplement in the diet of a mm patient. Thanks Diane
Reply Hi Diane-
The short answer to your question is 1) I have read many nutritious properties of cayenne pepper so I take a broad view of nutrition for MM patients on chemo. Nutrition is good.
The longer and more nuanced reply is that no one knows if cayenne interacts with chemo (darzelex) because there has never been a study of the two much less a clinical trial.
I cut and pasted a section of a web page below. Yes, cayenne can interact with the specific meds below. I don’t know how a “blood tonic” is bad but again, no one really knows.
My general approach is that nutrition is good. Especially if the food manages pain.
I hope this helps. Good luck, David Emerson
Capsaicin can also interact with certain medications, including:
Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and clopidogrel (Plavix)
Aspirin
Stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), esomeprazole (Nexium), famotidine (Pepcid), omeprazole (Prilosec), and ranitidine (Zantac)
ACE inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), and lisinopril (Zestril)
I was diagnosed wit MM a year ago (February 2023) and now in stringent remission. I’m currrently receiving Velcade and darsalex injections, Dexamethasone and revlimid. I would appreciate if you can send me the MM diet.
Thank you.
Hi John-
I am sorry to learn of your plasma cell leukemia diagnosis. Do you have a question?
David Emerson
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Thank you. Starting my 5th year of survival with MM. I appreciate what you are sharing and I definitely want to learn as much as I can too.
Reply Hi Juanita-
Sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis though great to read you are doing well.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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Could I please have a copy of the nutritional guide..again, David?
Reply Can you please send me the guide lines and diet to my email? Thank you.
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Hi,
Thanks for sharing your experience so far and congratulations.
I am 37, was diagnosed last year in Aug, I am currently on zometa and not doing any treatment as currently SMM. I am having additional scans as I have back pain. Can you share the diet guidelines pls?
Reply Hi Molly-
I sent you the nutrition guide via your email address. Consider two things- first, determine your “risk” of progression to full MM. What is your FLC ratio? Do you have any organ involvement? Secondly, pre habilitate.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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I would like to receive nutrition information for MM as I am awaiting a stem cell transplant in the very near future
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Hi James-
I sent the MM CC nutrition guide via email today- check your spam folder if you have not received it.
David Emerson
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I have just been diagnosed with SMM. I am just learning all this.
I would like a copy of your nutrition guide.
Hi Magdalena-
Good to read that you have no symptoms other than the lesion on your scalp. Is the lesion IN or outside the bone? If it is outside the bone then it is called “extramedullary” and indicates a different prognosis.
While green leafy veggies are known to contain calcium and therefore promote bone health, it is nutritional supplementation such as vitamin D, magnesium, etc. that have been shown to specifically enhance bone health.
Do you know what stage you are?
David Emerson
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It’s extramedullary I think?Leaves a big bump but is extraaxial the MRI says. It feels like a very large baby Fontanelle I think the bone is no longer there. The bone marrow biopsy is not back yet so I don’t know the stage. Thank you.
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I have had MM since 2009 Had 2 bone marrow transplant Both hips broke and just Nov 2023 my arm broke Now lm off of chemo my doctor has send me to B’ham for a trail drugs Not sure if l can do it because it’s in my bone and brain So don’t know what’s going to happen I prayer they will have something else
Reply Hi Susan-
Sorry to read of your MM challenges though managing MM since your diagnosis in 2009 aka 14 years is impressive.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply Happy New Year to you as well Kathryn- hope your new years is healthy!
David
Reply I’m back on CBD. suppositories. Kappas rising slowly. I hope it’s a temporary thing from a vaccine ( high dose In fluenza) and two COVID boosters
Immunity is still low. GP and Oncologist just kind of pass it off. So I’m doing what I can to stave off effects from being around others.
Happy Holidays David! ⛄
I was diagnosed 2021
I started off having injections twice a week, until myeloma cells were found in the fluid and changed treatment to cafildemed( no sure of spelling). I had stem cell transplant January this year 2023 been on 20mg lelalidomide maintenance. Found out this week numbers are climbing slowly so they are increasing the Lenalidomide to 25mg and starting injections next week. My diet is pretty healthy. I’m 53 with 3 children and want to beat this. I have been positive throughout even though the worst times but I’m now feeling very anxious that things are going wrong again.
Would appreciate any advice.
Thank you 🙏
Hi Sharon-
MM is such a difficult cancer. I am sorry to read of your MM challenges. Ups and downs, remission, relapse is the usual progression of our disease. Are you working with a MM specialist? An oncologist who treats only MM will know about other chemotherapy regimens for you to try. The study linked below is a good example.
Continue to eat nutritiously, exercise, sleep and remain positive if you can. Let me know if you have any questions.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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Al Amyloidosis I have( in remission) is very similar to MM ? The. Diet help also?
Reply Hi Jill-
Amyloidosis is like MM in that your monoclonal proteins are making a damaging protein. Yes, therapy plan is similar. Yes, non-conventional therapies help your immune function, chemo, etc.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Hello,
Do you include beans? I have thyroid nodules and the biopsy was inconclusive for cancer. About 30 years ago I worked as a nurse and had a patient on a macrobiotic diet. His wife said he and two others went on this diet whom had surgery for brain cancer. The survival rate was 1 year after surgery. She said all three were still surviving 10 years later. She said they do not know what about the diet worked, just that it worked. He was non verbal. May have been organic also.
Reply Also, I don’t consider vegan like diets as healthy, but I am considering it temporarily because of my thyroid. I read beans also help with cancer.
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Hi I would love to see your nutrition guidelines please! Had a large plasmacytoma last year and at the MGUS stage now so I think nutrition is super important along with exercise I have committed to a basic gym routine to try and increase mobility
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Hi Marianne- help is what I do. Have you been diagnosed with multiple myeloma? If so, what stage? What symptoms? Have you undergone any therapies?
Let me know, thanks.
David Emerson
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I am 67 year old. I was first diagnosed with MMin 2011. I had chemo and stem cell transplant which put me on remission and was on Revlimid for maintenance for 5 years. I was back to almost 100%, living my life to the fullest, working full time, traveling when I can get vacation and even went back to school for my master. However, I had relapsed by December 2020, had chemo Jan. 2021 and then stem cell transplant on May 2021. Recovery was a lot harder this time, lost a lot of weight, no appetite and fatigued. Finally got in remission a year later (June 2022) but continued weakness and fatigue along with hair loss and skin pigmentation. I am now starting to feel better but still not back to the way I was. I am now retired but have no desire to do pleasurable activities yet. I am on Revlimid for maintenance and my Oncologist said I will take it continuously this time unless I have side effects which I intend to follow. Can you please send me the Diet/Nutrition guide for MM? Thank you.
Reply Hi Isabelita-
I replied to this post via email. If you did not receive an email from me please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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I recently completed stem cell transplant with good results and am looking for dietary tips to support long term remission
Reply Hi Basil-
The post outlining those nutrition/diet guidelines that I follow is linked below. An in-depth presentation of both conventional and non-conventional mm therapies is presented in the MM Cancer Coaching course.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/multiple-myeloma-diet/
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Hi Genetria-
I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide a couple of hours ago. If you did not receive my email please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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I was diagnosed with MM 14 months ago. Heading for stem cell transplant next week. I do need to know what to eat. I had decided on the Mediterranean diet. Could you send me your plan please.
Reply Hi Sharon-
I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide. Check your spam folder if you did not receive my email.
David Emerson
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I enjoyed reading this. Diagnosis April 2023, 47 years old female. Started chemo (Dara, velcade, Revlimid) 14 weeks. Could you show me what you eat daily or in a week? Also, if you were diagnosed today, would you still do a stem cell transplant or hold off (I have chosen to see how it goes before committing to SCT) my doctor isn’t saying yes or no. So curious what you think? He said it may not be the answer in future because of new treatments coming available and I’m on a pretty good treatment plan.
Reply Hi Andrea-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis though it sounds as though you are doing well. My daily diet is focused on fruit, veggies and grains in the form of cereal or flakes. I do eat a small amount of meat though try to keep it lean and I do consume dairy though I also limit this too. If I have a sweet craving at night I will have a chunk of dark chocolate.
I cannot follow a specific “diet.” I can however, follow basic guidelines. Little or no processed sugar but lots of fruit sugar aka fructose. I exercise moderately each day, get a full 8 hours of sleep though this is more difficult in this heat. I supplement (I consider supplements as an extension of my diet).
I’ve tried to put the above in the post as fully as I can.
I would not have had an ASCT if I had to do it all again. You are correct to hold off in my opinion. I believe too that the pipeline is pretty good for current MM survivors.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply Thank you for the tips. I’m fairly new to this, taking it day by day and looking for people like to help along the way. Thank you.
Reply Hi Andrea- you are right to take things one step, one day at a time. Hang in there.
David Emerson
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I have just been diagnosed with MM and trying to wrap my head around all the information. I am wondering what supplements you take and why you would rethink a stem cell transplant. Thank you
Reply Hi Nancy-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. Yes, there is a lot of information to wrap your head around. But you seem to be asking the right questions. I am currently in remission so I follow a low-dose or maintenance approach to my own supplementation. I would have to say that the top four supplements for me are curcumin, resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10. Keep in mind that I put nutrition at or above supplementation when treating MM.
In response to your question about an ASCT, first and foremost, my answer depends largely on the patient’s goals and diagnostics results. so my comments are general to the average MM patient.
But in general, numerous studies cite how an ASCT provides a longer average first remission (PFS) not a longer length of life (OS). Therefore an ASCT is a lot of toxicity for no OS benefit.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
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Please could you send me some recipes for meals and cold drinks that I can have
Reply Hi Colette-
While I research and write about anti-MM nutrition and supplementation, I know little about specific recipes. I am sorry I can’t offer more information for you.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed in 2022 and now going on maintenance.
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Diagnosed with MM 4 minths ago. This is the best information I have had. Please send your
diet and nutrition. Thank you.
Hi J-
I replied to you directly via email.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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I’m always tired how can I manage this , I know the morphine doesn’t help but I’ve tried everything I even went private and injections but that didn’t help, so I have to put up with the pain. But I would just like to feel more awake I do exercise to try and help.
Reply Hi Christine-
Fatigue is the most common, vexing side effect of chemotherapy/radiation ever. All I can offer is what I do- daily moderate exercise, clean diet, 8 hours of sleep nightly… I don’t believe I have ever been 100% since my ASCT in ’95. Please don’t misunderstand me. I feel fine, just not 100%.
Yes, if you are on meds, especially morphine, you will feel fatigued.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply I’m starting to not crave sugary things but not completely. I need to eat MORE veggies.
Is there a candy or sweet that is beneficial; besides fruits?
Diagnosed with MM, started chemo treatment in January 2023. Losing too much weight too quick, have no appetite and basically don’t eat much, food tastes are all distorted. My doctors are not happy and want me to put forth more effort to eat. So very difficult for me since also suffer with severe constipation. If you could send flexitarian diet this could be my help. Thank you in advance for all you do❤️
Reply Hi Dawna-
I emailed you the MM CC nutrition guide. This is not a diet in the weight watchers sense of the word. It is the guidelines that I follow. I also sent you a post I wrote about smoothies- nutritious, tasty, could be just the ticket.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply Could you also send me your MM CC nutrient guide please.? Diagnosed with 2020 MM full of the disease, treated with Valcaid & revlimid, then stem cell treatment, didn’t reach full remission continued with revlimid, then relapsed. Now in treatment pomlyst and darzelex. It has brought the myeloma down dramatically. Of course treatment was started at a much lower level than originally. I hope to reach total remission. I feel good for the most part, exercise and eat well, but would like to learn more. Thank you
Reply Hi Juanita-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. It sounds as though you are working hard at managing your MM. Keep it up!
We have recently upgraded our Resource Center-
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/cancer-resources/
David Emerson
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I fully concur with Dawna. Recently diagnosed and poor diet and loosing weight. Thankyou interested in your diet.
Reply Hi Diane-
I sent you the nutrition guide directly via email.
David Emerson
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I was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma…Do you still provide the 1 hr. consultations you mention on your website? If yes, do we register on this website (your website)? Thanks.
Reply Hi Jen-
I replied to your email to me at PeopleBeatingCancer. If my reply is not in your inbox please check your spam folder.
Thanks,
David Emerson
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I been living with MM for 13 years.Please send me info on your diet.Thank you
Reply Hi Albert-
We have upgraded our resource center.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/cancer-resources/
David Emerson
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Hi David – Was hoping you could email the nutrition guide. I am SMM, but have had rapidly rising FLCs and am now pending a BMB. Thank you for the work, insight, and hope you provide. Blessings!
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Hi David,
My husband is 58 and just diagnosed with MM last week. I wanted to see of could schedule a consultation with you. I cannot find where to sign up to schedule. Can you assist me with this? Thank you.
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Can you please email to me your diet/nutrition guide. Recently diagnosed with MM. Thank you for all your work and research.
Reply Hi Kim-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/cancer-resources/
David Emerson
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Is there a hard copy of the diet available? If there is I would like to purchase it. I was diagnosed in 2015 and am doing well but would like to be more proactive in my treatment.
Reply Hi Elizabeth-
I sent you a pdf file of the nutrition guide. If you did not receive an email from me please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Please email information regarding diet for M. My wife has just started treatment. They say she is at the very beginning of it and was caught early.
Reply Hi Joey-
I replied to directly via email. Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
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I would like to know more about nutrition and CBD. I had a stem cell transplant September of 2021.
Reply Hi Sylvia-
I replied to you directly via email. If you don’t have an email from me in your inbox, please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Hi Carol-
I emailed the guide to you- please check your spam folder if you don’t see an email from me.
