Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday, April 2, 2020, was the one-year anniversary of my stem cell/bone marrow transplant!

If I was ever confused about whether or not something was worth celebrating, the transplant provided all the clarity I’ll ever need!

I’m here! Without the generosity of an 18-year-old Israeli and a 12-point HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) match, I’m not sure that would be the case. Consequently, there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not aware of just how lucky I am. That, and how important it is to pay that karmic debt forward.

That’s what I was thinking about as we drove to the City of Hope yesterday for my 1st Transplant Birthday Bone Marrow Biopsy. If you’re thinking that’s a strange way to celebrate you won’t get an argument from me. Having someone punch a hole in your pelvis and then dig around for a marrow sample is as medieval as it sounds! Nevertheless, it’s required and I was ready.

I was, however, surprised by the level of security implemented since COVID-19 came crashing into our lives. It’s one thing to see it on the news or read about it in the paper. It’s quite another to experience it personally. You can’t enter the building until you’ve had your appointment confirmed and your identification verified. Then, it’s all about answering a battery of questions and having your temperature taken.

Have you been out of the country? Have you come in contact with anyone…? Do you have a sore throat? A temperature?

Then, there is the personal protective equipment. Different, more comprehensive, and more extensive than you’ve ever seen before. It would have been alarming if it wasn’t strangely comforting. Reassuring to know everyone was as concerned about your health and well-being during this crisis as you are!