Great news Min heres to many happy hours doing all the things you want to do !! love Bridget x

Dear Dai I am so sorry to hear you have lost your dog Its hard to say goodbye to them like that , our 16yr old mongrel put to sleep a few years ago , as you say it happens so quickly. People who dont have dogs in their lives often cant see what a big gap they leave , just the same as any family member . love to you both Bridget x

Hi The fingers worked, I am now officially free and unemployed. I have a massive hangover after going out last night to celebrate with colleagues but thanks folks for the crossed fingers. I don't have a letter yet to confirm this as my employers could not organise a **ss up in a brewery! But I do have a healthy bank balance.
Im sure they will get…[Read more]

Hi Sarah its always scary to be told you need to start treatment and at first all the information on side-effects etc is just too much to handle .Please tell your mum to take it one step at a time , life will be different and sometimes its a struggle but it does get better as you get used to the treatments and find what works best for you Its…[Read more]

I agree with Bridget,wholeheartedly in the meanwhile the most natural form of diuretics is fruit of the variety that includes oranges and lemons plus grapefruit.
I used to buy dandelion tea bag too as they are a natural diuretic too. The kidneys filtration system is blocked up, causing the filters to stop working at full tilt. drinking copious…[Read more]

Hi Clara it sounds like fluid retention which is fairly common with a steroid mix.I have had it quite a lot , you need to get a prescription for diuretics tomorrow and get your dad to elevate his ankles and drink plenty .It does go down fairly quickly , not sure about the rash best check it out tomorrowIf the rash gets worse have you got the ward…[Read more]

Haha Roz this one cracked me up very clever thankyou for the giggle .How are you getting on ? I hope you get to spend time with your daughter and granchild , children make the world a much better place dont they love Bridget x

Hi Andy I would definitely reccomend going for the sct ,it is worth the chance of at least a lengthy remission from heavy duty treatment and more people seem to getting complete remission lately too . As Gill suggested talk it over with your consultant as to whether you can delay , most treatment plans are worked with you so tell them of your…[Read more]

Hi Ruth so sorry to hear your husband is having a rough time . It takes a bit of time for everything to take effect and for the doctors to get test results to help them understand the best treatment .I agree with advice you have had dont delay in phoning the specialist nurse or even the consultants secretary if the pain is bad , its only by…[Read more]

Hi Edo
Well where do I start, Im pleased you found your way to the discussion forum and sorry to hear about your Dad, sounds like he is a tough old man, who is going through the mill right now. Velcade dex and Thalidomide are a real toxic combination and I am not surprised he is tired.
I have no advise to offer on rectal bleeding other than my…[Read more]

Having read all those poems and understood them as being me!
I realize must get a grip with the one desire in my life.
For years I have wanted a pair of 'in line skates' every time I see them I want them, but my age has prevented me either buying them (not to mention the fear of a broken ankle) or telling anyone that that is what I want
But…[Read more]

Hi Min thankyou these made me laugh out loud ,just what I needed . Hard to believe we put our trust in doctors though!! loive Bridget x

What a bi**h Keith,
Dont you just love the powers that be. Lobby your MP, what have you got to lose. Get your fighting spirit going, Do it on a Dex day and get rid of all the anger the dex brings.
Im a newly liberated from work woman and sort of missing it already. Working in the law you are tied to regulations that dont make sense.
Min

Pleased to hear from you Roz.
One day at a time, get thru today and tomorrow will come.
Non of us know what tomorrow will bring and its just as well.
Best Wishes
Min

Hi Andy,and welcome to the mm club,
This is such an individual disease that the advise has to be there is not a one size fits all answer. My husband had an sct which technically is classed as a failure as he relapsed within 5 months. But that is not to say I would not recommend it. He went for an 'early one' and one wonders if he had waited until…[Read more]

Hi Tanya its fairly common to have bone pain with myeloma , for this its log term pain relief The bone strengthening infusions such as Parmidronate or Zometa do help pain as well I take slow release morphine tablets twice a day which works well for me .There are also patches which release a controlled dose over 24 or 48 hours .If the pain killers…[Read more]

Hi Bridget
Im back to earth with the washing and shopping etc.
When Peter finished his 1st course, his neutrophils were low so the Dr gave him a lower dose rather than take him off it.
He has now had 5 days with no swollen ankles ( think now I know more that in fact this is due to the zometa)
Who am I to know but hopefully its the…[Read more]

Hi Keith it does sound as if it could be neuropathy I am sure the hospital wil put your mind at rest though It must be very frustrating though and not pleasant I hope it goes soon love Bridget

Hi Sarah you will get loads of suggestions for this one .Heres a couple ofcan think of , a packet of moist toilet tissue wipes ( hospital loo paper is not nice when you have to keep going!),a pillow if the hospital allows it best to check,perhaps a digital photo frame with pictures to keep your mum cheerful, a radio If your mum enjoys reading an…[Read more]