David Emerson
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This is most informative article I have been able to find since being diagnosed with MM 3 months ago. Please send me the nutrition information you have. Is there a charge? Thanks
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Just finished a year of treatment that achieved remission after relapse. Would like the diet information and guide. Thanks!
Reply Hi doug-
I sent the nutrition guide to you via email. Check your spam folder if you don’t see me in your inbox.
David Emerson
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I presently have MGUS. Please send me the diet I should have to hopefully not advance to myeloma. Thank you so much. Bless you.
Reply Hi Marily-
I sent you the nutrition guide via email. If you don’t see an email from me in your inbox please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Found out I have fibromyalgia in November of 2022. I started eating vegetables and fruits. Drink lots of green tea. I’m trying to figure things out. Don’t want to get stem cell transplant. And don’t want chemotherapy or radiation. Prefer diet change lifestyle and God. I’m not good at technology either. Don’t know what website is. But would like any input I can get. And foods to eat. And diet plan. Thank you. Blessings on you.
Reply Hi Linda-
Question- you mention fibromyalgia as your diagnosis but you also mention a stem cell transplant. Have you also been diagnosed with multiple myeloma? Or have you been diagnosed with pre-myeloma- MGUS or SMM? Also, what symptoms if any? Diet, supplementation, lifestyle therapies are important but different depending on your diagnosis.
Let me know, thanks.
David Emerson
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I’ve been battling MM and CLL for 7 years. Not dieted as no info given. Do you have a diet regime I can follow please
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My husband was diagnosed almost 5 years ago. Could you please send me the ebook & diet plan? He also has a lot of bone pain…any advice on how to control that other than opiods?
Thank you.
Hi Sharon-
I just replied to you directly via email. If you don’t receive my email, please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Please share your MM diet with me. I’m going on my 4th in remission and would like to be serious on what I eat. I’ve read up on nutrition but am not good in understanding much that is said. I’m more of a follower of a given diet list.
Reply Hi Loretta-
I sent you the nutrition guide via email. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive an email from me.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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Would love to get the flexitarian book. 20 year survivor
Thank you
Hi Rosemary-
I replied to your post via email. If you do not receive and email from me please check your spam folder.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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HI Betty-
I sent the e-book to you via email. If you have not received it please check your spam folder.
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Hi David, thank you for sending the e-book to me very interesting reading. Please can you email the Diet Plan and advice to me. I have been diagnosed with MGUS (about 5 yrs ago) & monitored (blood tests) every 3-6 months) light chain ratio tends to go up & down & hope correcting my diet may help. Tks v much
Reply Hi Ginny-
I sent the nutrition guide to your email. If you don’t receive my email please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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What are your symptoms? My hematologist at MDAnderson has diagnosed me with possible MM but never treated me. Says my anemia is stable and labs are okay.
Reply Hi Dot-
I currently have no myeloma symptoms. I have been in remission since ’99. Typical symptoms for the pre-myeloma or full myeloma patient vary widely. If your oncologist diagnosed you with “possible myeloma” but did not treat you, my guess is that you have a type of pre-myeloma. The diagnostic categories for pre-myeloma are
single plasmacytoma of bone (SPB)
monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and
smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).
Conventional oncology considers these as “blood disorders” that may lead to myeloma someday but do not require treatment.
There are evidence-based, non-toxic, non-conventional therapies that can reduce your risk of full myeloma such as diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation.
David Emerson
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Hi Helen-
I sent the info to your email inbox. If you do not find them in your inbox please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Joy-
I replied via email- if you don’t see my email in your inbox please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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I was diagnosed in Aug. 2020 with Multiple Myeloma. Hard to not eat meat and sugar.
Reply James-
I agree with you. With all that you probably have going on with your health, people are giving you all sorts of rules about diet, therapies, etc. I will be honest and admit that the studies about MM and nutrition are thin, My blogs are what I do and what studies I’ve found. I do eat meat but a lot less than I did before my MM diagnosis. Sugar is in everything. I eat as little as I can without driving myself crazy.
It’s a cliche but one day at a time…
Good luck,
David Emerson
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Would like to have a copy of the diet for MM. Was diagnosed in May 2022. Not doing the stem cell transplant because of my age. I am 64
Reply Hi Sandra-
I emailed you the MM CC nutrition guide this am. If you did not see it in your inbox please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Hi Julia-
I sent you the nutrition guide via email. Please check your spam folder if my email is not in your inbox.
David Emerson
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I would love to have the diet to help me in my struggle to survive MM many thanks
Reply I will email the ebook to your email inbox- if you don’t receive it shortly, please check your spam folder-
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Hi Cindy-
I sent you guides via your email address. If you do not receive my email, please check your spam folder.
thanks,
David Emerson
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Can you please forward diet for MM. My husband would require this. Thankyou.
Reply Hi Margaret-
I replied to you via email. If you don’t find my email in your inbox please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
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Hi Hyacinth-
To be honest, I haven’t studied follicular lymphoma so I can’t say.
David Emerson
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I was diagnosed with MM three years ago. I also have kidney failure at same time so I am on dialysis. Please send me diet information. It seems some good food for MM is not compatible with the renal diet.
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What is. A good site for the flexatarian diet. I am in treatment and have reached remission. Want to stay there. Help!
Reply HI Nadine-
The source I used to learn about the flexitarian diet is-
https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/flexitarian-diet
David Emerson
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Hi David,
I would like your MM diet please. Thank you very much!
Hi Willie-
I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide directly to you via your email address. Check your spam folder if you do not receive my reply.
David Emerson
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I am a MM patient fighting for 7 years now..would love the MM diet pkz
Reply Hi Novelette-
I sent the MM CC nutrition guide to you via email. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive it.
David Emerson
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Bowel cancer diabetic fattyliver damaged liverwould like to know about diet also oestoprosis gut problems underactive thyroid ta
Reply Hi Marie-
The post that you read is about nutrition for patients with a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. I don’t know much about nutrition for
the health issues that you list. I wish I could help you.
David Emerson
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Hi Susan-
I emailed you the MM CC guide. Check your spam folder if you didn’t receive it.
David Emerson
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Hi Masha-
I sent you guides directly via email. Check your spam folder if you didn’t receive them.
David Emerson
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I would like the diet. I am in remission for 1 1/2 years
Reply Hi Jacqueline-
I sent you the guide via email. Check your spam folder if you didn’t get my email.
David Emerson
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I’m 73 and was diagnosed 2019. I take 10mg. Revilmide. Would like diet info to like longer.
Reply Hi Jamesetta-
I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide directly to you via email. If you don’t receive my email please check your spam folder.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Liz-
I sent you the nutrition guide via email. Look in your spam folder if you have not received it.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Marina- I sent you information directly via your email in box. If you don’t receive my email then please check your spam folder.
Thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
hello I have had MM for 4 years I am not able to receive a transplant due to cell damage from the chemo therapy I am actively takin blue seed oil tablets what can I do or take to hlp fight against the MM an is takin black seed oil tablets beneficial
Reply Hi Jonathan-
According to research, yes, Black seed oil aka thymoquinone, is cytotoxic to monoclonal proteins aka MM. The challenge is finding a supplement with a decent amount of black seed oil in the capsule.
I recommend both anti-angiogenic nutrition and supplementation.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
Husband age 49 diagnosed with MM in August- would like nutritional information.
Reply
Hi, just diagnosed with MM at 32, please send me your nutritional food plan thank you.
Reply
Recently diagnosed MGUS. But kappa light chains keep going up and kidneys are great. Please send diet info. Going to check out your reading recommendations and video. Thank you
Reply
I was diagnosed with MM in 2021. I am very interested in your nutritional food plan.
Reply
Diagnosed with MM 2021 just had partial kidney removed on revlimid. Please send me your nutritional food plan.
Reply Hi Autumn-
I replied directly to you via email.
David Emerson
Reply
Got multiple Malom2021 got stem cell replaced bone marrow my own September 2022 I was taking 5% Relival only lasted till August 2022 Now back on chemo for 15 weeks. Please help…
Reply
May I have information on the nutritional benefits and diet/lifestyle? I also have had a kidney transplant (9 years) and some CHF problems but am hanging in there. Would like to get into complete remission and if diet will help then I’m all for it. Thanks.
Reply Hi Wendy-
I replied to you via email. Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
I was diagnosed with MM in 2017, had SCT and on 10 mg Revlamid. I had a relapse in 2019 but have done great since then. I’m turning 65 soon and I’m very interested in Diet and Nutrition info.
Reply
I am recently dx with plasmacytoma on R hip and starting radiation soon, bone marrow biopsy just done and do not know results, I’m very fatigued and lots of pain, I am very interested in diet with foods and supplements to improve my nutrition to help me improve the quality of my life, I would appreciate any information you can guide me with, I believe proper nutrition can help. Thank you
Reply
[…] anti-myeloma nutrition […]
Reply
My husband was diagnosed with mm in 2017, had a sct and is currently on 10mg of revlimid as maintenance. I am concerned about his eating habits and would like some information on how I can guide him in the right direction. His oncologist doesn’t say much about diets.
Reply Hi Maria-
I sent the MM CC nutrition guide to your email in box.
David Emerson
Reply
I would like to get your info. Thanks. I’m on revlimid and doing well.
Reply Hi Frances-
I sent you the nutrition guide via your email address.
David Emerson
Reply
I had a stem cell transplant in June 2021. I am doing well on Revlemid. Please send me the diet information.
Reply Hi Judy-
I replied to you via your email.
David Emerson
Reply
Hello. Just recently diagnosed with MM. Not sure about stages as oncologist didn’t say. Told me that my bone marrow biopsy shows “5 to 10 %” MM. I’m being treated with radiation right now on an area of my rib that the oncologist labeled “ plasmacytoma. Any info you can provide will be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Reply Hi Cheryl-
I replied to your post directly via email.
David emerson
Reply
I was diagnosed in May 2022 w/smoldering myeloma.
Have progressed to MM as of September 2022.
Very interested in your books & diets!
28 years in remission WOW!
Good for you—love to learn from you. (Just turned 67)
Hi Gina-
I will reply to you directly via your email.
David Emerson
Reply
I’m 86 yrs old just diagnosed w MM myeloma just wondering about the pAin I will be experiencing in the future months. If I over due I get pain in my back and neck fatigue yes. Look forward to hearing from you🙏☘️☘️🙏
Reply Hi Catherine-
I will reply to you directly via email and send you the MM CC nutrition guide.
David Emerson
Reply […] Anti-angiogenic nutrition […]
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet- Before, During, After Therapy Myeloma Diet in Three Easy Steps Multiple Myeloma Diet Multiple Myeloma Diet- Flaxseeds/Budwig […]
Reply […] Myeloma Diet, Supplement – A How-To Guide Multiple Myeloma Survivor Diet – Multiple Myeloma Diet- Before, During, After Therapy Myeloma Diet in Three Easy Steps Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
Reply
Diagnosed with stage one in August 2022 after four years with Smoldering MM. Now in treatment. Can you send me the Flex diet? Thank you!!
Reply Hi Rebecca-
I replied to this post directly via your email address. Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply […] To learn more about your Myeloma Diet as a therapy click now- […]
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet- Before, During, After Therapy Myeloma Diet in Three Easy Steps Multiple Myeloma Diet Multiple Myeloma Diet- Flaxseeds/Budwig […]
Reply […] To learn more about your Diet as a Multiple Myeloma Therapy click now- […]
Reply
Thanks for being willing to share your journey and wisdom! It is inspiring to know there are people who significantly outperform the statistics out there. I’ve been diagnosed with SMM and would like to slow progression to MM for as long as possible. Please send your nutrition guide.
Reply 
Hello. I am 54 and I have been diagnosed in March 2021, chemo for 1 year and in remission now. Only 5 mg Revlimid per day. Also morphine and gaba for my pain.
Can u email me a nutrition guide please. My oncologist said nothing about how important is the diet. Thank you
Hi Stefania-
I sent you the nutrition and CIPN guides via email.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
I was diagnosed with MM March 2022, been on Revlamid, Velcade, Darzalex and dexamethisone since, and going for SCT end of September. Please send me your diet details. Thank you!
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
Reply I’ve switched from store bought milk, to organic goat milk from a neighbor who sells it ( full fat); also, his eggs. I don’t drink alcohol, soda, commercial juices; mostly water. The goat milk is for cooking and cereal
I try to stick to fruits and veggies, but I have a sweet tooth and I bake quite a bit
May I have the flexible diet emailed to me also,David?
Reply
I am interested in learning more. I have had two stem cell transplants and I still have evidence of disease albeit a smaller amount than prior to the transplants.
Reply […] For example, I may talk up the basics of my anti-cancer diet and the general benefits of the Mediter… […]
Reply
Hi David-
I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide via email.
David Emerson
Reply
Please send me information on the Flexitarian Diet.
Thank you
Hi Mary-
FYI- I sent the nutrition guide to you via email-
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Marlene-
I sent you several PDF files via email. Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Azucena-
What do you need to know? Are you a patient? Caregiver? Are you about to undergo chemotherapy? Induction? ASCT? Have you concluded therapy and looking to detoxify? I don’t mean to complicate things. The more info I know about your situation, the more info I can provide.
Let me know.
David Emerson
Reply
I have been in remission for 71/2 years after a stem cell transplant. Would you send me the nutrition diet.
Reply
I have MM. had stem cell transplant In Sept. 2021 and am now in complete remission. Please send nutritional guide. Stomach doesn’t tolerate many foods except carbs. Thank you.
