I was anemic since my teens. I always felt weak, and whenever I met a physician , I was advised to take a course of iron supplements as my Hb levels were always below normal.
My immunity was always very low, and I frequently caught a sore throat infection. Every few months, there was an episode. I was prescribed antibiotics every time.
Over the years ,I started having severe asthma attacks every time I had a sore throat infection. I had to depend on a nebulizer to clear my lungs.
During my early 40s , I began having severe pain in my feet as soon as I woke up. It was getting difficult to walk for a while before I felt comfortable to start preparing for the day.
I was 43 when I slipped down the stairs and suffered L5 compression fracture.
Very soon, I started having chills, and I got admitted to a corporate hospital. I was then diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
I have written a memoir about my diagnosis 11 years ago and how I overcame it and now leading a normal life.
If you are interested in knowing more , get your copy here:
During my journey ,I received help and guidance from several people who are god send. My wish to share my experience with others who might benefit is now fulfilled.
I have been taking Ayurveda Medication for Multiple Myeloma from my Ayurveda Doctor every month. I have been prescribed several types of medicines with different dosages during the day .
This month too my medicines were delivered , but I opened the parcel only after a few days of receiving it. You know the virus thing and not to touch parcels for a few days and leave them outside the door thingy 🙂
When I opened the parcel I found that the required dosage of tablets/capsules was missing from a couple of medicines. I then messaged my Doctor informing the same. He said I should be reducing the dosage of medicines. I refused to accept what he said and said that I prefer to continue the same medication for ‘some more time’ .
He then said that I should reduce my dependence on Medicines and that I should be more confident and do meditation also.
I said OK and then …..
My Ayurveda Doctor : According to me, you are Cancer Free !!
I couldn’t believe those words. Those were some very precious words that any patient would love to hear from a Doctor. I was feeling overwhelmed and my eyes were welling up.
While it is true that my last test reports , few months ago , were all normal , I didn’t want to rush and reduce the dosage.
I do believe that my new ‘Natural Lifestyle’ along with Ayurveda is doing wonders for my body. I do feel good and able to manage most stuff on my own at home and at work too !! . I do get a lot of help from hubby and son 😛
Its been more than 5 years since I started taking Ayurveda Medication and No chemo since then.
And its been 5 months since I started following the Diet prescribed by ‘Natural Lifestyle’ . Surely the combination is working for me 🙂
Thanks to the Almighty for showing me the right path.
I hope and wish more and more people give up wrong eating habits and spend more time on improving their health by eating wholesome food that comes directly from Mother Nature, by exercising, Meditation and most important to have a free mind by letting go , being grateful, by forgiving self and others , giving up resentment and being compassionate to all .
I am one of those who are highly allergic to all kinds of dust and frequently end up with a Sore Throat followed by Bronchitis. A visit to the Doc , followed by Antibiotics and Nebulization … a ritual that was inevitable.
I was able to successfully get over a recent episode with Ayurvedic Medication and no Antibiotics. I am extremely happy that I can now manage my problem without Antibiotics. Thanks to Dr Nithin, Ayurveda.
However, I still did not get an answer as to why only some people are affected by dust and pollution. Millions of people around us are unaffected and continue to live/work in highly polluted environments. How are they managing ?
Here is a beautiful article that explains how and why a person ends up with Cough/Cold/Asthma. Understanding ‘Cockroach Theory’ will help in understanding how the Immune System works in our body .
I had to read this article a few times before I fully understood the how and why and what has to be done to prevent an occurrence of Sore Throat and Asthma.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Here is a summary of what I learnt from that article –
Cockroach Theory : A panic reaction to a situation , whereas the solution is to respond in a calm and composed manner. An example : Customers in a restaurant get panicky and react clumsily on seeing a cockroach whereas the waiter , on whom the cockroach finally lands , stays still , is able to catch hold of the cockroach and throws it out.
