New test results and other bits of news

As you may recall, my April “andrographolide” results were disappointing, although some MM markers did improve. But my IgG jumped up quite a bit.

But now, incredibly, in just three months, and in spite of ALL the stress I’ve been under in the past weeks, my new, August test results are, well, excellent!!! My IgG has gone down to less than it was in 2012. Obviously, it’s still high, but it’s back to where I prefer it to be. 🙂

So I’m pleased. VERY pleased. Incidentally, all I took in this period was curcumin (the usual 8  grams a day) and Reishi, which has done well for me for the second time. Looks like I’m going to be taking Reishi forever!

So that’s some very good news…

Another topic. HOLIDAYS! Stefano and I have been sort of talking about going on holiday this year. Last year we didn’t have a holiday because, as you may remember, one of our cats, my beloved Piccolo, became seriously ill, and in fact we had to have him put to sleep in early September. My sweet boy…still miss him terribly.

Anyway, back to the point: we haven’t had a holiday in two years. So we’d recently been talking about going somewhere in Europe, and our choice fell on Scotland. We’ve only been to Edinburgh and, briefly, the Scottish Borders. Never been to the Highlands, Skye, etc.

We made our flight reservations, but then we found out about Peekaboo, and that whole process began. We didn’t think we’d be able to leave, but of course our priority was Peekaboo’s health…

As if cancer isn’t enough: a couple of days ago, I saw Peekaboo walking a bit “funny,” and then she screamed out in pain. Have you ever heard a cat scream in pain? Let me tell you, it scared the bejeezers out of me! I took her over to the vet hospital immediately, and they found a herniated disk. OUCH!!!

That’s all poor Peekaboo needed, after all she’s been through. So now she’s on an anti-inflammatory drug, which has anti-tumoral effects, too…

She’s not moving very much, but the vets told me that she should be out of the acute phase in a couple of days.

Luckily for us, we have a fabulous cat sitter who will be coming over a couple of times a day, plus our next door neighbor (one of my best friends) is going to check on the kitties every day, plus our vets have practically ORDERED us to go on holiday (seriously, they did!), plus, if anything happens (knock on wood!), the vet clinic will send someone over to the house to check on any of the cats…

So we’re all set, and we’re leaving for Scotland. Tomorrow, as it happens. I still can’t believe it…

My blog will be going on holiday with me. I won’t have a proper computer while we’re in Scotland, just an iPad, so it would be difficult for me to post anything. I’m going to take a break from everything, basically.

I will be checking Facebook, though, where my blog has its own Page (same name, Margaret’s Corner blablabla), so if you need/want to reach me, or if you just want to say “Hi,” please “like” that Page and drop me a note. Thanks!

(I love the “Keep Calm” messages…hehe.)

In the meantime, have a look at this interesting Science Daily report that a blog reader sent to me. It’s about the all-important issue of curcumin bioavailability…Yes, a rather unexpected, new delivery method has been found: goo.gl/9yg8s1

Take care, everyone! Ciao!

3 Comments

  1. Hi Margaret, where do you buy Reishi in Italy? Maybe, from Farmacia Balducci? Do you recommend it? Which product and how much Reishi per day? Good Holidays!

  2. Margaret, I have been reading your blog now for nearly two months and find it so informative.
    Your knowledge and humor regarding Myeloma is amazing.
    What drew me to this blog was your personal battle with Smoldering Myeloma, your ability to continue to live a normal life, in spite of, or because of Myeloma.
    I love the kitty pics and the amazing stories you tell regarding your life.
    I feel as though I know you, the kitties, and Stefano personally.
    I was diagnosed with Smoldering Myeloma on June 23rd of this year.
    I have mentioned to my doctors over the past 3 years that I noticed an increase in my Total Proteins as well as my Globulins and was told it was either an infection or some sort of inflammation-not to worry.
    I thought that must be some infection to have lasted for three years.
    I decided to see a Hematologist and run an SPEP-so my journey begins.
    I am IgA Kappa, 1.6 “M” spike in the Beta Region-which puts me at high risk to convert from Smoldering Myeloma to Active Myeloma.
    My PET/CT Scan completely clean, My Full Body Bone Survey also completely clean. No Bence Jones Protein in 24 Hour Urine-I never did like that guy :). NO C.R.A.B.
    However, Bone Marrow Biopsy NOT so Good. FISH and Cytogenics put me at very high risk Multiple Myeloma-should I ever transition from Smoldering.
    I have read everything on your blog and in research studies regarding Curcumin and it sounds like a mini miracle cure.
    My problem is this.
    My recent blood test, July 9th- shows Lymphocytes tiny bit high, Neutrophils tiny bit low, HCT/ Hemoglobin/RBC all normal but on the lower end, and Ferritin and Iron very very low.
    I already have a bottle of curcumin sitting on my kitchen counter waiting for me to open.
    I think I am more afraid NOT to take it, then I am to take it.
    With all my blood numbers going down, Im afraid I may be transitioning to Active Myeloma.
    I have read that you were not a fan of iron supplements due to Curcumin acting as an Iron Chelator
    I want to take the Curcumin for all of the health benefits but due to my almost non existent Ferritin and my low iron, should I eat more iron and then take the Curcumin 8g (following your protocol of course of 1g first week, 2g second week, 4g third week and 8g fourth week), 12 hours after eating?
    Please let me know.
    Thank you in advance.
    Donna
    PS If others have a high risk Smoldering and BMB as bad as mine, please let me know.

  3. Such a relief to hear about your results. If ever you come to the Cotswolds you must let me know. I can recommend some fab places, it is so beautiful.
    Thanks so much for the blog. X

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