Reply Hi Sue-
I sent the MM CC nutrition guide via your email address. Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, have been diagnosed with MM in June 2021 and on derma infusion since June 21 . Progress is good . Would like to know more from you about diet , etc on how to beat this disease. Am 72 with no other prior diseases.
Reply
I would like to know more about The flexitarian diet. I would also like to know more about the coaching program.
Thanks so much
Hi Marla-
I will send you the MM CC nutrition guide as well as the Introduction to the program via email. Let me know if you have
any questions.
thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
I would like to sign up. Please send me whatever forms you need. And who to write the check to.
Reply Hi Peter-
According to our records you have recently registered for the MM CC Program Course. I will send you the welcome email and invite you to an invitation to Beating Myeloma now.
Thank you,
David Emerson
Reply
I live on Ritz crackers and chocolate milk and ensure Suplement for the last 9 months. Any other food makes me nauseous, just the smell of food cooking makes me vomit. I’m very weak and tired all the time.
Reply Hi Robert-
I too love to eat Ritz crackers and I love the taste of chocolate milk. Unfortunately for us, there is little nutrition in these foods and as MM survivors we need nutrition. Consider trying a smoothie with chocolate flavored Ensure as well as fruit, powders, etc.
Maybe even add some ice cream in the smoothie- anything to combine flavor with nutrition.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi there!
My husband was diagnosed 5/2021 with MM. He is status post SCT. Not quite 30 days yet. In his medical notes I saw deep vgPR1 after 7 months of VRD. What diet should I start him on to keep him in remission. He is igG lambda. Im still reading and trying to understand this cancer. I appreciate any advice.
Please send guide and if you have book provide info on how to get. I want to read it all!😊 Thank you
Reply
Hello. A friend has MM and CKD. Please send nutrition guide. Thank you!
Reply Hi Angie-
I sent you both the nutrition guide and the kidney guide to your email inbox.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
I was diagnosed with MGUS in April 2021 – I’m interested in learning how to better take care of myself
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Just found out husband has stage 3 MM, please send any information, thank you
Reply
I am retired nurse ,have researched & found pts with MM require increased amts of vitamin B12 .Eating only small amts of red meat will cause iron & vit b12 deficiency which is essential for DNA.heart ,nerve & blood maintenance.Vegans & vegetarians are at high risk of vit B12 def which not diagnosed early & treted results in Pernicious Anaemia.I have a friend MM diabetic,under-treated for b12 def ,treated with chemo now 12 mths when told originally 6 wks .She is has had 2 iron infusions in last 6 mths..I would be interested to hear your views & if you have every been tested for genetic mutation MTHFR .
Reply Hi Marilyn-
You are correct. Blood testing does identify some newly diagnosed MM patients as being B12 deficient.
I do not know if any MM patients who have been tested for the MTHFR mutation.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, I was diagnosed in June 2021 with MM and am currently receiving RVD. SCT when my numbers are where my doctors would like them.
Would you please send me your nutrition guide.
No one ever emphasizes how important diet is.
Thank you!
Very informative and realistic. Please send nutrition, cannabis and intro guides.
Reply
Hi Pat-
I sent your email the nutrition, cannabis and intro guides.
David Emerson
Reply
Recently diagnosed mm, started RVD, possibly SCT. I would love your nutrition guide.
Reply
Hi David,
Please email me the nutrition guide. Thank you and God bless.
Hi David-
I sent the nutrition, cannabis and intro guides via your email address.
David
Reply
I had stem cell transplant January 2020. Currently in remission. Please send me the MM nutrition guide.
Reply
Hi David. I was diagnosed with MM on June 2020. Had a bone marrow transplant in December 2020. On remission at this moment. Can you send me a copy of MM nutrition guide? Thanks.
Reply Hi Maria-
I just sent you the guide via your email.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
Thank you. Was never told that nutrition was important as a myeloma patient. Can you send me your nutrition information.
Reply Hi Jennifer-
Nutrition, supplementation, etc. are not studied by the FDA and therefore not discussed, positively or negatively by conventional oncology. I will email you the MM CC nutrition guide via your email.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply Thank you. Was never told that nutrition was important t as a myeloma patient. Can you send me nutrition information.
Reply
Hi Norman-
If you are asking about “aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine” I have no experience with this supplement.
David Emerson
Reply
Thanks for this great information David. Can you please send me the MM CC nutrition guide.
Reply 
Very good contribution to better lifestyle..copy of your information wold be welcomed. Thank you.
Reply Hi David,
By “copy of your info” not sure what you are asking for. I can send you the MM CC nutrition guide is this is what you mean.
David Emerson
Reply
Good afternoon and thank you for the informative information. May I have copy of your diet and CBD related recommendations. Thank you.
Reply
Hi Mary-
I sent several guides directly to you via email.
David Emerson
Reply
Is there a charge for you to email me a plan. I have SM and bounce with MM
Reply Hi Pat-
If you are wondering about joining the Pre-Myeloma Program, yes there is a registration fee. The pre-MM course is separate from the consultation. If you purchase both at the same time you will receive a discount.
The page below will explain the Pre-MM Program.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/the-pre-myeloma-program-for-mgus-smm-sbp/
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, I would appreciate a copy of your dietary recommendations. I was diagnosed SMM 2years ago but some weird things happening to my body..
thank you.
Hi Barbara-
Have you been diagnosed with MM? If so, what stage, symptoms? I will email the guide to your email inbox.
thanks
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Richard-
I sent the guide to your email in box.
David Emerson
Reply
I am a caregiver for my 86 year old mother diagnosed with MM, she is on dialysis now because of it, please tell me what foods are best for her. Thank you for this article…..God bless., Karen
Reply
Hi Tim-
I will reply to your questions about CBD as well as the nutrition guide directly via email.
Thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Laurie- The nutrition guide is in the MM CC Course that you purchased. One of the lessons.
David Emerson
Reply
Please send the MM CC nutrition guide. I am fairly recently diagnosed, and have received absolutely no support from the doctors regarding nutrition or diet. I would appreciate anything you could share at this point. Thanks. Have a beautiful week. Dave
Reply Hi Dave-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. I will send you the MM CC nutrition guide to you via your email address. Please understand that conventional oncology prescribes only FDA approved therapies. Since nutrition is not a strict FDA approved therapy, your onc. will not discuss it.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
I am very happy to learn about your diet. I am almost done with my treatments of mm. 3 mores weeks. And I know that diet is very important but we have to know what to eat and not eat. So thank you again . I will do my best to read about it . My cancer came back to normal after 7 months but the doctor want to do the treatments for a year for controlling it better.i hope you can understand my English because I am from Quebec Canada. But I leave here for many years but I do speak French still a lot with my family. I am 74 years old. My cancer was in my spine only whe we begin the treatments. I am on revlimid.
Reply Hi Ginette-
Your English is great. Good luck with your MM, anti-MM nutrition, anti-MM nutritional supplementation and anti-MM lifestyle.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
I’m newly diagnosed and am learning as much as I can. Can you please share the diet you’ve developed with me? Thank you for your encouragement.
Reply
Hello, I have just been diagnosed with MGUS and very much appreciate your mention of Dr. Li’s work. I would be grateful for any information you might share about your own nutritional wisdom. Thanks
Reply
Hi David. I am a 9 year survivor having been diagnosed with SMM. I had a AST five years ago and relapsed 3 years later. I am currently in CR. I am fit and eat a pretty good diet but would appreciate a copy of your flexarian diet. Thanks so much.
Reply Hi Yolanda-
Below is a link to the explanation of the Flexitarian Diet. I have to say though that the diet is a sort of starting point for me as a MM survivor. It is adding anti-mm supplementation and anti-angiogenic nutrition
that I believe is important to us MM survivors. Congrats on a long mm survival BTW.
David Emerson
https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/flexitarian-diet
Reply
David is my coach and has shared his experiences and suggestions for me and many others. He does his best to support MM patients. He is a Living example of successful fighting
Reply
Hi David. I’m 52 and was diagnosed with SMM a year ago. I’m IgA Kappa and have an m-spike of 0.9 and 0.2. (Total of 1.1). I was working with a nutritionist who had me on the “Mitchell Page Diet and a daily routine of over 70 pills/supplements. My numbers have remained stable but did not go down as the nutritionist said they would with the regime he had me on. I am now seeing a new nutritionist. I’ve only had my initial consult, but the gist is that I’ll do the AIP diet for a month along with food sensitivity testing and a select and more targeted supplement intake. After a month, I will be able to add back certain foods I was able to eliminate so long as I don’t show an inflammatory response. I would love to learn more about your program to make tweaks. Thanks in advance for sharing your potentially life saving protocol.
Reply Hi Rob-
Several things. Depending on your other diagnostic info, stable numbers are a positive. Remember that the prognosis for an early stage MM patient (if you every progress) is excellent.
As for non-toxic pre-MM therapies, I will email the nutrition guide to your email address. In general, I focus on anti-angiogenic foods and nutritional supplements such as curcumin, resveratrol, etc.
Let me know if you have any questions. Hang in there.
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
Reply
Wow! I have MM. I was diagnosed in August 2015.
I am very interested in your
information, diet & exercise
program. How do I learn more?
My husband Don had a solitary plasmacytoma on his C5 disc and had surgery in December 2020 followed up with radiation. He has now been diagnosed with MGUS and we would like information, please. Thank you!
Reply Hi Diana-
My introduction to MM was identical to Don’s. I will send you the MM CC nutrition guide via your email address.
Hang in there
David Emerson
Reply
Please send me information for my husband, Bob, who was diagnosed last July and is now three months after autologous stem cell transplant. He is doing very well.
Reply Hi Janet-
I replied to your request directly via email. I sent you the MM CC nutrition guide. Good luck.
David Emerson
Reply Do I have to become a mm coach in order to get the book and materials on the nutrition? I was diagnosed with MM this past February and will be having a SCT in July.. wanting to know more in the nutrition and foods to eat that will help this.
Reply Hi Josie-
I replied to your question directly via your email address. I included the MM CC Nutrition guide. Please understand that depending on your symptoms, age, general health, goals, etc. an ASCT may or may not be your best choice.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply Thanks Diane- nutrition is much debated so I stick to what I do and what the studies say.
Reply
I was recently diagnosed with mm. I am starting a RVD treatment then the stem cell transplant. Any advice or help with my diet? Thank you!
Reply Hi Angela-
I replied to you directly via email. I attached the MM CC nutrition guide with several questions.
Thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
Where do you get your supplements resveratrol and curcumin Brand name How do you take them!
Reply Hi Sheila-
Re curcumin and resveratrol. Most of my nutritional supplements are produced by a company named Life Extension Foundation. I researched many of the supplements on consumerlab.com. These supplements consistently are approved for purity, amount, price is middle (not cheap, not expensive). I buy either directly from them or from Amazon.com.
Resveratrol- the supplement is called “Optimized Resveratrol”
Curcumin- the supplement is called “Curcumin Elite”
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
Reply
Hi David,
I have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Stage 3 and I am leaning toward not doing the autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant.
I would like your thoughts on this and I would like to know at what Stage you were diagnosed.
Thank you,
Tricia
Reply Hi Tricia-
My thinking about ASCT is based on both my experience as well as research. I myself think ASCT is a lot of toxicity for the patient. However, there are situations where aggressive treatments may be right for you. A lot depends on your age, symptoms, side effects, genetic abnormalities, etc.
In early 1994 I was diagnosed with a single bone plasmacytoma. The lesion was removed and I was told that nothing more could be done for treatment. I was diagnosed with full MM about a year later. I then underwent induction chemo ( five courses of VAD) and an ASCT three months after that.
It will be difficult to compare my situation with yours Tricia. All of the chemotherapies at the time were all different, and ASCT is now different than it was then. There was no genetic typing, no FISH test. Determining a newly diagnosed patient’s risk was much different then.
Your stage is 3. What symptoms are you experiencing? Kidney involvement? Bone damage? How old are you? Have you undergone any induction therapies such as RVD aka revlimid, velcade, dexamethasone? If so, what has your response been?
I don’t mean to sound nosey. Just thinking through your risks.
Let me know. Hang in there.
David Emerson
Reply
I have had MM fir 6 years. Had a stem cell transplant 5 1/2 years ago. I am interested in learning about your flexatarian diet.
Reply Hi Regina-
I have linked info about the Flexitarian Diet below- let me know if you have any specific questions. Thanks. David Emerson
The Flexitarian Diet explained
Reply
Hello David, thank you for posting this web on your own journey with dealing with MM, i think it was divine intervention that brought me here. My questions are actually for a loved one. Firstly, thank you for bringing up the MM specialist since the person i am speaking for does not have a specialist only an oncologists, who has been seeing him for over 1 year now, he will actually be getting a 2nd opinion because it seems that his body is not responding well now to Revlimid, his liver enzymes has been trending up and so he had to stop Revlimid 25mg for 1 session and was started on Vemlidy 25mg, it brought down the enzymes but once he started regimen again with Revlimid his enzymes now went up again, do you think the felxitarian diet will help him with this and help his liver? His doctor diagnoses him with smoldering MM so ue is not in late stage yet but now his current tx is affecting his liver. Secondly, do you have any tips to help with insomnia? He has been taken off dexa bit still has hard trouble sleeping and uses ambian everyday to be able to get at least 4hrs sleep. Thank you.
Reply Hi Hanna-
I replied directly to you via your email address. Thanks.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, I would like to know more about multiple myeloma. I was diagnosed last year with mm.
Reply Hi Francine-
Like most other cancers, early stage MM is very different from late stage MM. The young MM patient reacts much differently than the elderly MM patient.