The above theory will help us understand how the Immune cells in some bodies overreact instead of responding , when rogue viruses/bacteria enter our body. This overreaction results in excessive production of mucus which clogs the respiratory system. The body then tries to expel this mucus by coughing resulting in a Sore throat. The reason for this kind of reaction by the body is ‘Aggravated Pitta’ .
‘Pitta’ has to be reduced by the following methods (from the article):
Recipes like sesame seeds boiled in milk or pumpkin pulp roasted in homemade ghee or almond porridge, halwa etc can be taken.
Liberal use of turmeric either in milk or dal to be encouraged as Turmeric reduces inflammation and also breaks rigid bonds of thick mucus which can be expelled easily.
All asthmatic and allergic rhinitis patients should take herbal tea of ginger, black pepper, Tulsi leaves, clove, and coriander seeds.
They should eat less of wheat and rice and should consume more of millet like Jwari or Bajri .
Once in a week all asthmatic should take Kulthi (Horse gram) dal.
Patients of allergic rashes can try having mixed powder of black pepper- 1 or 2 pills + ginger 1/4th teaspoon and candy sugar one teaspoon, once or twice a day.
All of them should strictly avoid all kinds of fast or junk food, pickle, sauces, milkshakes .
They should not consume curd, non vegetarian food, heavy , fried food at night time.
All asthma, allergic rhinitis and urticaria patients should religiously do pranayam, as deep breathing will reduce hyper activity and will relax smooth muscles of the air ways, thereby reducing spasms in the air ways and reduction in the episodes of Asthma. Plus deep breathing also helps in reducing inflammation in blood vessels thereby reducing allergic rashes.
My Plan of Action :
I have started consuming Herbal Tea (ingredients mentioned above) . Will write a post on how I prepare this Herbal Tea.
I just bought Horse gram and looking for recipes on the Internet.
I have to further reduce intake of rice. I rarely consume wheat.
I include Turmeric in the Herbal Tea.
I avoid junk food and don’t consume curd/non-veg at night.
A lot of research has been carried out on the efficacy of Curcumin for treating various types of Cancers. There are several evidences from all over the world that prove the positive results of using Curcumin . Curcumin is being widely used for treating different Cancers. Not just Cancers but various other chronic illnesses too.
I have been using Curcumin capsules for Multiple Myeloma ,since last two and half years with good results . Been off Chemo since more than one and a half years , on the advise of my Oncologist. I get Curcumin supplements from my Ayurvedic Doctor. Usually patients are recommended a maximum dosage of around 8gm of Curcumin per day whereas I have been taking 3.5 gms of Curcumin per day. A single capsule of Curcumin , from most brands , contains 400mg of Curcumin extract . I take 3 capsules , thrice a day.
There are several brands selling Curcumin ,which can be bought online. Curcumin supplements are expensive and are out of reach to common man .
There is no way that information about the healing properties of Curcumin is known to common man. Most may come across unauthenticated self proclaimed healers or quacks who trap patients .
A lot of information is available on the Internet ,which is accessible only to those who are literate and have belief in Alternative treatments.
Most patients simply give up and accept their fate as soon as they are diagnosed. The family members/caregivers too fall into the trap thinking it is a one way highway to heaven.
India is one of the largest growers of Turmeric, from which Curcumin is extracted. It is good to know that Turmeric/Curcumin is getting exported and is being sold/consumed all over the world for its medicinal properties.. Unfortunately Indians themselves are not aware of the potency of Turmeric. Though Turmeric is used in almost all recipes in most parts of India, the quantity used is very small and due to its low absorb-ability, the benefits are not being exploited. It is mostly being used as a colouring agent rather than for its medicinal properties. However, it is a fact that the number of cancer patients in India is much less compared to other countries due to regular consumption of Turmeric via their diet.
I began using plain Turmeric after reading a blog by one Ms Margaret from Italy. I was inspired by her success story and started taking Turmeric (higher quantities) from my own kitchen . What followed is an exciting journey which I have chronicled in this blog.
