Multiple Myeloma
– My Unconventional Fight –

Dr. Al Danenberg Nutritional Periodontist
November 5, 2018

 

 

 

Multiple Myeloma - My Unconventional Fight

 

I have multiple myeloma. And, I’ve decided to take an unconventional path to treat the cancer in my bone marrow. My oncologist in Charleston, SC is a conventional physician. His original treatment recommendations reflected interventions with radiation, cocktails of chemotherapy, stem cell therapy, and IV bisphosphonates, most of which I rejected. But, he understands my philosophy. We have a great relationship as I navigate my body to get healthy again. He sees me monthly and orders monthly blood tests to determine my progress.

 

I am a living example and an experiment of N=1 for my unconventional fight. After being diagnosed two months ago, today I’m experiencing amazing results. Rumi (the great 13th-century Persian poet) once wrote: “When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.”

 

I have “left home”; and I am on a “journey”, traveling along an unconventional path. Follow my progress; it might offer a unique perspective.

 

 

Path to My Diagnosis

It all started with my chest and back soreness, which lasted a couple of months. The discomfort led me to seek advice from my personal medical doctor near the end of August. From August 30, 2018 through September 12, 2018, my MD ordered an MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan, CT spinal soft tissue biopsy, and various blood tests. He referred me to an oncologist to evaluate the results.

 

On September 19, 2018, my oncologist confirmed a diagnosis of IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma. Based on how I presented to his office and these test results, he stated that my prognosis was dismal if I did nothing. He believed I only had 3 to 6 months to live.

 

I needed to get proactive ASAP.

 

 

Path of My Treatment

My only conventional treatment was on my oncologist’s advice. I had 10 consecutive radiation treatments to my sternum with the goal of stopping the stabbing pain I was experiencing continuously. (Everyone who knows me knows I am a wuss.)

 

On October 12, 2018, I completed radiation treatment, which was immediately successful allowing me to be pain free in my sternum. Radiation stops the pain, but it does not stop the disease. There is no conventional treatment today that can cure multiple myeloma.

 

Coupled with ending radiation treatment on October 12th, I also had new blood work. Results showed I have become slightly anemic. However, most of the other blood tests that confirm the severity of my disease did not continue to worsen – they decreased slightly.

 

My alternative treatment is being directed by an accomplished medical professional who has had success in treating multiple myeloma. We talk every other week, and he tweaks the supplements he recommends for me to take. Currently, I am taking 5 specific supplements without food first thing in the morning, at midday, and at bedtime. With breakfast and dinner, I take 18 different supplements. In combination, these are designed to support my immune system, break down biofilm surrounding cancer cells, destroy malignant plasma cells, reduce inflammation, assist in bone remineralization, and improve digestion and natural detoxification.

 

In addition to these supplements, I use cannabinoids three times a day to help destroy malignant cells and Megasporebiotic, MegaMucosa, and MegaQuinone K2-7 once a day to support the health of my gut microbiome and mitochondria. I also use PEMF Therapy four times a day to help slow tumor growth and repair mitochondria. For my PEMF Therapy, I use the PureWave Full Body Mat.

 

My diet, which is critical for healing, resembles an autoimmune, Paleo-type diet. It looks like this:

  • More than 50% of my plate of food are non-starchy vegetables
  • Less than 25% are pastured or wild caught animal products along with their incredible fats
  • Less than 25% are berries, seeds, and an occasional starchy veggie like sweet potatoes

 

When I have pain, I only use Advil – no narcotics and no other prescription meds.

 

 

Another Opinion

Although I am experiencing positive results, I wanted to get another opinion. I was referred to an oncologist 300 miles away from me. This medical doctor had an exceptional reputation for treating multiple myeloma. My Charleston oncologist sent all my records to him. The remote specialist’s nurse called me and suggested I email my questions to the doctor directly. She told me he would respond to my email and answer my questions. She also assured me he would review all my records, which were sent earlier. Since I believed he would be familiar with all my tests and scans, I hoped he would be honest with his answers. His response to my questions was surprising.

