Yesterday Stefano informed me that his cousin had died in a hospital in Rome during the night…one of our favorite cousins.
Cousin G was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer about a month ago. As soon as we heard, I went to PubMed and did some research, so I knew it was bad…
But…this soon? Why? WHY??? So bloody unfair. I mean, cousin G was only 48 years old…full of life, funny, always ready with a joke…his wife is one of the nicest, sweetest women on the planet…they have a vivacious, smart 7-year-old son…and they had just bought and moved into their first house…
Oh how I wanted him to beat those bloody statistics…
Still in shock…absolutely devastating news…
Hi Margaret. I am so sorry to hear about Stefano’s and your loss of Cousin G. My thoughts are very much with you. It seems life is so unfair at times. He seems to have been a wonderful fellow to have known.
Have a good time with your parents – and let’s hope you have avoided all the nasties on the planes etc.
Anna
Mi spiace, Margaret!
Hello Margaret I’m so sorry to hear the news about cousin G. So young. Yes life can be very unfair at times.
I know this is not a good time to be asking you a question but I’ll ask it anyway.
I’ve been following your blog since I was diagnosed with SMM in December 2009. In fact we corresponded a bit about bisphosphonates which the Doctors wanted me to take. Haven’t done so. Don’t know if you remember me, I live in Glasgow, Scotland. Now, unfortunately, my last blood results are showing a downward trend in my haemaglobin though my iron, kidney function, and para proteins are stable. Have been searching your blog to see if you or anyone has discovered a supplement or any way to increase haemaglobin.
Warm wishes to you and yours
Jan
Hi Margaret,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss of Stefano’s cousin G. So young………you just never know.
Jan,
Melatonin has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels and have multiple anticancer effects in humans.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17153964
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3587994/
On a related note. I have read opinions that melatonin should be avoided in certain cancers, but I have never been able to find the studies that support such opinions while I have been able to find many studies which support its use in cancer treatment and prevention.
Art
Jan. I have a similar problem and would recommend Haemaplex supplement if you have low iron. I take 2 a day. I also take a little Floridix sometimes and eat alot of spinach. Clare
Dearest Margaret,
I check in to your site regularly and am so grateful to have your guidance as we all move forward.
I just wanted to say how sorry I am about Stefano’s cousin. There is such a raw ache when we lose loved ones suddenly.
Take good care of yourselves through this process –
Bethe
Thanks Art. Yes like you I feel I’ve heard or read about melatonin in some cancers being a no-no but can’t find anything.
Clare thanks for your reply too. My iron is apparently fine it just seems to be the haemoglobin. I’ll check out your suggestions though. Wow I haven’t thought of Floradix for years.
Jan
Margaret
So sorry to hear of your loss of Stephano’s cousin G.
Take good care Margaret, and enjoy your time with family and the season.
Blessings
Paula
Ciao Margaret.
Mi spiace immensamente per questa notizia straziante.
Posso capire il vostro dolore perchè era una persona a voi così cara (tra l’altro, esattamente della mia età) e se ne è andata così velocemente. Questo sembra così innaturale che ci vuole tutta la tua forza per superare questo momento e sostenere tuo marito. Forza.
Franco.
Un abbraccio a te e Stefano…..forte!