City of Hope Bone Marrow Transplant Reunion

Several hundred survivors of bone marrow transplants and their families, friends and donors met today at City of Hope to celebrate life. At this one hospital alone, it is estimated that over 25,000 patient years of life had been added by this procedure. Very special.

It was an amazing get together, that included the first successful transplant patient who got his new bone marrow 33 years ago. He looked great, as did the 8 year girl who met her German donor today. It is extraordinary to think that the very first person to have a transplant at CoH was attending his 33rd reunion. Remarkable in that success, but also remarkable on how new the medical technology is. Not often that you meet a "first" medical survivor.

I can't wait to see the group picture though I feel like a poser. No donor cells left in me, no stories of heroic graft versus host battles with the leukemia killed during the struggles. 

But seeing the ocean of diverse life around reminds that it can work, and I will do it again if the needs arises with clarity and purpose.

As the  7 year post transplant comic said: Wouldn't it be better if they changed the name of the hospital from City of Hope to City of Absolute Certainty. Wish I had thought of the line.

On a different note, I somehow must of tweeked my mid back- OUCH. Big time. I am pretty disabled. I don't remember doing anything dumb, and I have stayed away from the weights for a few days. Gets me worrying: Is there something else? This is when it stinks to be a doctor. Hopefully the pain meds will help me get a good night sleep and the pain will be better tomorrow.

Good and bad. Yin and Yang.