Time For A Little Update I Feel.

After consultation this Thursday it has been jointly decided to adopt a wait and watch policy after the poor response from the three months treatment with the Chemotherapy drug Velcade.It was not successful for Hamada only reducing the PP(M-Spike) by 4 and since the finish of treatment this is now back to a whopping 16.9. It was sad that after twice weekly trips for the Velcade and sometimes many more with transfusions, when platelets dropped to a very low 22 and with clinic visits also to monitor kidney function it was indeed an exhausting time for Hamada.

Current readings:
Cret 342 - HB 10.1 - WC 2.4 - PP 16.9 and Platelets a whopping 69(remember they were 22).

Although these readings look awful they are not that bad for Hamada and his Doctor used the word stable, certainly a word not heard for many months! Not a word I would use but there we go. We are to return in four weeks time and the plan is to start Revlimid when after close monitoring they deem it the right time. The worrying high PP does concern me so, I spoke to the consultant about this but he is adamant that Hamada needs time to recoup before continuing his fight. While I respect this, they have assured me they will monitor very closely indeed. It's not satisfactory, still what really is with MM nothing that I can see! Hamada is his always cheerful self, the most delightful patient and as the picture here shows a very much loved Grandpa. My best wishes to all who read this.

Manu and Grandpa.

The Garden Swing

We swing together you and I
in that old shaded place we love,
peaceful sweet smelling garden air
that gentle breeze that tickles hair,
the yellow Iris in our view,
Oh how I love to be with you!
Tranquil sounds of garden spirits
the chirping of the evensong thrush
lavender blue scent comes through,
we swing together like children do.


This quiet spot where we can dream
these special hours away,
amid the slowing of day ending
we talk of yesterday,


no more is needed for you and I
we know that time is short
and so we talk and dream and think
of what this life has brought.


We dream together
you and I,
on this old garden swing.




Photo: from “Hemingway”
All Rights Reserved.

Tears At Another Table.

It was an eternal wait that day
a long perpetual tedious episode
an abuse on the senses,
the faces filling the clinic suite
sitting too close together at tables that encumbered,
all appearing the same, all resigned to their fate;
all stricken with disbelief.
I watched…


Can you put aside like dead flowers a mind that is full of fear?
Can you not feel the pain of those set faces that await
the ‘clarion call’ for news no one wishes to hear?
Can you relentlessly show that crumbling smile?
Can you quieten the beating of your own heart?


I watched the woman sitting opposite me, a reflection of myself,
sitting beside her Man, worry etching her face,
quietly waiting the prophecy that could change their lives,
was she to receive news that would set her Man free?
Set them both free!


I watched…I watched…


I watched this fragile life snap and break,
I watched those tears at another table…




All Rights Reserved @ Susie Hemingway 2010

* NB After being on Velcade and Dexamethasone(80mg weekly) since February 22 2010 Hamada's Para-Protein (M-Spike) has only dropped to 15 He is to have a few weeks break and then start with the oral chemotherapy Revlimid.The fight continues.