I can provide more information about MM if you can tell me a bit about your situation.
What was your MM stage at diagnosis?
Did/do you have any symptoms such as bone pain, kidney damage, blood clots, fatigue?
How is your health otherwise?
I don’t mean to be nosey, just trying to provide you with information.
Let me know, thanks.
David Emerson
Reply
Hello there,
You have an incredible story and it is EXTREMELY rare to hear of anyone discuss links between food and mm. In fact I have actually been told to eat fast food because it might make me feel better mentally! Additionally, while getting chemo I’ve been (almost) forced to eat cake and drink lemonade by the staff. Currently, I’m the ONLY patient in my clinic who has disagreed with these food/beverage offerings. I was diagnosed with stage 1 mm on 23rd march 2020. Currently I am on day +30 post sct. For most of my time since diagnosis I have followed a similar diet to what you have outlined (mostly plant based). My diet is like a cross between fruitarian and Mediterranean foods. Occasionally I eat small quantities of meat. Usually when I eat meat it is after a session with my personal trainer. Interestingly, since swapping over to plant based foods I have noticed massive improvements to my health despite going through chemo. I lost 14kg, gained 8% muscle mass, no flem, no inflammation, better digestion, no dandruff, no bloating/ gas, and feel quite energetic. Last year I typed up a weekly meal plan with some common dishes I eat regularly. Would you be willing to read through my documented meals and offer some advice on where I could improve/ what I could change etc?
Cheers, Dan
Hi Dan-
The importance of nutrition to the MM survivor is not routinely discussed by conventional oncology. I’m glad that you didn’t listen to whomever told you to eat fast food:-).
I would be happy to read through your documented meals and offer advice. Please email info to david.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com.
Thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
HalloIs thwrw a fb group.I will learn everything about alternativ treatmen for MM so curious.Thwrw is hope.Ilivemyself with MM
Reply Hi Tova-
Membership in the closed, private MM group Beating Myeloma is a component of the MM Cancer Coaching Program. In other words, if you’d like to join Beating Myeloma you must register in the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching Program.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/better-than-a-miracle-myeloma-cure/
I hope to work with you.
Thanks
David Emerson
Reply
I want to learn more and join your group. I am an MM patient and want to learn more about your success,
Reply Hi Phyllis,
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis though I think wanting to learn more is the right approach. An invitation to join Beating Myeloma is included with your registration for either/or the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching Program- Course and Consultation. I will link below.
Let me know if you have any questions.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/better-than-a-miracle-myeloma-cure/
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, because I had a lot of side effects from vevlimid,valtrex,and Dex the steroid and I am 79 years old I can’t have sct. I also have diebetes,hypertension, severe Arthritis. constants dirreaha problem any suggestions?
Reply Hi, because I had a lot of side effects from vevlimid,valtrex,and Dex the steroid and I am 79 years old I can’t have sct. I also have diebetes,hypertension, severe Arthritis. Cordless is a constant problem any suggestions?
Reply Hi Livonia-
I am sorry to read of your health challenges. Because of your co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) I encourage you to undergo low-dose chemo only as needed to manage your MM as lightly as possible. I believe you shouldn’t have a SCT anyway. That’s fine.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, I am in desperate neeed and help and guidance my Mom was diagnosed in april2018 , we have not done any chemo or treatment. We want to heal this naturaly . She is having back pain in the vertebrae. Kidneys are still fine. Please help
Reply Hi Leslie-
I replied to you via your email address.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Jose-
I believe we all should “diet” by simply striving for “progress not perfection.” I say that to mean that we all can reduce the amount of processed sugar we each daily, we can reduce the amount of animal fat daily, we can add fruits and veggies to each meal each day.
And we don’t beat ourselves up if we splurge or eat something that’s not so nutritious.
Go for it.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi I have MM Igg lambda , I am a vegetarian , my protein level was at 140 and after a week of chemo dropped to 80, plasma cells were at 16%, mspike at 68 something , what diet changes or lifestyle changes can I do?
Reply Hi Rahul,
I am sorry to learn of your MM. When you say “after a week of chemo” your protein dropped but did your m-spike and plasma cells drop as well? Did you list the pre-chemo levels or the post chemo levels?
Regardless, your diet and lifestyle, before, during and after chemo, should be anti-angiogenic foods, supplements as well as anti-MM lifestyle therapies such as whole body hyperthermia, exercise, etc.
Good luck,
David Emerson
Reply
I want to become an MM survivor and need to start eating correctly. I have completed my radiation treatments and am moving on to Cycle5 chemo. Even though I am having difficulty eating anything right now it is still a good time to start.
Reply Hi Ruben-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis but great to read that you have the right attitude. When I had difficulty with my appetite during my radiation/chemotherapy I had smoothies- different recipes depending on what flavors I could enjoy. Nuts, green, fruit, dark chocolate.
Nutrition hack- pour ensure into the smoothie for added vitamins and minerals.
Let me also suggest both clean eating (less animal fat, more protein, lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains) and specifically antiangiogenic foods and supplements. These have been shown to kill MM cells.
Good luck.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Sybil-
If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, my guess is that you have a lesion in your spine. This is common. A MM lesion in my spine and associated pain is why I went to the doctor before my diagnosis of MM.
You should have an imaging study of some kind- either an MRI (no contrast), a PET scan, etc. I am assuming several things but I recommend that you have your oncologist prescribe an imaging study. Your health insurance will want this.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hang in there, good luck.
David Emerson
Reply
Hello!
I am recently diagnosed MM with plasmacytoma at T5. I haven’t been given a Stage yet. I’m trying to learn all that I can, and starting with diet. I was hoping you could tell me the recommended dosage for resveratol?
Thank you!
Reply 
Hi Sharanjit-
The guides linked below, nutrition and bone health, will explain foods, supplementation and lifestyle therapies shown to cause apoptosis and increase bone mineral density aka bone health.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
/Users/david/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail Downloads/4BFB3774-97BF-4ED2-8F68-614735AF00FC/NutrtionV1.pdf
/Users/david/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail Downloads/27FC01D4-1771-456C-8814-D941A1F98FD4/BoneHealthV1.pdf
Reply […] I eat as nutritious a diet as I can each and every day. The most popular blog post on PeopleBeatingCancer.org is simply titled Multiple Myeloma Diet. […]
Reply
Hi Lisa-
Are you a newly diagnosed MM patient? If so, what stage? Are you experiencing any symptoms such as bone or kidney damage?
I will send the MM CC program nutrition guide to your email address.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply My husband was diagnosed with mm two years ago. He had a stem cell transplant I. May 2019. He has nonsecretial mm. It is only in his bone marrow and can only be checked through bone marrow biopsies. It is very aggressive. Please send me information. Thank you.
Reply Hello again Lisa-
I just sent you the MM CC nutrition guide. I too am non-secretory. Yes, your husband will undergo both BMB’s as well as imaging studies to check on the status of his MM. Please consider the MM CC program as well as a consultation with me.
https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/better-than-a-miracle-myeloma-cure/
David Emerson
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Hi Jennifer-
Before we discuss the MM CC Program, do you know your specific diagnosis? Multiple myeloma but do you know your stage? Do you have any bone involvement or kidney health issues?
Have you undergone any therapy of any kind?
Let me know, thanks.
David Emerson
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I was diagnostic with M.M. About 2 or 3 yr. ago & had the stem cell transplant & I m under Dr. Care but I feel I m losing & need all the help I can get. Can U help me?
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I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in nov 2015.
I had a tumor on skull spine and hip.
The one on the hip broke my female.
I had to have radiation therapy and chemo, then in may 2016 I had a bone marrow transplant.
After that I refused all treatment and was good until may 2019when my numbers were up again, took no treatment, but in dec 2019.
I underwent emergency surgery to remove a mass which was on my vertebrae pressing on my spinal column causing me some awful symptoms, was struggling to walk had no balance, right eye couldn’t see out of it and was struggling with bladder issues.
The operation was only able to remove part of the mass, so I also had to undergo ten rounds of radiation, also had a mass on chest bone which was inoperable.
After all of that we tried five different types of chemo to which I had horrible side affects.
At the moment trying to go down a natural route, so any advise would be awesome and appreciated.
I was an international swimmer so I try to swim a few miles every week.
Thanks for any help you can give.
At the moment iam in remission
Jane pendrich
Hi Jane,
I will reply to your question via your email address.
Thanks,
David Emerson
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I have had MM since 2013. I am very healthy otherwise. I am currently in remission and on a chemo drug as preventive therapy. Would like to stay on your site and find it very interesting to hear other peoples ideas and situations.
Reply 
I’ll be having a SCT soon waiting on another bone marrow biopsy first then if everything is o.k. then the transplant. I havent went by no kind of diets. ..guess I need to be doing that….I also got to STOP smoking ASAP smh…so hows it going since your transplant
Reply Hi Tania-
I will reply to you directly via your email address.
David Emerson
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I have been diagnosed with smoldering mylenoma. Would it help to do this ,so maybe it wouldn’t progress
Reply Hi Charlie-
I will reply to you directly via email. Thanks.
David Emerson
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I had MM can give me more information on it. I have had a relapse and worry now
Reply Hi Pam,
I replied to you directly via your email address. Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
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Hi David, diagnosed 2 years ago low risk but 70% plasma cells. Have tried almost everything I have read short of conventional treatment. Still progressing but slowly. Slightly anemic but no other symptoms, Started RVD induction and scheduled for Transplant for now. I’m interested in anything I can do that does not interfere with treatment since I have committed to go this route. I would like to learn about the diet as well as supplement interactions
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Hi David,
Thanks for this information as it seems to be the only one of its kind. I was diagnosed with MGUS after a blood workup by my rheumatologist for suspected RA. Went that was negative this protein IgA was found in my blood and I have been tested for 3 years in a row now by a hem/onc. This year my M-Spike went from 0.3 to 0.6. The dr didn’t even point this out but just said all is stable. I don’t show any other abnormalities on my labs. I brought to his attention the increase in the M-spike and he said that’s ok it’s stable. So frustrating! I need to take this into my hands. I need to lose about 40 lbs and I have started the circumin and reversatrol and cbd. Should I be so obsessed this being scared of MM? My aunt died of this and the Dr. said it isn’t inherited but when I research I see otherwise.
Hello! Thank you all of this wonderful information and I am so happy to hear that you are doing well after so many years! My dad is being tested for myeloma and the initial blood work is showing a few things off. M-spike at 0.3, kappa light chains at 63 and the kappa/lambda ratio at 6.7 so we aren’t sure what those mean until we meet with the doctor this week. He is certainly experiencing joint pain, but we aren’t sure if that is related or if it’s due to repeated overuse throughout the years. He’s a 61 yr old carpenter.
My question surrounds long term benzene exposure. Do you have experience with successfully removing benzene/toluene/etc from the body and repairing the damage done from the those harsh toxic chemicals? He uses the sauna, sweats a lot at work during the summer, drinks filtered water, eats organic and incredibly well (mostly vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, healthy fats and occasionally meat from a local organic farmer, no sugar, gluten, corn, dairy, soy). He has also started drinking green, dandelion and essiac tea, juicing, taking 3 grams of vitamin c (spread out), vitamin D3+K2, and now starting curcumin. While I think this is a great start, I think the best thing is to go after root cause which we believe is the benzene exposure. I’d love to hear if you have or know anyone that has successfully detoxed the body in a healthy way to get rid of the benzene and company. Sorry for the novel here! Thank you again for all that you do!
Reply Hi Kelsey-
I emailed your reply directly to your email in box-
David
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I would love to hear more about your diet…some encouragement on.living with end stage aggressive MM and specifically what to ask my dr about re alternative therapies and supplements. I already (flexibly) go by the eat right for your blood type presently. So encouraged to hear the year 25! Dr said I should have been dead by last March after 29months but I am still here!! Suffering on chemo weeks but still here!! Thankyou!
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David,
What is the best way to take curcumin in your opinion? (I am not sure I want to mess with making my digestive track more porous with black pepper..)
And what is the best daily quantity? My hematologist told me today that too much can be dangerous.
I should say that after 27 years of having MM without treatment, following a tandem bone marrow transplant in 1993, and then watching the kappa/lambda ratio creep up through the years, it finally became very active and forced me to undergo radiation and then DARA, ledalidomide, and dexamethasone, of which I have completed two months so far.
David E.
Hi, found what you have to say interesting. I was diagnosed Jan 2019 with Stage 1 -2 MM. High Risk translocation 14:16. 60% myeloma cells present. Picked up by my PCP with an elevated Protein, she ran with it. and recommended the oncologist I see. I was 68.PET scan neg. I have achieved complete remission since 10/19. I was started on Revlimid 25, Velcade and Dex. Turns out I was allergic to the Velcade. Intermittent use of 2 other drugs and now on decreasing dose of only Revlimid 20 to now 15 mg. Bone marrow and cytogenic study negative 2 weeks ago. I am careful with my diet lots of fruits/veg, almonds and use many supplements including IP-6 and tumeric, B12, B complex Vit C, D3, Krill Oil. I do not drink and never smoked. I have not had a stem cell transplant and have felt well throughout treatment. I also practice Reiki and have many prayerful friends. I do not own this disease ( God is my physician) but follow Dr’s orders and have armed myself with as much as I can to bring about God’s miracle. I am a retired RN. I belong to no support group but gather info here and there. Thought I would share my story…..feeling very blessed. Glad you are there to help people from your experience.
Reply 
Hi David… my name is Jamie. I was diagnosed with MM at 40 yrs of age.
