~ 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.

25 July, 2010

A Little Update:

Hamada has been resting well since the four cycles of Velcade chemotherapy treatment, which as regular readers will know, was not successful for him in reducing the MM burden. He has been having regular blood checks and visits to the Renal Consultant since then. For those who understand the current blood readings and are interested, the basics are as follows:

HGB 10.6
Platlets 71 ( poor but a big increase for H )
WC 1.7
NEU 1.64
Cret 376
and the dreaded PP (M-Spike) now 19.6
As the para protein reading is so high, in two weeks Hamada will start with a low dose of the chemotherapy drug Lenalidomide (Revlimid), in combination again with Dexamethasone. Hamada is currently doing yet another Bence Jones reading, so all data will then be up-to-date in readiness for this course.

While taking Revlimid Hamada's blood will be monitored closely, Filgastrim will be given if there is a need. Revlimid can reduce the production of platelets just like Velcade which was such a problem last time and also reduce the production of white blood cells making the taker more prone to infection. The exact way Revlimid works is still not completely understood but it has the ability to block the development of new blood vessels, cancer cells need to make new blood vessels so they can grow and spread. I pray this will be the chemotherapy to help Hamada. he has tried so hard and been through so much.
We have a list of the possible side effects much the same as the Velcade treatment and once again it will be a huge balancing act. Hamada is lucky (if lucky is the word! ) to be able to try to fight MM once more.
He is for sure an amazing Warrior, like so many who desire to 'kick the butt' of this wretched disease.
We have had a good restful summer so far and Hamada although very weak, has managed a few outings apart from just the hospital trips! He appears happy daily and content with his quiet life.
My best wishes to all fighting the same battle, keep strong and please stay in touch. I do welcome your comments.
Photo: A Rose from my Garden for you all x
All Rights Reserved.

17 July, 2010

The Gentleness Of Your Silence - Susie Hemingway



As soft as the evening breeze
that trembles through the tallest trees
as meditative as your words allow,
entwined and tangled in these Summer days.
The crystal clarity in your eyes
tell more in a dear face of courage,
than the gentleness of your silence.


Not so much now a belligerent waging war
nor a stricken fight,
just a gentle silence that goes on into the night.
Words are difficult for you to find
It does not matter for I don't mind,
the gentleness of your silence is far more
than feckless words that blow in the Summer wind.


The brushstrokes of our life unfold clearly
as you focus daily to capture strength,
this Summer of endless joys
nothing more is needed,
no more
than the gentleness of your silence...




All rights reserved 2010.

16 July, 2010

Sadness At News

This week we learnt that our friend and Hamada’s fellow warrior, travelling the same MM road has passed away. He was a lovely gentleman whom we had come to know during the trips to Lincoln County and more so during the recent rounds of Velcade Chemotherapy (both having the same regimes). This gentleman was the subject of my poem “The Man With The White Knitted Hat” which is shown below in a recent post. It has saddened as both very much and we send our heartfelt condolences to his dear wife. "God Speed Keith, your journey with MM was all too short"

06 July, 2010

My Heart Grew by Jo Moursi


A hauntingly beautiful song written, played and sung by Jo Moursi is now available to download from itunes - all proceeds are going to Myeloma UK

Clicky Web Analytics