Ten Year Anniversary 2021

 Ten years had passed since my successful bone marrow transplant for an aggressive lymphoma. I wrote this post in 2021, but did not publish it until 2026.

After talking to my cycling club friend Kristine, I realized it was time to reflect on these years past. Kristine's mom had survived lymphoma but died later of pancreatic cancer, and now Kristine was continuing the Annual Cypress Cycling Challenge, up Cypress Mountain, with all funds raised going to pancreatic research, giving hope to others.

In 2017, 6 years after my transplant, with no evidence of recurrence, Dr Power told me "you're not going to see that one again". Although I need to be vigilant for possible second cancers, never a day passes that I am not grateful for the miracle of being alive and for all the people who made it possible. In 2019, Dr Kristin Mitchell took over my practice in S Surrey and we sold the family home and moved to Kitsilano where I took over as medical director at Point Grey Private Hospital. I have continued to provide part time coverage to the Family Practice in Morgan Creek, mostly virtually with Covid-19. And teaching to Medical Students and Family Practice Residents.

This summer, we planned to take my elderly parents back to visit the Greek homeland. However, with the heat wave, fires, and resurgent Covid, the trip was cancelled. Instead Sylvia and I pivoted to a road trip. We packed up the camperized Sprinter van and headed north to the Yukon.

                                                      We had to  get past the                                                                                                                           devastating forest fires and smoke in                                                the Lillooet Area

                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                          

We canoed across Moya Lake

We reached Dawson City,  the largest city north of 

   San Francisco in 1898 with 30,000 citizens

keen on capitalizing on the Gold Rush

                                                 Bison roamed freely, back then.

Columbia Icefields were much bigger.

 We relaxed at Haynes Point

                                                                             in Osoyoos on our return from the Yukon

Ten years after the transplant was a good time to reflect with Gratitude on the time I have been given, Love for those who got me here, and Curiosity for what lies ahead.

Reminder

 I have recently had a number of requests to update my blog. Last published in 2019 I thought that chapter in my life was done. Then in 2021 I wrote an update but didn't publish it until now. Now in 2025 I realize that the legacy of that cancer journey continues to follow me, and an update is in order.

We've moved from South Surrey to Kitsilano in the heart of Vancouver, largely to be closer to my aging parents and help them live in our original family home. This past year, Dad celebrated his 95th birthday! And mom is not far behind at 88..

In late February I broke a leg and ruptured an achilles tendon on an icy ski slope and spent a stint in a wheelchair after surgery. This gave me the opportunity to see eye-to-eye with my residents in the Long Term Care Home!

With every setback there is a return to grounding principles, a kind of reset. What is most important to you? Where do you find calm? Who are the people you need to connect with? 

 

Building a recovery team meant tapping the resources of friends and professionals. Home training was followed by swimming and cycling.

I continue to be grateful for the 14 years I have gained thanks to Katie's donation of her precious stem cells. Many others gave their blood, time, and expertise. One cannot overestimate the value of these gifts or the impact they have made on my life. People's goodness continues to amaze me. 

One of the things you can do is give blood at Canada Blood Services near you. And if you are between 15 and 35 years old you can register to give stem cells. At blood.ca

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something." (Max Lucado)

The Evolution of the Handshake

Some people wonder what I am doing with my elbow when they try to shake my hand. Let me explain...

The handshake is a greeting or parting tradition where two people grasp hands for a few moments. It has a long history dating back at least to the ancient Greeks (like everything else!). Its purpose is to convey trust, respect, balance, and equality.

In 405 BC, an Athenian and a Samian clasp hands in alliance against the Spartans.

There are cultural variations of the handshake. For example, in Anglophone countries it is often used to seal a business deal, which concludes at the end of the handshake. In countries like Morocco, it is accompanied by a kiss on each cheek.  In other countries, it may be followed by a palm placed over the heart.  In Asian countries, a weak handshake is preferred.

Other variations are the Bone Crusher, the Pumper, and the Long Grip. Mr. Trump's handshake that aims to establish control is sometimes called the Showdown.

Some people become concerned that handshakes transmit infections like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Baseball Hall of Famer Stan Musial became concerned about the number of colds he was getting and started using a fist bump instead, and it gradually became more commonplace, especially in sporting events.

The Fist Bump

The Friendly Fist Bump, and the non-touch Namaste respectful bow.

President Barack Obama does the Elbow Bump to greet supporters.

Dr. Steve greets swim friend Candace with the Elbow Bump at the pool.

As you can see, I have adopted the Elbow Bump. It combines a friendly greeting with touch while restricting exposure to illness-causing germs. Very few people manage to sneeze onto the outside of their elbow. 

So I hope you will find your own way to greet another, maximizing mutual respect while minimizing contact with germs.