 

The myeloma expert apparently never reviewed my records. He never answered my questions. Except, his email response to me was that I was making a huge mistake by treating my disease with unproven alternative therapies. He encouraged me to travel 4 hours to his office, so he could explain his protocol. However, he could have written his thoughts and answered my specific questions in an email. He was arrogant with a “Holier-Than-Thou” attitude!

 

 

Moving Forward

Regarding my body, I am doing well. I am experiencing signs and symptoms of a body that is healing from this incurable disease. To my delight and to my oncologist’s surprise, the way I feel today is nothing short of amazing.

 

It appears to me that my unconventional treatments at least are reducing overall bone pain. However, I get tired during the day, so I take a couple naps starting just after noon.

 

I am trying to get back to my physical activities. First thing in the morning, I started to walk outside for about 15 minutes. However, I am unable to do other physical exercise. I plan to increase and diversify my exercise program as I feel better and gain more strength. My progress encourages me, but my skeleton is fragile because of the innumerable lytic lesions from this bone marrow malignancy. These lesions require me to be careful because of potential future bone fractures.

 

Every four weeks I will have new blood work to document my progress.

 

Figuratively speaking, I have “left home”; and I am on a “journey”, traveling along my unconventional path. Stay tuned for further results of my experiment of N=1.

 

 

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Cannabinoids:
Can They Treat Gum Disease?

Alvin H. Danenberg, DDS Nutritional Periodontist
September 6, 2016

Gum Disease - New ResearchI’m a periodontist; I treat gum disease; and I have been doing this for 42 years. I have written about how I treat gum disease and how our diet and lifestyle are huge factors in the development and progression of gum disease. HERE. HERE. HERE.

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Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. It is a destructive, chronic inflammatory infection that breaks down the jawbone surrounding the roots of teeth. It affects 47% of the adult population in the US and is a factor in other diseases throughout the body.

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New Research

Research is just research. It is information that may make a difference in humans once it has been tried and tested in humans.

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I have found interesting research that could enhance the treatment of periodontitis. The dental profession has not adopted this new research yet. But, I see the potential.

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The new research revolves around biochemicals that are manufactured by various cells in the body naturally. The specific biochemicals described in the research are called cannabinoids. They affect numerous functions in the body. When cannabinoids are damaged or prevented from doing their work in the body, the body suffers. These biochemicals are also available from external sources and could support those made by the body.

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Specifically, cannabidiol (CBD), one of the cannabinoids, is available from the hemp plant. It is not THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is another cannabinoid compound that is the active ingredient in marijuana creating psychoactive “highs”. CBD has no or minimal psychoactive effects or toxic affects, and is available as an over-the-counter supplement.

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Science & Periodontitis

Destruction of the jawbone in periodontitis is related to specific mediators causing inflammation and resorption of bone. New research in animal studies has shown that CBD will decrease this inflammation and prevent destruction of the jawbone that is part of the progression of periodontitis. It is possible that supplemental CBD could improve healing following periodontal treatment by reducing these damaging affects caused by advanced gum disease.

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In contrast, another published paper suggested that using CBD as a supplement could possibly cause an overgrowth of gum tissue, especially if there was existing gum infection.

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Future Potential

In the future, clinical trials need to be performed to demonstrate that CBD would be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal disease. Only then could my profession consider embracing its potential. Other questions that need to be answered include:

  • How much CBD would a patient need to consume to improve healing?
  • Since many structural forms of CBD are available, which one would be most biologically available to the body?
  • Are there any side effects from supplemental CBD on the rest of the body?

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These questions must be answered before I could recommend CBD as a supplement in periodontal treatment. However, I must emphasize the best prevention for gum disease is a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet as well as proper oral hygiene as I described in this series of blogs. HERE. HERE. HERE.

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Unfortunately, science at times has created medicines or supplements processed from natural sources only to learn the intended benefits are not what they should be or the side effects prove to be harmful. That said, I am eager to learn what CBD might be able to do for my periodontal patients.

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