~ Poems of Love ~

The following poems have been written by me, for my husband Hamada, who suffered from Multiple Myeloma [IgG Kappa] a cancer of the plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. After many months of chemotherapy, contracting pneumonia twice, once given only twelve hours to live and having three bad fractures to his spine and also showing in his Pelvis, he made it to four years seven months. The Multiple Myeloma attacked his Kidneys first showing at diagnosis in May 2006 leaving Hamada only a small percentage of kidney function. He never complained, using his most amazing smile even when I knew he had severe pain. Hamada underwent a Stem Cell Transplant using his own 'harvested stem cells' . During October 2007 he spent seventeen days in the "Centre For Clinical Haematology" at Nottingham City Hospital UK. where he achieved this transplant. We had a scare at six months after transplant, when told 'the beast was back' but subsequent tests showed a partial remission. Again in early 2009 it was confirmed that Hamada was out of remission He fought again during 2010 with newer chemo type drugs. First with Velcade and then with Revlimid but to no avail. His Kidneys were failing further and Hamada chose not to have dialysis. This blog contains poems and updates, written for Hamada, telling of our life together.
Now a beautiful book has been published, see http://www.susiehemingway.com/books/
showing Hamada's personal fight against Multiple Myeloma in the first fifty 'poems of love' written by me his wife. I hope you like these poems of love and also 'our story' dedicated to Hamada, who passed away peacefully at home on 23 November 2010 after a most courageous fight against Multiple Myeloma.

20 December, 2009

Not A Good Sign.



As The festive Season approaches and most of the UK is covered in snow, we have further worries. Not a good sign this one, as once again the start of the severe nosebleeds Hamada has experienced twice before when the protein starts to rise. Most MM sufferers will understand Hyperviscosity. Hyperviscosity refers to an increase in the viscosity, or resistance to flow, of the blood. It is due to high levels of protein in the blood, specifically M proteins that attach themselves to platelets and interfere with platelet function. Hyperviscosity can result in:
Bruising
Nose bleeding
Hazy vision
Headache
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Sleepiness
Neurological symptoms (such as tingling or numbness in extremities) Hamada does not have any of the other symptoms except the bruising, nosebleeds and desire to sleep long hours but this is a vital sign that I have my eyes on very closely and I will be very watchful in the coming days.

8 comments:

Sandy said...

Dear Susie -- I will take a deep breath and hold the intention that you and your precious beloved Hamada have improvements on the issues that have presented themselves... the poignant photos of the snow are a reminder of the chilling news you posted... and yet perhaps a miracle is being created for the two of you... my best wishes are winging their way to the U.K.

tim's wife said...

I did not know this. Tim had nosebleeds for months before his
dx and I thought later that he
probably had no platelets to speak of. I know his protein levels must have been high as his IGG was very high at diagnosis and hemaglobin very low. Thanks for the info. Wishing you peace this holiday season.
Denise

Susie Hemingway said...

I am a great believer in miracles Sandy we've had a few already. I am watching with care over the holidays which will be spent with our sons in the south of England dv. Sending every good wish to you for the festive season. Truly hope you a very happy time.

Susie Hemingway said...

Wishing you a joyous time Denise and sending all very best wishes for 2010 a healthy and peaceful time I pray.

Lori said...

I am praying for you all. Hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Love
Lori

Michael Morse said...

Thoughts and Prayers from Rhode Island on this Christmas Morning! Best to all.

Roobeedoo said...

I hope it isnt as you fear. You and Hamada are in our thoughts.
Hugs.

Susie Hemingway said...

Thanks good folk - Hamada is free of nosebleeds once again. so I am keeping my fingers crossed. He had a wonderful Christmas and is now resting rather a lot to regain a little strength- my best wishes to you all and a happy and healthy 2010 to you all .

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