The Velcade Three

Jacky Pickles

I am a Midwifery Sister at Bradford Royal Infirmary. I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma at the age of 39, back in January 2002. After having C-VAMP (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Adriamycin and Methylprednisolone) and an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in 2002 and Thalidomide in September 2003, I was lucky enough to receive Velcade as part of a clinical trial (PAD Trial) in February 2006. The treatment consisted of Velcade, Adriamycin and Dexamethasone. My para protein reduced from 27 to "too low to quantify" after just two and a half cycles. I was given a reasonable good quality of life.

In March 2008 I revisited Velcade and Dexamethasone therapy. I found the treatment demanding especially the unwanted side-effects of the Dexamethasone. I had 5 cycles of Velcade, however, after the first cycle the Dexamethasone was discontinued. My para protein again went from 26 to "too low to quantify". To help rubber stamp the complete response, I was given oral weekly cyclophosphamide for 12 weeks.

My para protein began to elevate in March 2009. It slowly increased and by December it had reached 22. I started on Revlimid and Dexamethasone therapy. Between December 2009 and May 2010 my para protein hovered around that mark.

In May 2010, after discussion with my consultant about treatments available, He applied for me to revisit Velcade under "exceptional circumstances". The PCT reviewed my case and on the first June 2010 I again revisited Velcade. My para protein was 26 when commencing treatment and now after two cycles it had decreased to 7. I am currently starting my forth cycle of Velcade, oral cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone. The treatment is demanding, however, since I am responding positively to it, I believe it is well worth it.

I feel very lucky to be given the chance to revisit Velcade again. It is a treatment that has given me a complete response putting me back into "Plateau Phase". I was treatment free for two years when I took Velcade first time around, and 18 months second time around. I hope Velcade therapy will do its job for me again. I will keep you informed! This is my fifth regime therapy over eight and a half years.

With myeloma there is no cure, at best we hope for a long "Plateau Phase" and a reasonably good quality of life. Having effective treatment has allowed me to live longer and see the things I want to see, sharing day to day life with my Husband and family. I have also been able to see my son, Sean, turn from a teenager at my diagnosis, into a wonderful man who is achieving his goals and of whom I am so proud of.

My Documents

• My diary - the first 9 months of diagnosis
• My London story
• Flow Chart - Helping myeloma sufferers access Velcade at the point of need

Janice Wrigglesworth

I have been married to John for 38 years, we have three children and two grandchildren. The reason I personally have become involved in this campaign is because I have seen the positive and encouraging change in Jacky post trial following her treatment with Velcade.

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March 2002. I received a stem cell transplant in September 2002 and am currently in remission. I know I will need Velcade in the future.

Is the answer to uproot ourselves and to move instead to a different postcode, where we understand Velcade is available to all who need it no matter the cost?

My Documents

• My letter on Velcade

Marie Morton

I have been battling myeloma for seven years. I was introduced to Jacky as a buddy in 2002 after Jacky's diagnosis. I used to work as a driver, but due to the illness I had to retire from my job two years ago.

I have so far been treated with high dose chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant in June 2000. I have had two courses of radiotherapy in 1999 and 2004. At present my bloods are fluctuating and my Consultant Haematologist has told me that I may need treatment in the very near future.

My Documents

• My story