Seeking cancer answer:

1. 92

   habeeposted 11 years ago

   Hey, I made a rhyme!
   
   Dear Hubbers,
   
   Maybe someone here with cancer/medical experience can answer this question for me. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with MGUS. I have multiple myeloma cells/markers in my blood. I have to visit my oncologist/hematologist every three to six months for tests. I've also had x-rays, bone scans, a bone marrow biopsy, and a marrow aspiration. EVERY TIME I've had tests since my initial diagnosis, my "bad" numbers have increased - until my visit a few weeks ago. For the first time, the numbers dropped, and they dropped significantly. I didn't get to see the doc, but his PA attributed the positive change to my weight loss. This puzzled me, so I asked my primary care doc about it yesterday, and she agreed that the weight loss MIGHT be responsible. I'm still not sure I buy that. The cells/markers are measured by how many are in a deciliter of blood. Since I've lost weight, don't I have less blood? And, if so, wouldn't the cells/markers be MORE concentrated now, making the bad levels higher?
   
   Thanks!
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Holle (elated but confused Celtic warrior princess)

   replyreport
   1. 44

      Ericdierkerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      How and why did you lose the weight? Probably not the weight loss per se but what you did to accomplish it.

      replyreport
   2. 89

      Patty Inglish, MSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My training was that in weight loss, at some threshold of pounds lost, % of body weight lost, and/or total % body fat reduction, a proportion of the cancer markers pass out of the body with the extra blood, as urine, after filtering out through the liver, etc. I don't think the blood concentrates those markers (like urine that becomes darker and more concentrated when not enough fluids are ingested). I'd like to know what physicians and other practitioners say about this now.
      
      Glad you're doing better!
      
      Patty

      replyreport
   3. 79

      susansiskposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If you have been gradually losing weight, your blood volume should adjust with the weight loss.  Dehydration is different, though.  When someone is dehydrated it will show up in their bloodwork.  If you have made changes in your diet, and become more healthy, maybe you have made your immune system stronger.  This would be a good thing.  I would just be happy about it for now,  and just keep an eye out for any changes.

      replyreport
2. 80

   lrc7815posted 11 years ago

   I have no real knowledge of your disease state but I do know that excess weight makes all of our organ systems work harder.  Like others who responded, I  would think the answer lies in how the weight was lost and, the more efficient functioning of your immune and other systems that resulted.  Hope the numbers keep coming down.

   replyreport
3. 59

   wabondposted 11 years ago

   A change in diet can cure cancer.  From what I read, proceed food, is a major cause of cancer.  You may have stopped eating a food that was giving you cancer.

   replyreport
4. 59

   Waldo Numblyposted 11 years ago

   Check out Dr. Joel Furman's site.  He has a lot to say about diet and its impact on various medical disorders.  It is amazing what diet can do.

   replyreport