~ 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.

31 January, 2009

Deal On Myeloma Drug !

Great news yesterday as we heard that the drug advisers have changed guidance on Lenalidomide, also known as Revlimid. Revised draft guidance has agreed access to the treatment for myeloma sufferers, under a cost -sharing deal where the drug company will pick up the cost after two years. This is the first guidance from NICE to be revised after the new rules, designed to be more flexible in judging treatments, offering survival benefits in terminal conditions. This latest recommendation is out for consultation until the 20th February.

You can read the more on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7859053.stm and also more from the wonderful http://www.myeloma.co.uk/ who have fought so hard for this to come about.
It is indeed the most wonderful news.

6 comments:

Sunshine said...

Best wishes. We are thinking of you. Love & Prayers

Roobeedoo said...

I have also blogged about this. I hope it makes a difference for Hamada. However, the same deal does NOT apply to the NHS in Scotland, where they are applying the "greater good for the greater number" rule. Sigh.

Susie Hemingway said...

I was saddened to read that Scotland is to take this view. Perhaps, when hopefully - fingers crossed always - this arrangement with the drug companies is up and running, they will see the error of their ways - I sincerely hope they do.

Lori Puente said...

Susie, this is wonderful! I'm hopeful for you and Hamada. Being connected with others not just in the US, with Myeloma, has brought home how desperate it can be.

I'm just really happy that you will have something new to try.

Susie Hemingway said...

Thanks Lori. I have been so pleased to read of David's success.. he seems to be doing so very well... all the best to you both and good luck for your return visit, I sincerely hope all goes well.

Don said...

Revlimid is SUCH an effective drug. I do so hope that Hamada will be able to take it. Prayers for you both.

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