'Pistol' Peter Tramacchi - Multiple Myeloma

Peter had many years battling on the tennis court and enjoyed most of his tennis success whilst playing doubles.

Now he is facing his most brutal battle, and we need your help to support Peter - be his 'doubles partner' - donate!

1,000 donations @ $100 hits our Goal

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Your donation can make a significant impact in helping Peter.

Here is some info about Multiple Myeloma and the battle Peter is facing.

My Diagnosis Summary

In early November 2021, I had a routine blood test that I have been doing annually (around my birthday).

The 2021 results demanded further tests, so I was quickly referred to a Haematologist and diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple Myeloma is a blood cancer that affects bones, bone marrow, blood, urine and kidneys. Common symptoms include bone pain and weak bones, shortness of breath, tiredness, anaemia, kidney issues, and feeling unwell. Imaging and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed my diagnosis as an aggressive form of the disease. Chemotherapy started shortly after that.

Treatment Journey

During the targeted Chemotherapy stage, I was able to continue working for 10 of the 12 weeks but struggled with fatigue and tiredness.

I was advised (as it was important mentally) to push through and continue with my normal lifestyle until I felt it was potentially too much.

Doctors were encouraged by my positivity through those ten weeks and knew it would come to an end.

Preparing for stem cell harvest was the next phase of treatment. I was given an initial heavy dose of chemotherapy followed by self-administered injections over eight days to boost the production of stem cells in the bones. Uncomfortable bone pain was the critical side effect.

Then the harvest of stem cells began.

The process involved temporarily removing blood from the body, separating the stem cells then returning the blood. Veins on one arm were connected via tubes to the cell separator; the blood was filtered and returned via veins connected to the other arm's veins. Collection of over 500 million stem cells took place over two consecutive days filtering 2.5 times my blood volume, with the process taking over 5 hours each day.

During the stem cell collection process, I experienced some cramp-like or tingling sensation in my hands, feet, and mouth due to Calcium deficiency, which they could then introduce intravenously.

The stem cells are stored until the day of my stem cell transplant/reinfusion in late May or early June when I will need to be in hospital for approximately three weeks. I will receive a significant dose of chemotherapy two days before the reinfusion of my stored stem cells. My immune system will be severely compromised, so I will be closely monitored in the hospital.

After completing a successful stem cell transplant/reinfusion, I have been advised that I will need to rest for no less than 3 months, sleeping up to 15 hours per day.

I am faced with the challenge of rebuilding a life/lifestyle that factors in the limitations this blood cancer places on my body.

Avoiding stress and physical exertion, monitoring what is going on in my body, and regular blood tests and further oral drugs.

All in all, no less than 8 to 12 months out of work at this point is stressful.

While I remain positive in every way possible, there have always been worries and concerns, financial stress, working out scenarios to achieve the best outcomes for my young daughter, and believing that I can pull through this without too much drama.

I appreciate any support you can provide.

Regards

Pete