Need of the hour is to give wide publicity so that general public is made aware of the potency of Turmeric in preventing and treating this dreadful disease and other chronic diseases too. Quantity of Turmeric has to be increased in our recipes. Not the store bought turmeric powder but that which is prepared at home from the dried Turmeric root. This would help a lot in prevention of such diseases.
Extraction of Curcumin from Turmeric involves a complex chemical process . Also Curcumin comprises only 5% of the weight of a Turmeric Root.
The government should subsidize Curcumin so that common man can afford.
It pains a lot when I hear that a patient has lost the battle .
If only they had the hope to live and not give up,
If only they were aware of Alternative treatments ,
If only they knew about Curcumin,
If only they had faith in the potency of Curcumin,
If only they had access to a good Ayurvedic practitioner,
If only they could afford it,
they would have been well and alive.
Unfortunately there are too many if’s , which is not a good sign. Too many lives lost in spite of having a solution 🙁
As of now , I am able to share my experience through this blog.
I also share my experience via a Whataspp group which has members who are Cancer Patients / caregivers.
My Oncologist is aware that I am using Curcumin . I requested him to suggest Curcumin to his other patients as well. He himself had recommended Tinospora Cordifolia to me after my Stem Cell Transplant , 6 years ago . This is a natural herb which improves immunity and I continue taking this .
I also share my experience with others who are eager to listen and are interested in knowing more about my healing experience.
NGOs can help in spreading the information about Turmeric/Curcumin and should also be able to supply Turmeric/Curcumin to patients who cannot afford.
I am looking forward to the day when everyone is aware of the healing properties of Turmeric/Curcumin and is affordable by one and all .
There is simply no reason why so many lives should be lost.
Most important : It is highly recommended to increase the consumption of Turmeric through the diet, thereby preventing and managing most of the chronic illnesses.
All of us have come across mails/posts via mails/social media about effective methods to treat Cancer. Being a patient myself and having researched the Internet for a cure , I wanted to share my thoughts on these remedies .
Once a person is diagnosed with cancer and the word spreads , they receive suggestions from family, friends , colleagues and other well wishers about various Alternative treatments.
It is up to the individual to believe in the methods that are being followed by other patients to heal themselves. Once they have faith in these treatments , they can choose from the available options based on their conviction and then follow those particular remedies. There is no single recipe that is suitable or preferred by all.
Several ingredients are available to make a great Recipe to treat Cancer. Here are some that I would like to share from my own experience :
Avoid sugar
Exercise/Yoga
Reduce consumption of carbohaydrates like Maida / All purpose flour .All bakery products to be eliminated from the diet.
Avoid acidic foods and increase intake of alkaline foods : More of fruits and vegetables and less of meat , caffeine etc
Drinking lemon juice
Drinking wheat grass juice
Doing pranayama : Systematic Deep breathing
Meditate
Take Herbal supplements like ashwagandha and curcumin (very effective)
Eat lots of immunity boosting foods.
Reduce stress
Getting more of the sunshine vitamin (vitamin D) : check your Vitamin D levels and take supplements as advised by your physician and increase your exposure to the sun.
Check your Vitamin B12 levels and take supplements if required.
Include probiotics : Include Curd / Yoghurt in the diet
Juicing
Fasting
Replace refined oils with cold pressed oils
Use clarified butter . Also known as Ghee . Cow Ghee is the best.
Avoid all processed foods.
Stop drinking and smoking.
Respect every Cell and Organ in your body .
Forgive yourself , forgive others, love yourself.
Learn to say NO.
Pursue a hobby.
Read success stories on the Internet.
Subscribe to some motivational and fun stuff on various social media on the Internet.
Be Grateful for what you are blessed with.
Choose from the above as per your convenience and belief. Read up on the Internet about those which appeal to you. Follow the method strictly.
Continue your Chemo medication along with the above.
I have been doing my best to follow all the above.
