~ 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.

26 June, 2010

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.

8 comments:

Jinksy said...

Lovely photo for your family album!

Sandy said...

Like the Hydrangea, Hamada looks very robust and still happy in that delightful shot with your grandson. We can continue to intend the healing is happening in ways we cannot imagine and I align with any positive intention you have - the power of two is more than twice! Thinking of you both and hugs across the sea!

Barbara said...

What a beautiful photo of Hamada and your grand daughter.

I completely understand the frustration with the waiting game.
After so many visits with so many specialists, I have come to learn to put your trust in particular ones. We are in that wait and see hold mode.. seems like we should do something.. but that word "stable" came up as well.

Be well Susie and give your Hamada warm hugs..

Jo said...

Oh, gosh, what a gorgeous photograph.

You are your lovely husband are on such a difficult journey, but my goodness, what grace you both have. I send both you all my prayers and blessings.

Cheers!

Jo

Roobeedoo said...

"Stable" is good. I am beginning to realise that numbers are not everything - it's how the patient is feeling. And he is certainly LOOKING good!

Anonymous said...

Hi Susie, thanks for stopping by. Yes Hamada does look good. He is so handsome anyway. I think stable is a good word too. Better going backwards. Your faith is so strong You will make it together. Good to hear from you. Blessings
QMM

Lorna A. said...

I understand how you are feeling I think. Yes stable is better than getting worse, but I also know how frustrating it is to feel time slipping by while the doctors do nothing. We don't want our loved ones suffering from the treatment, but personally I fear the effects of the myeloma far more.

Don said...

It's a great photo!

I pray that Hamada's counts come back up so that treatment can resume.

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