I met with Dr. R yesterday and I asked him, like I ask him almost every appointment, "Is there anything I can DO to help prevent progression??" He gave me his usual spiel about healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction.
BUT, he also told me about a study that is commencing this fall at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Mass General. The goal of the study is to:
"Measure the genomic and psychosocial effects of the Relaxation Response
Resiliency Program (3RP) on patients with MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma".
This study was featured in the Mind Body Connector Spring Issue. Read it! It sounds promising. Dr. R said that he thought it would be "wonderful" if I could participate and that it might help with stress reduction. Heh. He knows me well. I laughed and he said, "No this study is the real deal, no hocus pocus stuff."
I called MGH today to see if I could get more information. I found out they are not recruiting patients at this time but they will be "soon." I gave my information and I hope to hear back from them so I can sign up. The study is going to group patients by diagnosis - MGUS or SMM and then people will be randomly selected to be in the 8 week Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) at time of sign up or three months later. That's about all the info I got from the guy who answered the phone... I would love to participate if I can fit this study into my schedule this fall. I could definitely use some mind body medicine. ;)
I'm glad for you that your SMM hasn't progressed. I'm also impressed that Dr. Richardson recommended the 3RP Program for you. It shows that he is willing to think "outside the box". That's what makes him such a brilliant innovator. We're both lucky to have him as our doc.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are!
DeleteIt sounds like MGH and your Doctor is quite progressive in their thinking. Hope this helps in stress reduction and relaxation! I have frankly found very little that can keep my mind off the SMM anxiety except intense legal work and keeping busy! Let us know when you are accepted and the results of the stress reduction applications. I am dabbling in Zen Buddishism and maybe a little meditation.
ReplyDeleteIn November I am going for a week long retreat at the Abbey of Gethsamini, a cistercerian monastery in KY, just up the road. Thomas Merton, writer and contemplation advocate lived there. They welcome all who want a time to be alone and contemplate, they charge no fee and are booked up about 4 months-6 months in advance.
Take Care
Keith
Hi Keith,
DeleteI find it super hard to keep my mind off all of this as well...hoping if I get accepted into this study the 3RP program will help. I hope you are able to relax on your retreat in November!
Take care,
Elizabeth