I am now 51 years young and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma on 4 Feb 2011 after a brief stay in hospital with severe kidney failure. I was on the Myeloma XI clinical trial, initially taking the RCD intensive combination of drugs and had an auto stem cell transplant in August 2011. Sadly, the remission only lasted 5 months. I then had four cycles of Velcade with Dex, prior to a donor transplant in May 2012. I write a blog about my experiences of living with myeloma: http://jetblackliving.wordpress.com/, which you are welcome to read and subscribe to. I have no children and my family are scattered around the globe, but I have become much closer to them through this whole experience and am also discovering some surprising and truly supportive friends, which makes me feel very grateful and loved. I intend to live as fully as possible, dealing with the effects of the disease and the side effects of treatment as best I can. I want to learn about myself from this experience and make the most of my energy and creativity to continue contributing to the world.