It is all about maintaining a Healthy Body and Mind by eliminating foods that feed Cancer cells and including foods that help in the Apoptosis (destruction) of the Cancer cells.
Have faith and hope that you will get healed.
And Lo ! you will get healed.
With all the available methods there is no reason why any form of cancer cannot be eliminated from this planet. There is absolutely no reason why anyone should lose the battle.
“If you think you can or you think you can’t , you are always Right – Henry Ford “.
Turmeric is a root/rhizome, a golden-colored spice that belongs to the ginger family . Widely used in India for different purposes. The words Turmeric and Curcumin are usually used interchangeably but Curcumin is an extract from Turmeric root, which gives the yellow color to the spice and has several healing properties. Different methods are used to extract Curcumin from Turmeric. Turmeric contains various ”curcuminoids” and Curcumin is one of them. Curcumin is a whole Pharmacy in itself and is used to treat several health conditions. Extensive research is being carried out on Curcumin in the western world for its healing properties..
This spice has always been revered in India since thousands of years. But ,it is very unfortunate that the healing properties are unknown to majority of the current generation and the knowledge is slowly getting lost. Hopefully the research that is being carried out in the western world will bring to light the potency of Turmeric and thereby heal the world.
Here is an attempt to describe how Turmeric has been in use since centuries in Indian Customs and traditions.
Hindu Customs and Traditions :
A few drops of water is added to Turmeric powder which is then shaped into a small solid cone . During Hindu festivals this form is worshiped as ”Lord Ganesha” , the remover of all obstacles. It is a fact that none of us wish to face any obstacles in whatever activity we do/take up. This is a method of reinforcing our will power and also to invoke the blessings of the almighty.
During Fridays, festivals and other auspicious events, Turmeric paste is applied on the threshold of the main entry door of the house and all other doors that lead outside the house. This ensures that insects and ants do not enter the house. Now a days this is done away with by using paints. Beautiful designs of flowers and leaves are drawn using colourful paints.
A married woman gives Turmeric root/powder along with ‘kumkum’ to other married women (neighbors, relatives , friends etc), during festivals after inviting them into their homes. This is done as a blessing and good wishes for the long life of the woman and her husband .
Turmeric during weddings :
Wedding preparations start with the making of Turmeric powder at home. An auspicious day and time is chosen for the event. A few women (relatives, friends neighbors) gather and use a mortar and thistle to crush the dry Turmeric root and symbolically prepare Turmeric powder.
A lot of Turmeric powder is used during Hindu weddings. There are a minimum of 5 rituals, spread over a few days , which require the use of Turmeric powder.
Haldi Ceremony is a very important part of a Hindu wedding. The bride and groom are smeared with a paste made by mixing Turmeric powder , sandalwood paste and rose-water, in their respective homes , couple of days before the wedding. Relatives friends and neighbors gather and make it a fun event.The Bride and Groom get a beautiful glow on their skin 🙂 . . This is repeated three times on three consecutive days. A natural beauty treatment instead of going to a beauty parlour or a Spa.
The bride and groom wear clothes that have been dipped in water that is mixed with turmeric powder . The cloth then gets dyed with a light yellow color.
Turmeric powder is mixed with rice which is then called ‘Akshintalu / Akshatalu ‘. These Akshintalu are used during puja and also used to bless others by sprinkling a little on top of the head of the one taking blessings who bows down and touches the elders feet.
In South Indian weddings , this rice is taken with cupped hands by the bride and groom and is poured on top of each others head during the wedding ceremony.
A long thread is smeared with Turmeric paste and a Turmeric root is tied at the center of this thread. During the wedding ceremony the groom ties this thread around the neck of the bride with three knots.
Health and Healing :
An Indian kitchen is incomplete without Turmeric powder in its spice box. Almost all Indian recipes contain Turmeric powder.Thus ensuring that turmeric is taken everyday in our diet. Turmeric also enhances the color of the dish. The anti bacterial properties of turmeric prevents food from decaying quickly.
