Tooth or Consequences

Myeloma can cause bone damage, which may be treated with bisphosphonates like Zometa and Aredia. Those strong medicines can, however, cause other bone problems, particularly a complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). With ONJ the jaw bone loses its blood supply and dies. It is painful and disabling, and to be avoided if possible!

ONJ is especially likely to occur if dental surgery is done while taking the bisphosphonate. I am not taking a bisphosphonate yet, but I did have a tooth which, though it wasn't painful, showed weakened roots on x-rays. This afternoon I had that tooth removed, so that I wouldn't need to have it done at some later date when I may be taking a bisphosphonate. As it turned out the tooth was abscessed, so it's a good thing I had it done now for that reason as well.

The curcumin regimen is going well - I have not missed a dose since I started in late June. Blood draw tomorrow, so I will know in a week if the curcumin is helping.

Potluck dinner in Minnesota last Sunday:
At this particular potluck dinner, good choices were possible.

Big breakfast after an early workout:

Organic oatmeal, organic fat-free milk, organic strawberries, blueberries, organic plum, kiwi, crunchy almond butter, organic rainier cherry. Estimated Weight Watchers points = 6. Good recovery breakfast - it took 16 minutes to eat it.

Salad before supper:

Salad greens (organic romaine, fennel, fresh tarragon, organic fresh basil), avocado, mango, pineapple, organic strawberry, blue cheese, raspberry vinegar. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 4.

Tasty chicken supper:

Grilled chicken marinated in orange juice and tarragon, pan-braised asparagus with rosemary, baked organic sweet potato slices, organic catsup. Estimated Weight Watcher points = 6.