Can I beat Myeloma?

Hello again from the gorgeous country of New Zealand It has been a while since I last wrote as we have been busy with all the usual stuff: cycling, golf, entertaining friends, visits to hospital for the regular jabs in the belly, pottering around the garden, trying out new and rediscovering old recipes. To start with, we crammed in activity, then the effect of the drugs kicked in and I have slowed down to more of a sedate existence. Best adventure was the Around the Mountains cycle trail, 187km over 2 days from Kingston to Walter Peak around the Eyre Mountains. As I was not feeling strong, I hired an e-bike, whilst Sarah did it the hard way. We started the ride in cloudy and cool conditions. (It is now autumn in Otago with misty cool mornings and evening) I wrapped up. There is a sprinkling of snow on the hills behind. Around the Mountains cycle trail is full of bridges, river crossings, winding its way through vast areas of farmland from Kingston to Mossbur...

I am having a fine time despite the continuing treatment, drugs, infusions and injections. Hair has gone curly (like a dark merino lamb according to one charming young man) I've started to look more like my father and brother. Luckily, despite the drug cocktail, I am only very tired in the mornings (after effects of nightly thalidomide, i think) As I approach the end of the 2nd cycle of 5, we have decided to cram activity (physical exercise and social events) into February and March to make the most of my good health, relatively high energy levels and the good weather. Saying that, we have just had the first full day of torrential rain since October. Great for the garden and making time to write. We have spent most of January in Sarah's boot camp, training for a 180km cycle adventure and Great walk on Stewart Island, both planned later in Feb. Sarah has included swimming in Lake Wakatipu without a wet suit in her exercise routine, whilst i've just enjoyed taking ...