I don’t make jokes, but my oncologist loves talking to me. She likes that I’m intelligent and ask good questions. I even talked to her NP the other day at my appointment (the doc was doing hospital rounds). The NP thought I had a great suggestion of having patients on Piqray use either a glucometer or CGM to trend their glucose levels, instead of just waiting for the weekly labs (or the monthly labs).
And the brand name of Metformin is
PetaMarie
(squirrel-kissing paper tamer)
#22
That’s cool that the NP was receptive to your suggestions. Sometimes my (male) doctor is so short with me. It’s just how he is, busy and serious. I feel like we both annoy one another but my mom also has blood cancer and whenever she’s in he asks about me. Honestly, I have terrible anxiety when I go in so I make jokes to cope.
KetoCancerMom
(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :))
#23
Yeah, ususally the just prescribe the Metformin as a preventative measure. But, since I eat low carb and closely monitor my glucose they were fine with me not taking it. I’m not sure how low it would take me if I actually was using it, since I average under 90-100 mg/dL.
PetaMarie
(squirrel-kissing paper tamer)
#24
If I understand correctly, someone with normal blood sugar could take it because it has a wide safety margin and can’t bottom blood sugar out. It doesn’t work like insulin does (which totally could). I forget why but it’s two fold, does something in the liver and also blocks GI absorption of glucose.
But heck, you’re already keeping such good records so I’m interested to know how not only the chemo effects things but if the metformin helps.
KetoCancerMom
(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :))
#25
I’ll certainly let you know, as I get information. I’m going to give it at least a week of not taking Metformin, unless I suddenly start to get high (higher than I’d like) readings. I’m guessing going low carb really helps with things, but only 1 day on the medication is too soon to make any long-term calls.
KetoCancerMom
(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :))
#26
Also, I talked to the pharmacist about how to take the pills when I’m fasting, as they are supposed to be taken with food. He said that taking it even with a little bit of calories (like from heavy cream) would be fine. So, I’m guessing that even a 1/4 cup of cream (maybe flavored with MCT powder) wouldn’t hinder my fast too much. It may interrupt autophagy, but I can’t not take the meds.
PetaMarie
(squirrel-kissing paper tamer)
#27
What about straight fat source? Fat doesn’t interfere with autophagy does it? Coat it with butter and stick it in the freezer. 
PortHardy
(Heather Meyer)
#29
Oddly enough when i took Metformin a long time ago, I was having considerable diahreah. My body didnt respond well to that side effect. Took me one public incident to get off that one.
I was perscribed “Glumetza” and the Dr said for people with unwanted side effects on Metformin, Glumetza is easier on the GI system. So if you have ahem symptoms… try the other out!
KetoCancerMom
(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :))
#30
There’s a chance of “symptoms” from the Piqray, for which Immodium is recommended. So, I’m going to have some of that on hand already.
KetoCancerMom
(Cancer Fighting Ketovore :))
#32
Yeah, I’m not going to take it unless I need to. But I should have an idea after a week or two.