To Fight Once More.

"The Journey"


Hamada starts chemotherapy once more, this time with the drug Velcade combined with Dexamethasone.
Velcade is a newer type of chemotherapy - at least here in the UK - an anti-cancer drug called a proteosome inhibitor. In the UK it is allowed on the NHS to people who have already been treated with at least one other type of chemotherapy (Hamada has received several types from 2006 until a Stem Cell Transplant in October 2007)
Velcade is allowed on the NHS for first relapse after a Stem Cell Transplant or in persons unsuitable for SCT.

Starting next Monday, Hamada will receive Velcade by infusion combined with 40 mg oral dex(over two days) this will be continued twice weekly for two weeks then 10 days rest and then repeated. He must reduce within four cycles or it will be withdrawn due to the enormous cost of the drug. Some people sail through the possible side effects some of which are very serious and so Velcade is not to be undertaken lightly especially when like Hamada whose blood is very damaged from previous treatments and his kidneys are compromised, it will be an extremely tough road to travel.
It is most levelling to watch as the disclaimer is signed, listing all possible side effects some of which, are particularly frightening but is there really a choice? Hamada is quite aware that while the Para protein (M-Spike) rises in such an alarming manner now at 18.6! something must be tried before more damage is done to his bones and vital organs.

Multiple Myeloma is not for the faint hearted. It was never a choice but we are ready together to once again fight this battle, we thank the patient doctor yesterday, for painstakingly answering my long list of questions and helping us to arrive at this decision and to those he consulted regarding Hamada particular case.

We also thank our dear family, friends and fellow bloggers for all the wonderful support given as Hamada continues his fight and his journey with MM. breathe...