Turmeric powder is Mixed in milk and consumed in order to treat coughs and colds.
Turmeric is supposed to be good for the Liver and digestion.
Turmeric is applied to bruises as it is an antiseptic.
Small balls are made with wet Turmeric powder. A few of these are consumed in order to reduce menstrual cramps .
Turmeric is a blood thinner and reduces cholesterol. Helps in controlling Blood Pressure.
It is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the major reason for most of the chronic diseases including Diabetes , Cardiovascular diseases , Arthritis , Cancer etc.
Curcumin induces apoptosis in tumours . It induces cell death in cancerous cells thereby stopping the multiplication of these cells. A lot of research is being carried out and there is sufficient proof that this property of Curcumin can treat almost all types of Cancers.
Beauty Treatments :
Many South Indian women apply turmeric paste to their feet every Friday and during festivals and other religious events. Being an antiseptic it protects the feet from infections and cracked feet.
Turmeric paste mixed with other items like milk, chickpea flour etc is applied as a face mask to get rid of acne, pimples and other skin problems . It is also an excellent exfoliant and gives a glow to the skin.
————————————————————————————————————————————–
No wonder Turmeric has always been given a lot of importance in Hindu customs, traditions and rituals since a long time and is treated with piety and respect.
It is highly recommended that everyone include more Turmeric in their diet. It is also advised to prepare your own Turmeric powder instead of using the store-bought powder which is usually adulterated.
I have been using Curcumin every day since Jan 2014 , to fight Multiple Myeloma. Currently not using any other drug. Hope to manage my condition as long as I can.
~Yad Bhaavam Tad Bhavathi : You become what you think ~
It is 3 months since I had my Bone marrow test .My results were -ve , No M-spike was seen.However , my Oncologist wanted me to be back with my CBP , LFT and RPT reports after 3 months. I actually expected he would say I can come back after one year 🙂 but he didn’t want to take any risk. So I complied. I remember him saying that after 5 years of having the Transplant (Bone marrow Transplant) , I will have to take the Bone Marrow Test once every year. For the past 5 years I have been doing the test every 6 months .
My Hb touched 11 for the first time in decades. The range for a healthy woman as per my report is 11-14. This is an achievement !! A record break !!
Yayyyy !!
My Globulin Serum too is 34 which is well within the range. A bigger achievement !!
He was very happy on seeing the reports 🙂 and exclaimed ‘you are off all medication isn’t it ?!!’.
I said “Yes Doctor, but I am continuing to take Curcumin and I am sure it is helping me “.
It is one year since I stopped chemo and taking only Ayurvedic medication.
He then asked me , “Do you think people should go for a Bone Marrow Transplant”.
I was confused.
I immediately said “yes, there is no other option “.
I then reminded him about the advise he gave me , after my Bone Marrow Transplant (in Jan 2011) , about using “Tinaspora Cordifolia” , to improve my immunity. Later on , it was this advise that motivated me to look for alternative treatments and I finally found the way.
Having started using Curcumin 2 years ago ,followed by good results , I had been very eager to push Curcumin and I wanted my Oncologist to prescribe Curcumin along with Tinaspora Cordifolia to all his other patients.In fact, I started using Curcumin, two years ago, just when I was advised to go for a second Bone marrow transplant .
The right time had arrived and I blurted out ” Doctor , you can also recommend Curcumin to other patients. I have read a lot on the Internet and it prevents and treats all types of cancers.My ayurvedic doctor gives me Tinaspora Cordifolia too ,along with Curcumin and some other herbs”
He nodded and I felt relieved that I finally said what I wanted to say :))
It is a delicate situation wherein a patient suggests an Allopathic Doctor to prescribe Ayurvedic Medication to his other patients . I am so glad that my Oncologist is open to try out other forms of treatment and encourages his patients.
Hopefully more patients will benefit and will be encouraged to try ayurveda , the way I did.
My sincere thanks to Dr Kochar, Ayurveda and Dr Suresh , Oncologist.