I went to the hospital with back pain and they found some lesions on a couple of my disc and fewer. I went through 5 rounds of chemo followed by a stem cell transplant. Since then, I was put on 10 mg of Revlimed and there are no traces of m protein in my system. At this moment, I am feeling terrific, besides some pain that I get around the laces where the lesions were found, but overall back doing all the active stuff that I always did ( ie hockey, weight training). I always kept myself in good shape, but since being diagnosed I wanted to make sure that I was putting food back into my body that, I thought would help ward off the Myeloma from coming back. I guess, something I can do than just asking the revlimed to do all the work. I’m very much into nutrition, and I have read some articles about foods that aid in fighting this disease. If you have any info on nutrition that can help the fight against MM, I would very much like to see it. I’m not a fan of popping pills just to make things go away and I do believe Better nutrition Does help getting rid of diseases.
I enjoyed reading about your journey and applaud you on your 25 yrs beating this deserve. You are an inspiration and I after reading this, your story made me feel that nothing is impossible.
All the best
Hi David… my name is Jamie. I was diagnosed with MM at 40 yrs old. I went to the hospital with back pain and they found some lesions on a couple of my disc and fewer. I went through 5 rounds of chemo followed by a stem cell transplant. Since then, I was put on 10 mg of Revlimed and there are no traces of m protein in my system. At this moment, I am feeling terrific, besides some pain that I get around the laces where the lesions were found, but overall back doing all the active stuff that I always did ( ie hockey, weight training). I always kept myself in good shape, but since being diagnosed I wanted to make sure that I was putting food back into my body that, I thought would help ward off the Myeloma from coming back. I guess, something I can do than just asking the revlimed to do all the work. I’m very much into nutrition, and I have read some articles about foods that aid in fighting this disease. If you have any info on nutrition that can help the fight against MM, I would very much like to see it. I’m not a fan of popping pills just to make things go away and I do believe Better nutrition Does help getting rid of diseases.
I enjoyed reading about your journey and applaud you on your 25 yrs beating this deserve. You are an inspiration and I after reading this, your story made me feel that nothing is impossible.
All the best
Hi Jamie-
Thanks for reaching out. Great to read that you are in complete remission. Especially great to read that your life is pretty-much back to normal if you can play ice hockey again as well as lift weights. I have a couple of hockey-playing pals from college. Both are still playing old-man hockey and loving it. I’m not saying that you are an old man…:-)
Your experience-
MM diagnosis
induction chemo (RVD?)
Autologous stem cell transplant (where did you have yours?)
low-dose maintenance Revlimid
is an excellent example of the “standard-of-care” for newly diagnosed MM patients. How old are you now?
I have always believed that conventional oncology has gotten good at stabilizing newly diagnosed MM. Standard-of-care induction therapy of RVD, achieves almost a 100% response rate, with 80% of NDMM patients (I think) achieving at least a partial remission. Many more VGPR and CR. Some even MRD negative…
And that’s great, as far as it goes.
The challenge for the 40 year old, as I see it, is the long-term picture. At this point in my response, I have to list my assumptions. Correct any that you don’t agree with Jamie.
If I were a 40 year old NDMM-
My OS (overall survival aka length of life) goal would be to die of old age in my sleep
My quality of life goal (QOL) goal would be… minimal pain and suffering.
The standard-of-care for relapsed, refractory MM patients is to cycle through chemo singlets, doublets and triplet regimens based on the drug classes below:
Immunomodulatory drugs-Thalidomide, Lenalidomide (Revlimid), and pomalidomide (Pomalyst)
Proteasome inhibitors-Bortezomib (Velcade), Carfilzomib (Kyprolis), and Ixazomib (Ninlaro)
Monoclonal antibodies- Elotuzumab (Empliciti) and daratumumab (Darzalex)
Immunotherapy- Isatuximab (Sarclisa)
Nuclear export inhibitors. Selinexor (Xpovio)
Glucocorticoid- Dexamethason, Prednisone
all in and effort to reach remission again and again, hoping to avoid multi-drug resistance (MDR) and end-stage MM.
The challenge faced by MM survivors relapsing after their first remission is that remissions get shorter and shorter, MM develops resistance to chemotherapy and finally, because of shorter remission and chemo resistance, MM survivors undergo more and more chemo meaning they undergo more and more toxicity, more and more frequently.
The five most common side effects are also the five most common causes of death for mm survivors. See the post below.
The answer, again in my opinion, is for NDMM patients to minimize toxic therapies as much as possible while including non-toxic MM therapies. I consider integrative therapies in this as well- integrative therapies shown to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy.
I will attach the MM CC nutrition guide. I consider anti-angiogenic foods and supplements to be an important non-toxic yet anti-MM therapy.
Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck,
David Emerson
What is Multiple Myeloma? Oncology has it backwards…
What is multiple myeloma? In my experience the standard-of-care approach for multiple myeloma patients is misleading. Considering only FDA approved MM therapies represents short-term thinking. Newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients are put at a huge disadvantage if they think short-term.
In my experience, MM is a blood cancer that combines potentially life-threatening symptomsand a series of life-threatening side effects. All at the same time. Let me explain.
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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Hi, I just got diagnosed with MM a month ago going for my biopsy on 9/11/2020
Reply
Dear David,
My grandmother and mother both lost their lives to MM. My mom passed on 2/2019 just 3 months after her diagnosis. She never had any pain at all. Its a long and complicated explanation. To make a long story short. She started her MM treatment and a week later was hospitalized with heart failure. She was gone a month later. Five months later I started having shortness of breath, rib pain, fatigue. I just had kidney stones and my kidney function is normal. I am pretty anemic as well. Also I need to drop about 60lbs. I haven’t seen a doctor yet. Im terrified. What do you recommend? Thank you!
Reply Hi Laura-
My reply to your post will be a bit long so I will reply to you via your email address.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Jayne-
If you are asking if the site PeopleBeatingCancer is still active, yes, PeopleBeatingCancer is active.
Thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
Is the USD199 payment for the coaching program a onetime payment/life time subscription?
Can the lessons be printed in a easy to read format in order to enhance studying?
Hi December,
The $199.00 for the MM CC Program is a one-time payment. The 16 cancer coaching guides can be printed. The 24 video lessons however cannot be printed. Keep in mind that there are url links to studies interspersed throughout the MM CC guides. You can print them out, I simply saying that the links won’t work…
One of the videos in the MM CC program is me encouraging people to print the guides for easy future reference.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, my name is Angela and my husband was diagnosed at the age of 51 with an aggressive stage of MM 2 years ago, he had lesions on almost all his bones, compression fractures in his vertebrae and a lower back fracture and his creatin was 3.6 for his kidney function when he was diagnosed. He under went the normal cytoxin, revlimid, dexy therapy which got it under control, his kappa lambda light chains went from 9000 to 140 after a few cycles. And his creatin level is 1.3 We did a CAR-T clinical trial for newly diagnosed patients which put him in remission for about 3 months, but it came back at which time he had the stem cell transplant in the fall of 2019. He is on 15mg of revlimid and gets a Velcade shot every other week, which wipes him out for a few days. He changed to a completely whole foods plant based Vegan diet 6 weeks ago in an attempt to have more energy and to lose weight, which has not given him any relief from either. He walks about 3 or 4 miles everyday, except after the velcade days. The new diet has taken most of the back pain away and he is off all his pain medications. I guess my question is are there foods/supplements that help to off-set the energy draining side effects of the velcade and revlimid to some degree?
Thank you,
Angela
[…] Fruits and vegetables- both for MM and CKD- […]
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[…] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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My 60 yr old sister was diagnosed with MM about 3 years ago. She has had constant chemo throughout and a stem cell transplant about 1 year ago. She has been taking many supplements/vitamins all along. Doctors say she has refractory MM and in most cases the life span (with treatments) is only 5 years. Could supplements/vitamins be interacting with the chemo treatments preventing her from going into remission?
Reply Hi Linda-
I am sorry to learn of your sister’s refractory MM. I interpret your oncologists using this term to mean that your sister’s MM is resistant to chemotherapy. While it is not often discussed in the MM literature, 20-25% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients are resistant to chemotherapy aka refractory.
For the record, my MM was refractory as well. Meaning, I never achieved satisfactory remission after my induction chemotherapy nor did I achieve satisfactory after my autologous stem cell transplant.
As for your question “Could supplements/vitamins be interacting with the chemo treatments preventing her from going into remission?” It is impossible for me to answer this question fully without knowing which nutritional supplements your sister is taking.
However, I can say that certain supplements have been shown in studies to enhance the efficacy of specific MM chemotherapy regimens. For example, curcumin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of revlimid (lenalidomide). See the study linked below.
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to kill MM as well as enhance the efficacy of velcade (bortezomib). Please see the study below.
On the other hand, green tea (EGCG) has been shown to inhibit the efficacy of velcade (bortezomib).
Conventional FDA approved oncology doesn’t study, doesn’t research most nutrition supplements. That’s just not what they or the FDA does. Therefore, the challenge for all MM patients is to figure out what therapies give us the best chances for survival.
If you would like, send me a list of those supplements that your sister takes and I will be happy to research possible interactions with MM and MM chemotherapy regimens.
Let me know, hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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Hello David: Great work you are doing to get us informed! I was diagnosed with MGUS in 2016. I’m a 66 yr. old female, 5’3″, 115-119 lbs. My diet for the last 20 yrs. or so has been fairly clean ( at times I slip off the wagon with either gluten, sugar, dairy or non organic). Otherwise, I juice greens, carrots, beets, ginger root, turmeric root, and purchase as much local organic farm vegetables as possible and eat wild edibles (when available), I’m on a few supplements ( vit D3, Chaga tincture and sometimes chaga tea, Vit B12, sublingual, Curumin on occasion, vit C on occasion tablet form, every week or so I’ll make white cedar tea, or white pine needle tea and broccoli sprouts on occasion. I drink grass fed protein powder a few times/week. Very little to no toxic skin care products. Walking 30 min. 3-5 times/week. Hydrotherapy in the shower. I use an infrared Dome at home daily for a few hrs/day. I drink filtered water (Big Berkey). I take CBD oil and THC oil and 1-2 puffs of dried THC at night only for sleep. One registered massage therapy session/month. I have blood work once/yr and so far all is stable. I worry most of the time about this MGUS progressing. It’s on my mind most days which I know is not the best way to live. I stress easily. Are you able to calm my minds thinking in any way with your knowledge. I am really against conventional cancer treatments. Also, I’m not on any medical prescriptions except for the cannabis. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Reply Hi Patricia,
The best way for me to calm your mind relative to an MGUS diagnosis is to cite statistics as well as my experience. Your risk of progressing from MGUS to full-blown MM is 1% per year. Your diet, supplementation and lifestyle therapies all reduce this annual risk. Therefore, my belief is that your annual risk of your MGUS progressing to MM is LESS than 1% a year.
If you do progress to MM, by “PRE-habilitating” (diet, supplements, lifestyle), you will respond to chemotherapy very well, according to studies. Therefore your prognosis as a person diagnosed with early stage MM is excellent.
For the record, I too fall of the wagon occasionally where my anti-MM diet is concerned. I too think about a possible MM relapse, treatment related secondary cancer, etc. frequently (daily…).
My point is that we both are doing well.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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Hi David
I have MM & have recently undergone Induction Therapy & I am in the process of deciding whether to proceed with HDT-ASCT.I am 67yrs young & in reasonable shape although the induction therapy had given me peripheral neuropathy mainly in my legs & feet.
I have already changed my diet to a more vegan outlook although it wont be 100% . I am thinking along the anti-angiogenesis line with inclusive foods.
The question I am grappling with is do I call it quits on the conventional route & back my own gut feeling or complete the stem cell transplant with the treatment likely to worsen my neuropathy & maybe introduce other unwelcome side effects ?
Hi Bert,
I will reply to your questions via your email address.
David Emerson
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Hi there, I have just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Still going through tests before treatment but wanting to arm myself with everything I can get my hands on. I know that diet plays a huge part. I NEED to know what foods to avoid and you did give a brief outline. I was also wondering if baking soda does any good?? Any advise would be great! Thank you for putting your info out there…gives us hope!
Reply Hi Gaye-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. However I think you are on the right track to consider both conventional and non-conventional therapies.
Several things. Timing- First and foremost, consider pre-habilitation. Meaning, include that diet, supplementation and lifestyle therapies BEFORE you begin your induction therapy.
MM nutrition- it is less about what not to eat as a MM patient. Yes, follow general nutritional guidelines but include anti-angiogenic fruits, veggies, supplements. General guidelines are little refined sugar, little animal fat, lean animal protein, lots of fiber, lots of fruits and veggies.
The MM Cancer Coaching program lists specific anti-MM nutrition and supplementation as well as conventional, complementary, integrative MM therapies.
Baking soda. I assume you are referring to Dr. Simoncini protocol. There are no studies, no research to indicate if baking soda is cytotoxic to cancer/MM. I can’t say…
What stage is your diagnosis? What symptoms? Bone damage? Kidney damage? Diet is different if your kidney function is reduced.
David Emerson
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I was diagnose with MM four weeks ago, and currently receiving infusion once a week with other medications. Can you consume alcohol? If yes what kind? What kind of nutrition /food and supplements to take. What is non toxic MM therapies? Please I need your e book you have on MM …Thanks
Reply Hi Ade-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. In order to answer your question properly I need to know what other medications you are receiving weekly.
When MM patients are undergoing standard of care chemotherapy regimens, I caution them not to consume alcohol. Toxic chemo is hard on the person’s liver. MM patients may have kidney damage upon diagnosis.
