I was at my place of work in 1985 when I had a fall cracking a couple of ribs. When the Doctor examined me at this time, he asked me whether or not I was aware that I had an enlarged heart. Of course I was not. So he sent me off to have blood tests and then referred me to a Hematologist at Royal Perth Hospital, where I underwent further M.R.I. scans and various other tests.

I continued working, which was quite a stressful job. I was working long hours and would be totally exhausted by the time I arrived home in the evening. I had to rest for at least an hour before I was able to do anything about dinner or anything else. My Paraprotein levels were gradually increasing and the Doctor suggested we should start Chemotherapy the following month. With the thought of this I went into total panic.

I consulted a Naturopath who was recommended to me. This person had previously been a biologist and I was able to take the results of my blood tests to him and he would assess just what I needed in the form of vitamins and mineral's. I also went onto a vegetarian diet (organic of course), cutting out all fats, caffeine, and red meat. I was allowed fish occasionally and a little chicken.

I did not return to the hospital for any further checkups; although I did consult a GP who was doing a lot of work with cancer patients, Dr Ivy Bullen. Through her, after much resistance, I attended a Cancer Retreat. There were about forty patients suffering various forms of cancer and were at various stages of their illness. We listened to many speaker's including an Oncologist, a Radiologist, and how to be more positive. It made me realize how negative I was. We listened to personal stories on how people were coping. We also did at least three Meditations each day over the four days of the Retreat. I had been so very tired I did not think I would be able to see through a full day, however, after the meditations I seemed to be revitalized. It was all amazing to me. At the completion of the Retreat, support groups were formed in our areas, we would meet each week for a discussion and meditation.

It took some years with consulting the Naturopath with changes here and there (according to the results of my blood tests) with vitamins and minerals. I always took at least three thousand milligrams of vitamin "C" powder a day (more if I was not feeling well) and Selenium four drops per day. During the early day's of my illness, I also had quite a few iron injections (which my body did not absorb). This was overcome by the naturopath's medication. I also had vitamin "C" intravenously, this was helpful.

I am now 67 years of age, with a very supportive husband and family. I consider myself very fortunate to be diagnosed at an early stage before the disease became aggressive. My life is very full and active. I no longer stick to the vegetarian diet, although I am very careful to eat well and it is essential for me to have quiet time, so I do pace myself, and if I do not my body let's me know in no uncertain terms to listen to it.