Depending on past experience (self or others) , nature of the disease and stage of the disease, people choose Allopathy or Alternative treatments like Naturopathy, Acupuncture ,Homeopathy, Ayurveda etc.
When the situation is not critical , one can choose Alternative therapies. But when the patient is in a critical stage do not hesitate to go for Allopathic treatment . Get a second or third opinion.Agree Allopathy is expensive but do not take any risk at this point.
When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma , the thought of Alternative treatments didn’t arise. I was in a state of denial . I didn’t want to accept that I had cancer.I didn’t dare to type the word ‘cancer’ . We immediately took a second opinion and went ahead with Chemo followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (SCT). This was in Jan 2012. It was only after 3 yrs of SCT , when my plasma cells started increasing again that I started scouring the internet for Alternative treatments. By then it was obvious that Chemo is not a permanent solution and comes with a lot of side effects.
Thankfully, I had the hope and confidence that I would find a solution and didn’t give up.
Alternative therapies can be started once Allopathic treatment, ie Chemo/ Radiation/surgery, is done and the patient is in remission. One can also take Alternative treatments simultaneously after consulting experts.
It is strongly advisable to take your Oncologist into confidence when you wish to start Alternative treatments.Don’t ever stop the medication give by your Oncologist.
My strong advice is that you start looking for Alternative therapies as soon as one is diagnosed . The patient or their caretaker can do it.There’s a lot of information on the Internet. Ignore any negative information.
Read blogs of people who are doing well and cured themselves. The first blog that I came across was margarethealthblogs.com . I was introduced to Curcumin by Margaret.
Watch youtube videos on the methods that several people are adopting to cure cancer.
Join online forums where you can share your problems and you may get some advise.
In India, yoddhas.com is one such forum. They are on facebook too.Feel free to share your concerns.Only when we open up and share , we receive help. It was through this forum that I met some wonderful people who have helped me to be where I am now.
Continue to look for other solutions even if you have started using an Alternative therapy.
Some options are : Juicing, Exercise , Deep breathing , Meditation , Positive thinking , Eliminating foods like sugar , white rice , dairy , maida (all purpose flour) and other acid forming foods in your diet and include more alkaline foods .
Check your B12, Vitamin D , Calcium, Uric acid levels as often as you can along with other regular tests like CBP, LFT and RFT.
There are a lot of self help books written by those who have successfully battled cancer. Read up and follow them. I have read two inspiring books recently , namely ‘Dying to be me’ by Anita Moorjani and ‘You can heal yourself’ by Louise Hay. Both have healed themselves of cancer and helping a lot of people to heal themselves.There are a lot of videos by them on youtube.
‘If you think you can, or think you can’t , you are right’ – Henry Ford
I have been taking Lenolidamide 5mg since Dec 2014 as there was a relapse of Multiple Myeloma.
Thanks to Lenolidamide and Alternative medication , my M spike was zero during two consecutive bone marrow tests done in 2015.
However I started experiencing side effects of Lenolidamide in the form of a drastic drop in the counts of TLC and Neutrophils in Jan 2016. I also had several infections simultaneously. Sore throat ,stomach upset ( diarrhoea ) , asthma attack, eye infection and UTI. My oncologist told me to stop lenolidamide for one month. During this one month , ie Feb 2016 , I continued taking Curcumin and other immunity boosting tablets.
Went for the CBP LFT AND RFT tests after one month at the end of Feb 2016. All the counts were back to normal. Got a test done for Vitamin D too and the result was normal . Met my Oncologist with the reports. He was happy with the counts and told me to come back after 3 weeks with new reports. Told me to discontinue Lenolidamide for this period too.
I am currently taking three 500mg capsules of curcumin three times a day and other immunity boosting tablets two times a day prescribed by my Ayurvedic doctor .
I have been off chemo medication for almost 2 months now. Hope to stay away from chemo forever.
Will go for the next routine test in the last week of March 2016.
