Did you know that Danny Parker makes “house calls?”

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Last week, Danny Parker was kind enough to miss a day’s work and drive over to see me and speak to our Nature Coast Multiple Myeloma Support Group.  He spoke to us about different ways that nutrition can enhance the way our anti-myeloma meds work–or possibly harm us.

With the help of myeloma survivor, Richard Blustein, and caregiver Dianne Terry, we started our group here almost two years ago.   As many as 40 now attend our monthly meetings.

One of the nice things that Dianne does for us is to email members a brief recap following each meeting.  Here is what she wrote about Danny’s visit:

Danny Parker, research scientist and myeloma patient spoke about foods that influence multiple myeloma.  Through his study & research,  he recommends increasing the use of  broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, watercress, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, apples (fuji & gala are best), basil, parsley,  blueberries, cranberries or craisins, oregano, grape juice, turmeric (curcumin), papaya, red salmon.

According to Danny’s research, french fries,  potato chips,  butter and (surprisingly!) asparagus are not good for myeloma patients.

Danny left us with these thoughts.  “Add a few of the helpful foods every day to your diet.  Small changes make a difference.  Take some quiet time each day to check-in with yourself and ask what is important today.”  Danny is a regular contributor on Pat’s website.  For more information, check it out…

To help make each point, Danny and I hit the grocery store isles prior to the meeting.  We bought examples of foods he believes are important for a myeloma patients to add to our diet–and several examples of those that we should avoid.

Inspired by Danny’s visit, I think I need to concentrate on “Taking some quiet time each day to check-in with yourself and ask what is important today.”  I’m already incorporating much of Danny’s nutritional advice into my day to day life.

Stress and anxiety;  I could use some serious help on that front!

The morning after our meeting, Danny spent some time with me, focusing on ways to help reduce stress through thoughtful meditation.  More about the negative affects stress and anxiety can have on myeloma patients and caregivers–both emotionally and physically–tomorrow.

Until then, take a deep breath, slowly exhale and repeat after me:

Feel good and keep smiling!  Pat