So you can see how alcohol is rough on our organs. The light at the end of the tunnel is AFTER chemo ends. While your oncologist may caution you away from alcohol, I will admit to you that I have one or two glasses of wine each week. I stick to red wine. Resveratrol in red wine is cytotoxic to MM cells.
As for foods, I don’t diet. I eat whole grains, little animal fat, as little refined sugar as possible, and as many angiogenic foods and supplements as I can find. Fruits and veggies are seasonal here in my home town of Cleveland, Ohio.
The non-toxic therapies that you refer to are too many to list in an email. The MM cancer coaching program lists non-FDA approved therapies, foods, supplements, etc.
I will send an e-copy of Beating Myeloma to your email address.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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David, I have had full blown MM since 2016 had stem cell transplant in 2017….I need assistance maintaining or fighting the growth of MM….In essence, I need coaching with diet, exercise, supplements, etc.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Ken Rubin
Hi Ken,
Several things. First, I am sorry for your MM diagnosis though I agree with your approach to puruse both conventional and non-conventional therapies like diet. Further, my experience is that MM patients usually need both traditional therapies as well as non-FDA approved therapies like diet and supplementation.
If it’s okay with you I need some basic info about your current situation.
1) what is your current situation- m-spike, side effects, symptoms (bone involvelement, etc.)?
2) What was the outcome of your ASCT in ’17? How did you respond to treatment? Remission, Parial remission, Complete Remission, etc? Did you undergo induction therapy before your stem cell transplant? Which one?
3) How old are you? What is your health like otherwise? The term is “co-morbidities.” Do you have any other chronic diseases?
I will forward this reply to your email address as well. I is easier for me to communicate via email, send PDF files, etc.
Let me know, thanks.
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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My granny(66) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma for 3 years and our present medication is thalidomide and aspirin. Her legs are swollen often but the creatinine tests are fine. Please adivce me about the precautions for renal impairment🙏.
Reply Hi Satya,
I am sorry to read of our grandmother’s MM diagnosis. I have linked a website below that explains the symptoms and blood tests for kidney/renal failure. Please consider a chemotherapy regimen called Velcade. Velcade often clears the disfunctional kidney.
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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I was wondering if you could tell me what to feed my husband he was diagnosis 8 week ago and in on treatment he was a strong man but now can not walk without a walker , lots of pain right now his blood count is 44 which is not the best , I need to get the count up so what would be good for him , I love my husband of 36 years and I want so bad to make his life better.
Reply Hi Dee-
I will reply to your post via your email address.
David Emerson
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Hi Nora-
Two things. I don’t have a set amount of fruit I eat each day. I live in Cleveland, Ohio and fruit and veggies differ depending on the season. It’s more about making sure I include fruits and veggies in each meal. Also, I have learned to add fruit to much of what I eat. For example, I add berries, red/black/blue to granola, oatmeal, etc. Second, I try to include those fruits and supplements listed by Dr. Bill Li in his TED Talk about anti-angiogenesis. What Dr. Li’s video- good stuff. My supplementation is nutritional for me, so I see it as an extension of my anti-angiogenic diet.
Let me know if you have other questions.
David Emerson
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The BEST place in the WORLD for treatment and ultimate success is the UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MEDICAL SCIENCES CENTER — UAMS Iin Little Rock, Arkansas. They are world renound and have probably the best success record of ANY institution anywhere!
Reply Hi Jim Farmer-
My understanding is the Dr. James Berenson has the longest average five year survival rates for any MM institution. I agree, however, that UAMS has a good five year survival track record as well assuming that a MMer fits their treatment criteria.
David Emerson
Reply […] Multiple Myeloma Diet […]
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Please do not post.
How much is your program. What if a person can not afford it?
Hello! My mother in law just found out she has MM and two masses. One in the back of her neck and an other one below her kidney. We are devastated. Need to go see a Hematologist and oncologist. Waiting for an appointment. I need to know what kind of diet she she do and which supplements would help her cope with the treatments. If there’s anything you can share it would Ben greatly appreciated. Where did you do your treatments?
Reply Hi Gisela-
I replied to your previous post about MM oncs at Princess Margaret and Dana-Farber and Sloan-Kettering being top MM centers. I underwent treatment here in Cleveland, Ohio at University Hospital. But much has improved in MM therapy since I was diagnosed. MM nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle therapies, conventional issues, non-conventional therapies and more are components of the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching program.
Let me know if you have other questions. Hang in there,
David Emerson
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Do you have this translated in Spanish? I’m asking because my mother will be starting her 3rd treatment in 3 years for MM. She was in remission from breast cancer, 1st diagnosed in 2006. then was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015. She is my heart and soul, and I’m looking to educate her on more non conventional treatments. Thank you.
Reply Hi Sharon,
I am sorry to read of your mom’s cancer challenges. If I understand your post, your mom has been in and out of remission for her MM 3 times in three years. In other words, your mom has not achieved hoped for longer remissions. Are you asking me if the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching Guides are in Spanish? Or are you asking only about the blog post about diet?
Either or, no, neither are translated into Spanish. If you are interested the MM CC program I would work with you to translate each guide (13 of them) into Spanish. Meaning I will get each guide translated. Does your mom speak any English? I would like to speak with her about the guides to walk her through the various issues. You can be on the phone as well.
Let me know.
David Emerson
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Hello
My brother in law just got diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and he has had MS for about 15 years also. They gave him maybe 3 years to live. He started chemo just recently and is in the hospital still Because his MS is so bad they have to move him to a rehabilitation center. He lives in a different state than my husband and I. I want to help him and I just don’t know where to start.
Thanks
Jody
Hi Jody,
I am sorry to read about your BILs health challenges. A diagnosis of MM coupled with induction chemotherapy is tough for healthy people and really
tough on someone with MS. Long-term caregiving your BIL will be difficult, meaning your options are limited. I normally work directly with MM survivors and caregivers. How is your BIL making MM decisions such as what chemo to take, what nutritional plan he should follow, supplements, etc. stuff like that?
Or maybe due to his MS, your BIL is undergoing only a minimum of toxic therapy? Which may be a good thing…
David Emerson
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I discovered I had MM on April 13, 2016 when I broke my arm when playing golf. I started treatment of RVD after a rod was put in my arm to repair the fracture. I also am considered high risk with 17p chromosome deletion. The RVD lowered my Light Chains for the first 5 months, then relapsed. The Velcade was then replaced with Kyprolis. I have continued this drug combination with my Light Chains continuing to decrease for the last 9 months.
Reply Hi Ron-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. But keep in mind that there is a long and growing list of both conventional (FDA approved like RVd) and evidence-based non-conventional therapies that research as shown are cytotoxic to MM.
RVd is an excellent induction therapy to put the average MMer into remission. As you know however, you are not the average MMer. As your oncologist has probably told you, 17p chromosome deletion makes your MM more difficult to treat. It looks like you and your oncologist are successfully treating your MM.
As you have seen in the free MM CC webinar, I have researched a series of non-toxic therapies that have kept me in complete remission since early ’99. I firmly believe that all MMers must supplement their conventional MM therapies with this program however this is up to you.
Let me know if you have any questions. Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi David
My name is Miles. I’m 59 and about to receive autologous SCT here at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. My condition began Oct 2016 with a diagnosis of ESRD kidney failure when creatinin was shown at 17 during a kidney stone removal whereupon I was placed on dialysis for 3mos.
Thankfully the chemo (rev-dex-Velcade) relieved the kidney condition and I feel very well, praise God!
Tomorrow I will begin receiving human growth injections. I stumbled upon your site whilst searching for info re the mitigation of libido side effects caused by chemo and SCT. I had noticed a decrease in that area during the previous months when I was on chemo drugs. Interestingly since the doctor discontinued the chemo last week as a precursor to the transplant, libido has returned to near normal.
I signed up for webinar so my wife and I can check it out tomorrow night. Thanks for a great looking website!
Hi David, My name is Sharon and I was diagnosed with high risk smoldering myeloma last October. I am 59 years old. I have a blood test every 5 weeks and follow up with the oncologist the 6th week. I have had a specialist, oncologist and nurse practitioner tell me I will “probably” have myeloma within 12 months and need a stem cell transplant. I am interested in any and all information you can offer, particularly the diet. Thank you so much!!
Reply Hi Sharon-
I am sorry to learn of your high risk SMM diagnosis. While I understand why the oncologist, nurse, etc. think you may progress to frank MM in 12 months research and experience has taught me that SMM can be maintained for years. Also, at this stage you are pre-MM. If you ever progress to full blown mm you will be early stage MM. Studies indicate that autologous stem cell transplant early or later makes no difference in overall survival. The sooner you begin chemotherapy (ASCT) the sooner you will reach MDR (multi drug resistance) I am assuming that at the age of 59 you are interested in the 30-40 year picture not the 5-10 year picture…
I will go into that in the email that I will send to your gmail account now.
Please look in your email in-box. Let me know if you have any questions.
thanks
David Emerson
Reply
I have stage II relapsed multiple myeloma and need your advice and help.
Reply Hi Cindy-
I am sorry to read of your MM relapse. Keep in mind that there are a host of both conventional (FDA approved) and evidence-based non-conventional therapies (nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle, bone health, etc.) at your disposal. Let me try to get a clearer idea of your situation.
1) When you say “stage II relapse” do you mean that your original MM diagnosis was stage II, you achieved remission and you have now relapsed?
2) What was your previous therapy? Induction chemo cocktail? Autologous stem cell transplant?
3) How old are you? Do you have any health issues that may complicate your situation?
I don’t mean to minimize the seriousness of your situation when I say you have several therapy options. Let’s take things one step at a
time.
Let me know. Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
David,
I have reached out to Dr. James Berenson and am waiting for his response – Thanks!
I plan on joining your program, I haven’t decided which program I will choose yet
Reply David,
I was diagnosed with Stage III High Risk MM with translocation t(11:14), Mutation of p53 and Deletion of 17p in July 2016 at the age of 68.
I have worked out with weights and heavy cardio for 40 years this month. I first got into nutrition 36 years ago just before our first of two sons was born.
I know I have a very unusual diagnosis, as I have been informed I am in the worst possible status. After diagnosis I continued my 4 miles on my elliptical and as well doing upper weights one day and lower weights the following day for 6-7 days a week. I also tightened up my diet even though I was a healthy vegan and started juicing 32 to 56 oz. a day with added ginger, flax seed oil, ground black pepper and a lot of turmeric.
I had four rounds of RVD and an “auto” stem cell transplant in December of 2016. I also had kyphoplasty surgery in September 2016, as T-11, T-12, & L-4 collapsed in my spine and I lost 3.5 inches of height. Even at my worst stage of being completely crippled and not being able to move in any direction once I was in bed, I continued my 4 miles on the elliptical and my pulley weight workouts of my upper and lower body. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis.
I went to one of the top Osteoporosis Research Centers in the nation and my doctor was startled when I informed him of how heavy of weights I was using in my workouts and recommended I stop it immediately.
I continued my workouts anyway and went through my 4 rounds of RVD with very minor side effects. I breezed through my “auto” stem cell transplant and never hit bottom with fatigue as I had all kinds of energy when everybody was exhausted.
I have since added 30 minutes of stretching 4 months ago to my weights and recently added another mile to my elliptical to now do 5 miles 6-7 days a week.
I have been mentally and physically training for an “allo” transplant since my “auto” transplant in December of 2016. I am in top mental and physical condition, as I do 4 sets with 12 reps of 9 weight workouts daily. I am from the Midwest and have a very good MM oncologist locally, but also have two world renowned doctors in MM in two different states on the east coast.
Even at my age of now 69, my insurance company authorized my”allow” transplant because of my physical conditioning. It is almost impossible to get all three of my doctors on the same page except to the fact that I am Stage III High Risk and none recommend another “auto” transplant. Even getting one of my east coast doctors to finally tell me I was High Risk was a six week process after three visits back east and multiple tests, as he “thought” I was Low Risk based on the fact they could not find any MM in any of the (4) MRI’s, (4) bone marrow biopsies, PET Scan, and a Gene Expression Profile. One worldly MM doctor thinks I am near remission, but not quite there as he thinks there is some MM in my blood and it is dying slowly which he said “might” be a good thing. While my other world renowned doctor thanks I am near relapse because my M Spike has a trend in moving up from .20 to .59 with (7) M Spike measurements. I have read where Quest and Lab Core can be off as much as 33% in their results.
I have been given (5) choices from my (3) doctors:
(1) do nothing (2) another “auto” SCT (which non of them recommend) (3) “allo” SCT and (4) & (5) are maintenance programs with Daralex, Valcade, & Dexamethsone or Keytruda. Be The Match was not able to locate a matching donor for my protein tissue from 32 countries and 27 million volunteer donors, so I was scheduled for a “Haploidentical” (half donor) transplant with one of my sons being the donor. I was told it was risky,but not in detail. i was informed about GVHD and infections. I did my own research and found out there are 84 infections that can kill you or make you bedridden until death if you don’t die from disease recurrence or other cancers you are subject to.
After not being able to acquire any written statistics on the results of “allo” or “halo” transplants from my transplant doctor and only receiving two calls from successful “haplo” patients,when I requested five, (one informed me she was “doing OK I guess” at 13 months after the transplant) and the transplant doctor not wanting to retest my MRI’s, bone marrow biopsies, PET Scan, bone density tests, and a Gene Expression Profile, I searched and found my second world renown doctor in MM.
I am feeling great. I look healthy and strong, nobody can even tell I have MM. I have been training for MM for decades without knowing it. I know I need to make a decision on a direction of further treatment soon, but unfortunately, I have to go with my gut feeling because the doctors cannot agree on the best direction for me.
