Thank you so much for replying. You have had such a rough time, I cannot imagine what you have been through. I shall be thinking about you on Thursday & hoping remission is still in sight. My journey is somewhat less harrowing. I've suffered with backache since falling backwards down the stairs in 2009. X-rays revealed all ok so I didn't think anything of it. Last year it grew worse - I had to sit down after walking for 20 mins or so. Anyway, whilst on a cruise in January, my back went into spasm. I recovered a day later but had backache when being in the same position for any length of time. Then I got ill and was admitted to the cruise ship's hospital with pneumonia and influenza. Discharged after 5 days. This holiday was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime - cruise for 2 months ending up in Australia. The 23-hour flight back to the UK was horrendous. Upon return, to the doctor who prescribed painkillers. Many more visits ensued - morphine was prescribed & and MRI. It was the radiologist who indicated Myeloma could be a possibility since I had 7 fractured vertebrae. My GP referred me to hospital under the 2-week referral scheme and I was diagnosed in June this year. i arrived home that afternoon and 15 minutes later received a phone call requesting I go into hospital immediately as my kidneys were only working at 4%. To say I was stunned would be an understatement! I was in hospital for 4 weeks, had 3 x dialysis, swollen body, couldn't get out of bed unaided etc etc. Upon discharge I continued chemo at home. The reason I didn't go for stem cell was due to my age plus the back problem which continues to this day. My consultant validated my decision but said if I really wanted it, she would not oppose . Yesterday I was informed my paraproteins are now so negligible that they cannot be recorded - good news. Kidneys now ok - good news. Light chains not so good news - but I've yet to get my head around exactly what they are. Google my next step! My treatment has been exemplary - the outreach service for chemo and bone strengthening Zometa is marvellous - so much better than traipsing to hospital every time. I am feeling very positive at the moment which is why I'm responding now - I know tomorrow will bring sickness and fatigue as it's always the day after that side effects kick in. Still - I'm still on Planet Earth and will weather whatever comes my way. Once again, thank you for sharing your story. Kind wishes Ushella [not my real name!!!]