An Incredible Life Ahead (Even with Myeloma)

Mary Miller was diagnosed with MGUS in July of 2021, and progressed to smoldering myeloma (SMM) in 2022. 

As of 2023, the smoldering myeloma remains in the dormant stage and Mary and her doctor have agreed to watch and wait. 

But, that doesn't mean Mary isn't doing what she can to keep the sleeping smoldering giant at bay. After her diagnosis, she determined to eat healthier. She chose to eliminate sugar as some studies have connected sugar and cancer. Today, she eats no junk or processed food and takes great supplements with curcumin, turmeric and black pepper at the top of the list. 

Mary also started a great exercise program that she participates in 6 out the 7 days of the week. 

Her doctor, Dr. Latha Polavaram at the Cancer and Hematology Center of Western Michigan, has been a great partner during this journey. Dr. Polavaram is very proactive and always on alert. Mary has blood work every three months, along with regular bone marrow biopsies and scans for bone lesions. 

Some of Mary's favorite conversations with her doctor surround nutrition. Fruits and vegetables make a great addition to your diet! 

Mary continues to educate herself about her condition but realized this year that she has better things to do that focus solely on smoldering myeloma. While it's good to be educated, making it the only aspect of your life can become harmful to your mental and emotional health.  

She told herself, "You have to get a life!" and resolved to set some life-altering goals. 

Her goals include:

• Become certified as a personal trainer 
• Compete in the Ms. Senior Michigan Beauty Pageant 

Isn't that amazing? At 72 years old, Mary vies for the crown in the July Pageant. 

When asked what she would share with other myeloma patients, Mary shared: 

I want everyone with myeloma to know that you can have an incredible life ahead of you while waiting, watching or even receiving chemotherapy. I choose to live. Eyes up, engage, and enjoy life in spite of your diagnosis! 

We thank Mary for sharing her story with us and invite you to learn more about the relationship between smoldering myeloma and nutrition here: 

• Studying Myeloma Progression and Diet: A New Kind of Clinical Trial 
• Nutrition Perceptions and Practices

For a limited time, you can participate in our active research survey about nutrition and myeloma on HealthTree Cure Hub! 

• Food Frequency Questionnaire
• The survey will take about 30 minutes and will ask you about the foods you usually eat. 
• If you don't have a HealthTree Cure Hub account yet, no worries! We just need your email and a password for you to take this survey.
• Thank you for being willing to accelerate a myeloma cure by participating in research!