Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist
November 26, 2018 [printfriendly]
A well-lived life – full of accomplishments, love, and gratitude – is my goal. Certainly, this is what I have strived to accomplish. The memories of a life lived in this way are beautiful to behold. But, all lives eventually will come to an end.
Death is just a part of life. Death is not a dirty word. Death comes knocking for everyone. Sometimes it is sudden, and sometimes there is advanced warning.
I am in the fight of my life. However, I believe I have been blessed with an advanced warning.
Advanced Warning
Most of you know that I am challenged with a diagnosis of an aggressive form of multiple myeloma. It seems to me that this disease had been progressing rapidly up until I learned of my diagnosis.
Since my diagnosis on 9/19/18, I elected unconventional therapy for the most part. My intention has been to lead a quality life with dignity until the end. My desire was never to compromise my natural ability to heal myself and never to use caustic chemicals that would decrease the quality of my life. Even if conventional methods would allow me to live longer, I was not interested in quantity of years – just quality of years.
You can read my previous blog posts to understand how I have been treating this cancer. Every four weeks, I have new blood work results, which my oncologist reviews with me. At my last exam, my oncologist continued to be pleasantly surprised. Yet, there are changes in my body that I want to describe.
Changes in My Body
This disease has been destroying the inside of my bones. Multiple myeloma has caused bone pain and has made my bones fragile. They break easily, especially my ribs.
I know that multiple myeloma is not a curable disease today based on conventional medicine. At my last oncology appointment, I asked a simple but probing question. I asked him how I would know that my body was succumbing to this malignant bone marrow disease.
He told me that most likely I would start feeling very fatigued and start losing a lot of weight. Because of significant bone destruction, I might notice peripheral neuropathy in my toes and fingers as nerves within my spine become damaged. He also said that it was his experience that his patients knew when that time was approaching. People did not need to be told; they just felt death knocking at their door.
My Prognosis
Originally, when I was diagnosed with IgA Kappa Light Chain Multiple Myeloma, my doctor suggested that I had three to six months to live. I approached his prognosis proactively with my intensive regimen of alternative therapies. Actually, I have been feeling great and have been able to do almost everything I wanted to do.
At my last exam, my doctor suggested that I had another six to twelve months to live. Each time I see him, he changes his mind in my favor. I guess I am doing something right!
Moving Forward
My bone pain is occasional, but discomfort and fatigue are frequent. For any pain or discomfort, I do not take narcotics – only over-the-counter Advil. For my fatigue, I am taking several naps a day, which is not typical of the person I was before my diagnosis.
I don’t know how long I have. My hope is that I can continue my course of treatments and do what is meaningful until I can’t. I have all my faculties, and I will continue to write and be the person I was as best as I can. Fortunately, I have a positive attitude, strong family support, and a deep-rooted spiritual belief.
Spiritually, I believe in the soul and a powerful force that is in control of all of us. My belief is that my soul has much to do after this earthly experience. And, I am ready for whatever comes.
I have delved into my bucket list and have reached the bottom of that pail. There are no regrets and no further needs that I must accomplish. I want to spend lots of special moments with my wife, kids, and grandkids.
For you (my readers and patients), I hope I have made an impression through my writings about nutrition and lifestyle and all their effects for a healthy body. I will continue to write; I am expecting you to continue to read.
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16 Comments
Hi Dr Al! I appreciate and I’m anxious to read your posts. I heard a podcast with Dr DiNicolantonio who has recently co published a a book with Dr Mercola. In the interview he discussed how high omega 3 fats from fish and krill keep cancer from gobbling up ALA left behind by damaged cells. This interview was with Mike Mutzel on his High Intensity Health YouTube channel.
I’ve been reading and thankful you are offering your thoughts on this journey. It lends hope but still sadness. I worry much about death heading into my 60s. I’m reminded how grateful I should be. Godspeed…You’re such a compassionate, intelligent being.
Praying for you.
In Jesus’ Name.
Dr Danenberg, have you given any thought to an integrative approach? I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 9 years ago – I was 43 with 2little girls. Being an MD, and not knowing any better at the time, I did go thru conventional chemotherapy- IV and Oral and autologous bone marrow transplant a year later. Since then I slowly tapered myself off of any chemo that i was supposed to be on, and since 2014 have been on none, managing myself with food and supplements, now that I know better.
I do believe that the conventional treatment I received in the beginning did its job of ‘debulking’ the tumor and I feel that maybe you may benefit from the same at this time , when your cancer is rampant and go back to what you are doing after that. Just a thought……
I am happy to talk to you.
We’ll continue to read as long as you write… God Bless you Dr. Dan!
Hi Dr Al, sounds like great news for your prognosis. I love your post and look forward to them. When I mention your name everyone has the most wonderful things to say about you. You’ve made a huge impact on so many people.
I am very encouraged by your positive outlook and courageous spirit in taking this alternative healing route. I love learning from you and the great advice you’re always sharing. Praying for divine healing, prosperity and happiness for you!!
Thank you for sharing! Many blessings to you Dr. Danenberg!
Thank you, Dr. Danenberg! Many blessings to you.
All I can say is Thank You! And I wish you lots of great “quality” ahead of you <3
Stay strong my friend. The world needs you and what you give back. Sending healing blessings and light.
Loren
Keep up the good fight, Dr. Danenberg! I’m praying for you. I’ve always learned so much and enjoy your wealth of knowledge.
May Jesus fill you with His peace during this time and the closeness of His presence. You are a blessing and encouragement to many!
Dr. DAN,
So glad to hear you’re doing well. I know there is another path for body treatment or healing besides the conventional methods. I am pleased that you are proving it. I hope you enjoy Christmas and seeing the new year with your family and friends. You are a gift and inspiration to share your journey with us.
I will pray for you and hope you make some great memories in the near future!!!!
Dr Danenberg, I have to plead guilty to missing many of your posts and am shocked at reading this one with the news of your journey with this disease. I am going back to catch up on all your writings.
I will look forward to reading about how you are progressing. May God bless you!
Thank you for sharing as my mom was also recently diagnosed and we are doing an integrative approach for her treatment. Please keep sharing and I am sending healing light your way!
-Dr. Adrienne Stewart
Nourish Medical Center
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