~ 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.

09 August, 2010

A Little Does You Good.?


Perhaps we are doing something that is completely frowned upon by the medical profession but just as the last of the Chemo free days are here, a few real treats have been in order. The photo above shows Hamada with a Guinness Beer, certainly not allowed during Chemotherapy but as he approaches the Revlimid regime the last of this particular treat at least for a while, was much enjoyed. ( Sorry Consultants but we are taking a chance, quality of life and all that )

I think you will agree that Hamada looks well indeed. I wanted to show this photo to give other MM sufferers further courage, that although you can go through some terribly low moments and awful medical problems to solve and Hamada has had all those believe me. Remember Velcade failed for him and now with a 20+ M-Spike. he is to try yet again to reduce this.

Hamada had a Stem Cell Transplant 2 Years 9 months ago and was diagnosed with MM in 2006. He does have difficulty walking and needs help with many things especially getting up from a chair and although not caring for noisy gatherings, he has manged a number of quiet meals out and one or two smaller social occasions during the past few few weeks.

It has been a good Summer for us both with no big problems to cope with and how wonderful that Hamada still has the courage and the will to continue this battle. Best wishes to all making this same journey.


10 comments:

Noelle Dunn.... A Poet in Progress said...

Hamada looks great Susie, and you my dear are just so sweet.

Michael Morse said...

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

I am glad Hamada is doing some things he loves and keeping quality of life in mind. He does look good. I am in the same shape he is, it's a real effort even trying to make the bed or carry myself and my purse to the car. I am otherwise alert ( when awake) so I think it confuses my husband when I try to move around and am so weak. It's my blood counts. Keep up the good work caring for your lovely man!

Sandy said...

I hoist one to you both and intend continuing good days!

Barbara said...

Susie, Hamada looks wonderful and happy to have that brewski in hand.. I think my husband would agree nothing hits the spot like a good cold Guiness.. So nice to see his smile!
Be well and enjoy

Myeloma Dawg said...

Susie: Hamada does look good; my O/H said it was ok to drink beer/wine when I was on Velcade.

Bill McLemore (Myeloma Dawg)

Roobeedoo said...

Um... nobody told FL he couldn't drink while on chemo! In fact, he lost the taste for whisky, but definitely felt the benefit of a few cold beers! Cheers, Hamada!

Elizabeth @ The Garden Window said...

Hamada looks so happy :-)

Thinking of you both, and praying the next round of meds will give better results .......

Susie Hemingway said...

Thanks everyone for your good wishes for Hamada x

@ KT It is sometimes difficult for people to understand how weak H is until he stands or tries to walk, Just like you the damaged blood from chemo and the SCT has left him frail but we continue to work on this, trying everyway to make some improvement. Love to you as always and wishing you much strength,good results from treatment and goodness everyday xxx

Anonymous said...

What a lovely photograph... it made me want to say

'Cheers Hamada... enjoy that pint, you deserve it.'

I'm sure no consultant would frown upon small treats to lift the spirits. What a lovely treat to choose as well.

I have my fingers and toes crossed that Revlimid will be the 'magic drug' for Hamada. x

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