I am interested in your program as I know very well you have to combine both western and eastern medicine towards cancer in order to win. I am also very interested in the oils of marijuana as an aide to my strong self discipline. I also want more nutrition on controlling MM and lowering my protein (M Spike) down to zero from my .20 to .59 results of the last 11 months.
I am listening to your webinar this evening, but please email me all of your information on your MM therapy as I would like to analyze it.
Best Regards,
Mike
Reply Hi Mike-
Your experience thus far, your work out regimen, all of it is fascinating to me. Keep in mind that you already do or understand, I estimate, half of the MM CC program. The one issue that I want you to consider is consulting with an MM specialist named James Berenson. My reasoning is that Dr. Berenson has experienced considerable success with MM through low dose chemo. Allo and auto BMT are high dose chemo.
You are high risk because your MM is so complicated. If any MM specialist can figure out the best way for you to proceed I think it is Berenson. In addition, if you supplement, exercise, eat right, etc. I think you can get on top of your MM.
While there is no question in my mind that your physical status enabled you to sail through induction and high dose chemo, it may be that lots of chemo is not the answer for you. Talk to Dr. Berenson. Keep supplementing, eating cleanly, etc.
Whether you buy the program or not please keep in touch. My MM readers will learn by reading about you.
thanks
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Lila-
Yes. Numerous studies cite curcumin as being both cytotoxic and apoptotic to MM. Fancy medical words for curcumin kills MM. Further, there are a host of other non-toxic supplements that research has also shown to kill MM.
Have you been diagnosed with MM? Is so, what symptoms are you experiencing? Bone pain? Kidney damage? Anemia?
David Emerson
Reply
My father aged 71 has been diagnosed with stage 3 MM yesterday.
He also has a lesion in the right lobe of the liver which is possible HCC.
Agree with ur philosophy of conventional plus non conventional treatment.
Your guidance wud help.
Hi Caregiver-
Several things. First of all, I am sorry to read of your dad’s MM diagnosis. However conventional oncology has become good at putting newly diagnosed MMers into remission. The challenge that you and your dad face is how to manage MM beyond his initial remission.
As 71 your dad’s oncologist will probably not recommend an autologous stem cell transplant. This is fine as this procedure represents a lot of toxicity. In my experience, your dad will live longer with a higher quality of life if he undergoes just enough toxicity (chemo) to keep his MM under control. Studies have shown that there is no survival benefit for pushing patients like your dad to complete remission (M-spike of 0).
I will send you two PDF’s using your gmail account that discuss the multiple myeloma cancer coaching program overall as well as the integrative therapies guide. Integrative therapies are those non-toxic therapies that have been shown to enhance a given chemo while reducing it’s toxicity. An example would be the integrative therapy called curcumin enhancing the chemo called Velcade (bortezomib).
Read the two PDF’s over and let me know if you have any questions.
How is your dad’s health otherwise? Has he experienced any symptoms such as bone or kidney damage, anemia, or hyper-calcemia? It is important to establish whether or not the lesion on your dad’s liver is cancer. His prognosis and therapy plan will be effected accordingly.
David Emerson
Reply
David,
My husband has just been diagnosed with Stage 1 MM. He is supposed to start chemo this coming week. MM was discovered on his routine blood tests. He has pernicious anemia and yesterday was told he also has normocytic anemia. The MM has not affected his kidneys or bones. Am very interested to learn what to do now. I know that diet and supplements can play a key role in his recovery.
Hi Judy-
On the one hand I am sorry to read of your husband’s MM diagnosis. Though if he is going to get MM then discovering it early (stage 1) is good. By “good” I mean that your husband has not developed bone involvement, kidney damage, hypercalcemia, etc. I have linked info below about normocytic anemia below but I must do more research on pernicious anemia and MM.
Pre-habilitation will help your husband deal with the chemo, enhance the efficacy of his induction therapy and reduce his risk of side effects from the therapy. You don’t know me so it will be difficult for you to agree to postpone your husband’s induction therapy, even for a week or two so he can pre-habilitate.
I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. I realize I am rushing things a bit but I am doing so only because your husband will benefit if he begins the MM cancer coaching program before he begins his induction therapy.
Nothing too earth-shaking. Evidence-based anti-MM nutrition, supplementation, bone health, and lifestyle therapies are discussed in the MM CC program.
Let me know if you have any questions about the MM CC program.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
I was recently diagnosed with smoldering MM. I have seen a naturopath and have altered my diet. I am interested in learning what else I can do to avoid active disease. I am currently enrolled to start in a clinical trial
Reply Hi Kimberly-
Any chance I can get you to hold off on undergoing any chemotherapy (clinical trial) for a few weeks until your next blood work? Are you experiencing any symptoms such a bone pain or nerve pain? I don’t mean to interfere. My only concern is that once a person begins chemotherapy the clock begins ticking on multi-drug resistance (MDR).
I will send you the pre-MM cancer coaching program pdf’s (free of charge) if you are comfortable giving serious thought to anti-MM diet, supplementation, bone health, lifestyle, etc. therapies. All based on research.
It’s up you. Let me know.
David Emerson
Reply
I also was just diagnosed with smouldering MM after having MGUS for 10 years. Plan is wait and watch so I am interested in finding out diet and other plans to help from going into active MM.
Reply Hi Karen,
I am sorry to read of your SMM diagnosis however I think you have done well to have remained with MGUS for 10 years. I know of both MGUS and SMM survivors who have lived in their “pre-multiple myeloma” stage for years.
A long and growing list of studied cites the ability to reduce progression to full-blown MM through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies such as detoxification and bone health therapies. I researched an collected many of these non-toxic therapies into a pre-myeloma cancer coaching program. The Basic program is $19.99 and the Premium program is $119.00. Please click the link below to go to the pre-MM store.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
My husband has been recently diagnosed with stage three multiple myeloma. He has had one cycle of cytoxan, velcade and dexamethasone. he had a femoral rod placed to strengthen his femur and received dialysis 6 times while hospitalized, although, thankfully, his kidneys have recovered and resumed normal function. I would like some information regarding any supplemental therapies that may help his medical status.
Thanks so much, Sandy
Hi Sandy-
I am sorry to read of your husband’s MM diagnosis though you both should know that there is a long and growing list of both conventional (FDA approved) therapies and evidence-based non-conventional therapies to treat MM. My guess is that a bone break indicates bone involvement that will be stabilized by his induction chemo. It is great to read of his return to normal kidney function.
Regarding evidence-based, non-conventional MM therapies. I will email you the introduction to the MM cancer coaching program that I based on my 22 plus years as a MM survivor. My experience as a MM cancer coach is that MMers must use every evidence-based tool in the anti-MM tool shed.
I will email the pfd to your cfl.rr.come email address now.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi David,
I recently had a baby and during some labs that my Rheumatologist ran for my undiagnoised connective tissue disease they discovered I have an M spike. The hematologist doctor believes at this point that I have MGUS. I am scheduled for a biopsy in 1 week to get more information. Any information that you can provide to me would be greatly appreciated.
Reply Hi Stacie-
While I am sorry to read of your MGUS diagnosis I am happy to read of your having a baby. Congratulations. Several things. First and foremost, MGUS is considered to be a blood disorder, not cancer. Unfortunately MGUS can lead to multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Your oncologist will tell you to watch and wait. Please click this link below, go to the blog post, and then look to the right side of the page to watch a free webinar about a program for pre-MM (MGUS) patients.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
We would appreiate any information that you can give us, such as diet and how long do the treatments last before a change occurs. The doctor has said that her blood numbers are better. Does this treatment seem good or the best. Thank you very much.
Reply My wife, vella, has MM and is under treatment for almost 16 months, She takes 10 mg of Revlimid daily, 20 mg of Dexamethasone weekly, 3 tablets a week of Sulfamethoxazoleitmp DS Muta, also recieves infustions biweekly when she visits her Cancer doctor. She gets diarrhea very badly from her medications and has to take imodium . She feels weak and tied.
Reply Hi Daniel-
I am sorry to read about your wife’s MM diagnosis and therapy challenges. I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. Please consider those foods, supplements and lifestyle therapies that, according to research, will integrate with therapies like Revlimid and Dex. She may be able to lower her doses and limit the toxicity she is dealing with.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I think conventional oncology and toxic chemotherapies are a necessary evil for many MMers. However I have come to believe that oncologists over-medicate aka treat the disease not the patient.
The regimen that I have followed in my complete remission is outlined in the MM CC program. I will email the MM CC Introduction in a separate email.
Thanks and hang in there.
David Emerson
Reply
Hello, David:
I was intrigued by your webinar yesterday, and I followed up by sending
you an email concerning my interest in receiving details of your
Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching Program. While waiting for a possible
response to my email, I chose to re-read the material you presented above,
and I found space to ‘comment’ as others have done. I look forward to your
reply. I am a male 91-year old retired scientist in rather good health just prior to a very recent progression from MGUS to borderline (?)
multiple myeloma, as revealed by low hemoglobin and rather high
free light-chain ratio.
Hi Morton-
I replied to your previous post a few minutes ago. I linked the page that outlines the MM cancer coaching programs. You have early MM. You should be able to manage your MM with nutrition, supplements, lifestyle, etc. for years to come.
Let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
Reply
David I just happened across your site when googling info on swollen feet. I have been fighting mm for six years. During that time I have relapsed, then had an ASCT in fall of 2013. Started chemo maint of daily 10mg revlimid and weekly velcade started in jan 2014. Relapsed in June 2015 and did six cycles of 25mg revlimid 21/7, twice weekly velcade and weekly 40mg dex. Ended up with significant PN in both feet and started 600mg gabapentin three times a day in February 2016. Went back on chemo maint of daily 10mg revlimid and weekly velcade in jan 2016. Relapsed again in dec 2016. Started 25mg revlimid 21/7, 40mg weekly dex and weekly velcade in Jan 2017. My numbers just started to go back down in March 2017. I have been asking and looking for duet solutions with little success. This is an area that does not get enough attention. I recently asked the oncologist NP about curicum. She said there were no evidence based, double blind studies, etc for it. I know each of us us different and success and failures with wide ranges with standard chemo and non traditional treatments. At a minimum my diet needs help so it can’t hurt to try something different. My health has been steadily declining. With each relapse it is getting more and more difficult to continue the fight. I am currently going to physical therapy twice a week to maintain miobility. My attitude is I am willing to do anything within my control to improve my situation. Diet and exercise definitely falls within that. Thanks for any help.
Reply Hi Ken-
I am sorry to read of all of your MM challenges. I have to admit that you are focused. For the record, surviving MM for more than six years is beyond the averages. My experience and research tells me that your long-term health depends on keeping all toxic therapies to a minimum. I believe the best way to do this is to enhance the efficacy of those chemotherapies you are currently taking while pursuing anti-angiogenic foods and lifestyle therapies that will help you fight your MM.
I will send you the MM CC Program Introduction PDF in a separate email. The Introduction will outline the program and explain what I do to keep me in complete remission from my MM.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi David , May I ask you which stage was your MM ? my bother diagnose with MM 3 years a go , he was 47 and he did Transplant and chemo and all the treatment . today we find out the cancer back again ………..what a disaster ….any hope ?
Reply Hi Dona-
I am sorry to learn of your brother’s initial MM diagnosis and relapse. Yes, there is hope. Several things.
First of all, I was originally diagnosed with a single plasmycytoma. No chemo. The full blown MM. Induction chemo and an autologous stem cell transplant. Then remission, then relapse. Just like your brother.
I understand how a relapse feels like a disaster now. But all MMers go through ups and downs, remissions and relapses. There is a long and growing list of both FDA approved conventional therapies (Velcade, Revlimid, Cytoxan, etc.) and a long and growing list of non-conventional therapies such as curcumin, omega 3, nutrition, etc.
There should be no problem for your brother to undergo chemo again to go into remission again. I encourage you to add evidence-based, integrative therapies to his regimen to enhance the efficacy of his chemo while reducing the toxicity. I will email you the Integrative therapies guide. One of 11 guides that make up the MM Cancer Coaching program that I manage.
I will send the guide to your hotmail account.
Your brother is young. Is he experiencing any symptoms such as bone or kidney damage? Is experiencing any side effects from his previous therapy such as nerve damage?
David Emerson
Reply
Thanks so much . please email me the list . I think I typed my email wrong .
much appreciated ,
Hi Dona-
Keep in mind that Integrative therapies to enhance Revlimid may be only part of the solution. The nerve damage, tingling, numbness and pain, are a long-term side effect of his chemotherapy. I encourage you to employ the most effective of both conventional and non-conventional therapies.
In other words, yes, there is good reason to hope. But at the same time you and your brother need to focus and look beyond conventional oncology.
David Emerson
Reply Yes , he has nerve damage in his foot . nothing about kidney yet but all his bones has lots of pain again specially around ribs and waste . As I know he is taking revlimid .
we all extremely worry about him …….just want to hear hope .
Dona-
This email address Kimia_Niak@hotmail.com, does not work.
David
Reply
I wasa just diagnosed with stage one of MM and didnot start any treatment as yet but would like to know what to expect during my treatment.
Reply Hi Pushpa-
I am sorry to learn of your early stage MM diagnosis. 22 plus years of living with MM has taught me that MM patients should use the best of both conventional (FDA approved) and evidence-based, non-conventional therapies to manage their MM. There is a lot of ground to cover when talking about “what to expect during my treatment” but my initial reply is that
1) there is a long any growing list of FDA approved chemotherapy regimens and
2) there is a long and growing list of evidence-based, non-conventional therapies. Such as an anti-MM diet that can starve MM.
