Hi Min,

I don't know how to send a private message but my email is cmclarke@talktalk.net. I live in the Midlands (Kenilworth)
so a meeting is a definite option.
I have been persuaded by my son to fly back to Canada with
my daughter-in-law on 11th February for a couple of weeks.
They have a farm so both could not come over for the funeral…[Read more]

Oh Min, thank you for your words of encouragement. I cannot believe that, come Saturday, it will be a whole month since my life changed for ever. Here I am again, roaming the house wondering how I am ever going to manage without him. I don't sleep, hardly eat and am haunted by the memory of those awful months when David was in such agony and…[Read more]

Hello Roisin,

My big problem is that so many things were left unsaid between David and me because he never contemplated losing the fight. It was always "we'll do that when I am better" – so much optimism. I know for certain that had the positions been reversed I would not have coped so uncomplainingly. I think I have now entered the 'anger'…[Read more]

Dear Dai,

I lost David on 7th January and I am bereft but I do find your sentiments commendable. How wonderful to be able to discuss things with Janet. I didn't get that chance because David never gave up hope, he was determined to beat the illness.
My son read these words at David's funeral and I think they reflect your feelings:-

"Do…[Read more]

Dear Alexis,

Thank you for your comforting words. I am bereft – can't sleep, can't eat and I have had my daughter-in-law here since the day after David passed away, we go to bed and then after lying there crying I get up and roam about the house. David was given a prognosis of 2-4 years and everyone told me that chemo. made one feel much worse…[Read more]

This is a big thank you to all the kind, very special people who have replied and offered me comfort. David's funeral was beautiful and I was overwhelmed at the number who came to say farewell – boyhood friends, golf buddies, former colleagues,
close friends and, of course, my wonderfully supportive family.

In the days before the funeral I…[Read more]

Thank you so much Sue. I really find this site a help.

Chrissie

Good evening Claudette,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. Am I right in my assumption that sufferers who have had stem cell transplants do better than those who, for whatever reason, cannot have this procedure?

The other question is, when you travelled to France was your husband's treatment on-going? I do not see how we could…[Read more]

Thank you very much for your kind wishes. I do not fully understand this horrible disease but David has so many myeloma related conditions that his quality of life is, dare I say, almost non-existent at the moment. He has had both hips nailed to strengthen them against possible fractures, chronic
kidney failure (moving towards dialysis)…[Read more]

Hi Eve,

We do have skype and speak to my son most evenings, it is just that David is desperate to see where they have settled. They send us loads of photographs but it isn't the same as seeing for oneself is it? We both know it would be foolhardy to travel against doctors' advice and are not sure if we would even be able to get David insured,…[Read more]

Hello Nettie,

Thank you for joining the rest of the wonderful people on this site who offer such warmth and encouragement.

I read your profile before replying and noticed that one of your correspondents was going on holiday. That is my dearest wish – to be able to take David to Canada. Our son emigrated in June (with our full blessing)and…[Read more]

Hi Bridget,

As you will see from the note I have posted to Tom, I have been feeling pretty down for a few days now. Actually, I am worn out. The MacMillan nurse has offered day care at the local hospice but, I get several hours free time whilst David is at the cancer unit, so this is not necessary. She has also offered counselling but I…[Read more]

Good afternoon Tom,

I have been in a pretty dark place for a few days. The chest specialist has now told us that they have reached the end of the line as regards treatment for his bronchiectasis and this, coupled with the kidney problems, is making life a struggle for David. I feel so impotent. Thanks for your kind words though.

Good afternoon Bridget,

Have had some pretty devastating news this afternoon. David's consultant told us that the myeloma has increased by 25% and his kidney function has also worsened. Not quite reached the dialysis stage yet but getting ever closer. Because of the kidney impairment they can only use very low doses of Lenalidomide as it,…[Read more]

Good evening Tom, and thank you for taking the time to give me such encouragement. I have learned to hide my worry (David always used to say if I had nothing to worry about. it would worry me!!) but it never goes away.

Like you, David is a fighter and has remained so positive throughout this nightmare, it has amazed me. But after two failed…[Read more]

Hi again Eve,

Thanks for your help and good advice. I plan to address the subject of AL with the appropriate department tomorrow and will let you know how I get on. My daughter-in-law in London is constantly asking me if there is anything she/they can do to help but, frankly, with them living so far away I don't see how they can. I have a…[Read more]

Thank you Sue! I am feeling a lot more positive since joining Myeloma UK.
I find the posts most encouraging and uplifting. People are so kind. To be honest, seeing David as he is now I was beginning to think he would never improve. Now I am full of hope. Once again, thank you, to everyone.

Good morning Bridget. I hope you are feeling well today? You certainly have been through a lot. I am most unfamiliar with all the medical terms.
What is induction chemo? I have worked out that BMB is to do with bone marrow samples! David was in an isolation ward for his last hospital stay as the doctors could not get to grips with the chest…[Read more]