In addition to my regular medical treatment, like most patients, I have taken supplements. I have avoided herbals because of a concern of interactions with my medications, but there is a category of treatment that I call “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” where supplements are quietly introduced into the treatment process. Sure, nothing should be completely “don’t tell,” but I wouldn’t make a big deal about vitamins, and I am not sure if any of these really have worked, but I do suspect some benefit.

I was at an award ceremony in New Haven in 2004, and the local athletic club was giving me an award, not for my athletic skills, but for my efforts in helping cancer patients cope with their disease. But the real award came when a nurse approached me and told me about a particular supplement which worked very well for her sister who also had myeloma. The hall was filled with conversation, music and just plain noise. I had trouble hearing what she had to say, but I did pick up something about “bovine tracheal cartilage.” After mentioning it, the nurse disappeared in the crowd. I never got her name or saw her again. Later, when I saw how well that supplement worked for me, I called her my angel.

I went home and began to do some research on it, and found that it came under the name “Catrix,” which in cream form is used for wound healing. But in capsule form, it can be a good immune system booster. Years ago, there was even some lab research with bovine tracheal cartilage on myeloma cells and there seemed to be some impact. In any case, I felt that I had nothing to lose, so I ordered the supplement from the company, and took the suggested daily dose of 9 grams(12 capsuls). I know, this is a lot to swallow.

Now, I don’t know if this would work for anyone else, but my cancer protein which had been low and relatively stable became even lower. It decreased about 30 percent, and continues to stay at that level – a year and a half later. I would like to thank that angel. Also, I don’t want this to seem like a commercial. I have no personal stake in the company that makes Catrix. This is just something that has worked for me. If you want more information, you can contact: Lescarden Inc. 420 Lexington Ave., Suite 212, New York, NY, 10170.