Yes, MM can be an aggressive, complicated blood cancer. However you are smart to try to learn as much as you can about your MM now before you begin treatments.
Are you experiencing any symptoms such as bone pain, anemia or kidney involvement? How is your health otherwise? I ask only because these two issues have prognostic value. Young, otherwise healthy patients live longer. Yes, MM is considered to be incurable by oncology but if you manage your MM you can live for years and years.
I encourage you to ask me questions.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
I have MM now 2 years in Revilimid treatment…. I love sugar, Don’t smoke..Drink.. Love fruits including citrus love to find out more thanks
Reply Hi Arthur-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. Not smoking or drinking is a great first step for an anti-MM diet. Please consider foods and supplements that research has shown can starve MM.
What was your stage at diagnosis? Did you undergo any therapy other than Revlimid? Are you currently in remission? Do you know your m-spike?
I will email to your yahoo account the MM Cancer Coaching guide that cites therapies that are integrative with Revlimid. Meaning they can enhance the efficacy of this chemo.
Are you experiencing any side effects from Revlimid such as nerve damage?
Thanks and let me know.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi David, my daughter age 37 went for a routine physical and the doctor found too much protein in her white blood cells. She saw a hematologist who after a bone marrow test diagnosed “smouldering” multiple myeloma. Lorraine had no symptoms that indicated this. Her diet is very poor and it has been difficult getting her to eat healthy. Her husband after going through some major physical problems has started eating better but we need to get her in the right track. I believe that diet is very critical for this disease and would love to have the information for her to be involved in the program. Any help would be must appreciated.
Reply Hi Susan-
I am sorry to read of Lorraine’s smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) diagnosis. While SMM is considered “pre-cancer” it can develop into a diagnosis of full-blown multiple myeloma. I agree with you that diet can play a role in her SMM development. The MGUS/SMM Cancer Coaching Program is comprised of six cancer coaching guides that outline nutrition, supplementation, detox/exercise, bone health, cannabis and mind-body therapies shown to be cytotoxic to either MGUS, SMM and or multiple myeloma. The program outlines specific evidence-based, non-toxic therapies for Lorraine to pursue.
Let me know if you have any questions about the MGUS/SMM CC program. Let me know if you would like to register for the program.
David Emerson
MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Hi Anonymous-
I need more information about your status in order to send you right information. Have you been diagnosed with MM? What stage? What symptoms such as bone damage, anemia or kidney damage? Have you perviously undergone conventional therapies such as surgery, chemo or radiation? Are you intending to have an autologous stem cell transplant?
Let me know and I can send you specific info.
thanks
David
Reply
David
My husband has been recently diagnosed with MM and will begin Revlimid, Dex, Velcade on Tuesday. We are extremely interested in communicating with you, participating in your coaching program and receiving your guidelines. We have a lot to learn as we proceed. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Kathy,
I am sorry to read of Jay’s MM diagnosis. Experience has shown me that the more you learn about MM the more in control you will feel and the better your decisions will be. RVD is an excellent triplet chemotherapy regimen. I will email you the MM CC program outline and the Integrative Therapy guide. Please consider evidence-based therapies such as curcumin to enhance the efficacy of Jay’s chemo while minimizing toxicity.
Please look for an email from me.
Thanks
David Emerson
Reply
I was diagnosed with MM in 2015 and had 4 rounds od VDR followed by a SCT. My MM is IGg kappa. When the transplant was complete and out 100 days my light chains were 21. The Dr. thought that might just a mistake. I was put on 10 mg revlimid 21 day maintenance and Zometa once a month in July of 2016 and things have been going well until this month when we discovered the light chains have risen to 38. Would be interested in the coaching information please.
Reply Hi Deborah-
I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. If I understand your post you are concerned that your light chains have increased so soon post ASCT. Two things for you to consider.
First of all, according to this article published recently (2/2017), there is no relationship between overall survival and outcome post ASCT.
No Association Between Response Rates and Survival in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Secondly, according to this older study (2013) free light chains can be an indicator post ASCT.
If you are interested in working on your MM together I will get more specific info from you such as any genetic diagnostic you may have. Also, I will encourage you to consult with a MM specialist. Nothing against your current oncologist, I am simply thinking that another perspective might be helpful in your case. I can provide the names and emails of specialists for you to consider.
I will email you separately the MM CC pdf that outlines the myeloma cancer coaching program. In addition I will include the guide that outlines integrative therapies for both Revlimid and Dex.
The bottom line is that your challenge will be to identify and undergo those chemotherapy regimens that address your specific issues. At the same time I will present evidence-based, non-toxic MM therapies.
How old are you? What is your health status beyond MM? I don’t mean to sound nosey. Just thinking through your situation.
Thanks. Look for an email from me in your inbox.
David Emerson
Reply
Hi Allison- I replied to you, sent you the introduction guide, directly via your email address.
thanks,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi, my mom went for routine tests and due to some belly aches, after eating spicy foods, etc. Her ultrasound and scope came back good, her biopsy is a 50/50 that it could be mm or just toxins in her urine from some meds she took.. Feeling very scared for her and love to hear about success stories.. She’s only 61 and very healthy otherwise.. Does the booklet tell you what foods to eat and stay away from? Feeling scared.
Reply Hi Kara-
I am sorry to read of your mom’s MM diagnosis or scare depending. Please ask your mom’s MD to perform a serum protein electropheresis (SPEP) test on your mom. Should be fairly easy, covered by insurance, etc. MM is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Several things. First of all, 61 years of age and in good health is a good first step. If your mom does have MM and depending on the stage, she is in great shape. By this I mean that there is a long and growing list of FDA approved therapies as well as dozens of evidence-based, non-toxic therapies.
One of these therapies is what is discussed in the MM Diet blog post. Anti-MM nutrition is one of the MM Cancer Coaching Program that I administer as a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach.
Oncology says that MM is “incurable but very treatable.” The combination of conventional and non-conventional therapies is why MM is “very treatable.”
My advice is to confirm your mom’s diagnosis and then email me again.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
Hi there, my mother has had multiple myloma for a while now, she went into remission for five years but relapsed again. She has had two stem cell transplants , and has undergone clinical trials and chemo. She just turned 50. The hospital (princess margaret) said there is nothing else to do for her, therefore is now just treating whatever symptoms. I want her in remission again, she is so healthy and young. She doesn’t drink or smoke, and used to be very active until this crazy disease. If there is something you know that I can pass on for her to get better, would you be able to do so!
Reply Hi Sophia-
I am sorry to read about your mom’s MM diagnosis. You are correct, as MMers go your mom is young and otherwise is healthy. I can think of two things for you and your mom to consider.
While the Princess Margaret Hospital is a fine institution it is possible that they have not or cannot offer conventional FDA approved regimens that are available in the U.S. I do not know of any chemotherapy in particular I am only wondering about the differences between the U.S. medical system and the Canadian medical system when it comes to multiple myeloma therapies.
If there is a MM specialist who can offer therapies for you to consider it will be Dr. James Berenson. I think a phone call will give you the direction you need.
Secondly, please consider the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Coaching Program. I am a long-term MMer myself and have researched and created the MM CC program based on my own experiences since my diagnosis in early ’94.
Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks and good luck.
David Emerson
Reply Does anyone know a Hematologist or oncologist at Princes Margaret? I need a name so I can ask my family doctor for a referral. Please. Is there a specific clinic in the states that would treat this disease? We live in Canada but are willing to go to the US for treatment if there’s better treatment. Does the book include which foods to eat and which ones to avoid?
Reply Hi Gisela-
While I have no personal experience with the oncologists linked here, I believe that Princess Margaret is an excellent MM center. There are several names you can refer to.
Yes, there are many specific clinics in the US that have a great deal of MM experience. Before you decide where to go for MM treatment, the US or Canada, I recommend seeing someone at two MM clinics and then deciding. My guess is that it will be easiest for you to get a second opinion at either Dana-Farber in Boston or Sloan-Kettering in Manhattan. Both of these places have experienced MM specialists.
When you refer to “the book” are you asking about the e-book or nutrition guide? Both are included in the MM Cancer Coaching program. I encourage you to include a consultation with me if you do get the MM CC program.
Let me know if you have other questions. Hang in there,
David Emerson
Reply
I have been recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, and live in Wallaceburg Ontario. I just started treatments in Chicago at the Ayre cancer clinic, a much less aggressive chemo approach. It’s IPT, and only targets the cancer cells!
Reply Hi Marlene-
I agree with a low toxicity approach to treating MM. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
David Emerson
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Please send me the diet,i live along and cook for my self,diagnosed in 2015
Reply Hi Gail-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. I don’t follow one specific diet like Atkins or WW. My guidelines are discussed in the blog post.
David
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I am interested in the e book and other guides you may have on MM. thank you
Reply Hi chere’-
My name is David Emerson. I am a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. Have you been diagnosed with MM? If so, what stage at diagnosis? Any genetic abnormalities? What symptoms are you experiencing? I don’t mean to sound nosey. I’m just trying to understand your situation.
I will email you the MM CC Program Introduction through your email address.
Thanks
David Emerson
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Cannt you please email me MM CC program. I was diagnosed in 2012 with MM. was in remission for 9 yrs and have been taking treatment again for the past 76 months. Thank you
Reply Hi Connie-
I will email you the Introduction to the MM CC Program- course and consultation. The Introduction will explain the MM CC program, start to finish.
David Emerson
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my sister has MM; she had a stem cell transplant almost a year ago; i’m trying to get her to eat more nutritously
Reply Hi Lisa-
I am sorry to learn of your sister’s MM diagnosis. Several things. I am a long-term MM myself and have remained in complete remission since ’99 by living an evidenced-based, non-toxic, anti-MM lifestyle through nutrition, supplementation, mind-body and other lifestyle therapies.
What stage of remission is your sister in? Is she experiencing any side effects from her ASCT such as peripheral neuropathy, etc? How old is she?
Hang in there,
David Emerson
MM survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PBC
my sister has MM its been a year since her stem cell transplant; im trying to get her to eat more nutritiously….
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Has your protocol worked with high risk or standard risk patients?
Reply Hi Lori-
The short answer is that I don’t know. Every MM CC client I work with undergoes both conventional and non-conventional therapies over the course of their MM lives.
The longer answer is that MM CC therapies are all supported by research. Meaning curcumin, whole-body hyperthermia, exercise, etc. all have been shown to by cytotoxic to MM regardless of risk or genetic assessment.
David Emerson
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Hi,
I’ve had IgG Kappa MGUS for ~6+ years, considered stable. My history is one of immune deficiency from birth and several autoimmune disorders with the first beginning in childhood. With effort (and seeing too many ‘ologists), I do quite well overall and am still working in my 60s. I try to live my life as though I were completely healthy and watch what I eat – and it helps me feel my best. I am certainly interested in your approach, your diet and am very heartened to hear of your journey! Thank you.
Hi Patricia-
I think we are both doing well despite our health challenges because we both try to live life if though we were completely healthy. MM diet is a good example. While eating a “clean” diet is important, I live in complete remission from MM by adding foods and supplements that cause apoptosis in MM.
I am always surprised when I find another anti-MM therapy that is non-toxic.
Thanks and good luck.
David Emerson
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I would like information on mgus and how I can decrease or keep my mspike at 0.4, I was recently diagnosed with mono and was hoping that this acute viral infection was what is causing an mspike in my blood, I have refused to get a bone marrow yet, due to having no other of the crab symptoms, I still want to be proactive and if I can keep my mspike at 0.4 or less would be fantastic, any suggestions would be appreciated
Reply Hi Misty-
I will link a short video below that cites nutrition and supplementation as therapies to fight MGUS. Having said that I encourage you to
have whatever diagnostic tests needed to identify any health issues you may have. The anti-MM diet that I write about is much more extensive that what is referred to in the video. Contact me again if you are formally diagnosed with MGUS.
David Emerson
MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach
Director PBC
Hi I was just diagnosed with stage 11 multiple myeloma. I am interested in the Multiple Myeloma Coaching program.
Reply Hi Janet-
Thanks for reaching out. I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. While a diagnosis of cancer is difficult please understand that MM is very “treatable” as they say. I will send you a pdf of the Introduction of the MM CC program to give you an understanding of how the program will help you manage your MM in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Are you experiencing any bone pain? Fatigue (anemia)? Kidney damage? Are you planning on or thinking about induction therapy such as VRD? Has your oncologist recommended an autologous stem cell transplant?
In short, MM CC is designed to give you the evidence-based info for you to make the best decisions for you, for your care, going forward.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
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I did not see a form to fill out. I am very interested in whatever you have to share and belong to a MM support group. In January 2016 my brother-in-law passed away from MM and it is my mission to be around as long as possible.
Thank you,
Betty
Hi Betty-
Thanks for reaching out. I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. What are you looking for?
David Emerson
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Hi Belma-
I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. Are you saying that you would like to register to become a MM cancer coaching client in order to receive the MM cancer coaching guides including MM nutrition? If you do, please click the link below to receive the guides and ebooks.
Let me know if you have any questions.
thanks
David Emerson
MM survivor
MM cancer coach
I was recently diagnosed with MGUS. It was found by labs done because of pins and needles in my arms and legs after a Covid vaccine. Several years ago I had similar symptoms after flu vaccine. Have you heard of this? My Primary Care physician thinks it’s an incidental finding and not related??
What is your opinion?
I realize that you are not a physician but can offer advice only.
Hi Daryl-
I will reply to your questions via email.
David Emerson
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