Six Year Check Up

Wow! Are we overdue for an update! Last week, I completed my 6-year follow-up post transplant. Yes. That is indeed 6 years! And all is clear. My doctors have now told me "You're not likely to see that one again."

Not that there haven't been bumps in the road. Last February I ended up in hospital for a week with bilateral pneumonia. I was found to have an immune deficiency as a result of my therapy. After antibiotics and weekly immune globulin shots, I have been infection-free. It helps to pull back from the walk-in clinic and focus on the family practice and teaching. And I have now returned to the sports I love.

Penticton Bike Trip

 Leo, the family cat, rescued a fallen bird from the ground, not once but twice, and then bonded with it. We nursed it back to health and launched it into the trees. We think we hear its trill periodically and wonder if it has found its clan.

Leo and his new friend, Tweety.

As some of you may know, Caroline and I have separated. Even good marriages with great kids sometimes take different directions. I am grateful that I now have a new special person in my life.

Steve and Sylvia

I went on to break two ribs doing sports (I know, I need to be more careful) and spent the summer healing. The best therapy of all was floating around in the Mediterranean Sea, eating good food and relaxing with family and friends.

Now, the summer smoke has abated, fall is here, and life goes on.

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus 475 BC

Sunset swim in Skopelos, Greece.

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Blood Sister Reunion - Part 2

Have you ever met a new relative for the first time? How about a new sister acquired by stem cell transplantation, who also happened to save your life? This happened last week and The Vancouver Sun and Upnorth Live from Michigan were on hand to document the joyous event.

The Vancouver Sun ran the story on the Front Page

Katie Karker flew in from Michigan with her mother-in-law Cindy and at 10 am on Wednesday May 11 in Richmond BC she strode across the hotel lobby and I embraced her. Five years earlier she had donated Stem Cells to a man in another country she had never met. Now she could meet the person she saved.

The Sun ran the video version of the story on line: Vancouver Sun

Far away in Traverse City Michigan, Kristin Lowe reported the story for the 6 o'clock TV news:

UpNorthLive

The next day was May 13. It was Katie's Birthday. It was also the date I was slated to present the keynote address to the annual convention of CSTM or the Canadian Society of Transfusion Medicine at the Bayshore Inn.

The CSTM Annual Convention attracts over 500 health care participants.

A video excerpt of the presentation:     CSTM Keynote Address

CKNW covered the story for  the Jill Bennett Show:CKNW News

                                                                                           Bayshore Birthday Brunch for Katie, hosted by family.

Sisters: Blood Sister Katie in my Right arm, Biologic Sister Michelle on my Left

My friend Jim Wright wrote about my transplant experience in the bi-weekly column in the  Richmond News ,
Digging Deep: Sisters

                        

                        Riding the Wizard Chair at Whistler.

                                       

                                                    Jade earrings & Birthday treats for Katie at Araxi's in Whistler

Remember, if you are between 18 and 35 years old, or know someone who is, you can register on line at OneMatch.ca. You too could one day save someone's life. 

Blood Sister Reunion

It has been almost a year since I last posted when I skidded into a hip fracture. The bones have healed, the bike has been replaced, and the wheels are once again rolling. Jason and Zoe both graduated from their respective universities and embarked on the next phases of their lives. I went to Greece and convalesced in the therapeutic waters of  the Aegean.

The wild side of Skopelos Island at dusk

There was a short visit to Arizona and a trek into the mystical mountains of  Sedona.

Mistletoe meets Oak in Sedona. 

The winter included celebrating Christmas with my loving family,  hitting the slopes, and building fitness.

Jason, Steve, and Zoe

 And spring is now here. At this time of renewal, five years since my diagnosis of lymphoma, it is fitting that my Bone Marrow Donor and saviour, Katie Karker, will fly in from Michigan to visit. We now share the same blood type and blood chromosomes, making her my sister by blood.

Max, Katie, and Wyatt Karcher

 Her donation and the impact it made north of the border have made her a bit of sensation in her town of Kingsley and she will be bringing the local press. Together we will present our story at the upcoming Canadian Society of Transfusion Medicine Conference in Vancouver and make our pitch for more Stem Cell donors. If you are between 18 and 35, or know someone who is, consider registering at OneMatch.ca., and give someone else a second chance at life.

That Moment of Inattention

How often do we let our minds drift off while we are doing something? Usually the results are benign. But sometimes they trigger a jarring setback. Mine came while I was riding my bicycle alone. My brain and hands were not focused on my handlebar, and when my front wheel encountered a dead rat, I turned abruptly and slammed into the roadway.

xrays after pinning of trochanteric hip fracture

After a week in hospital, there was a week in convalescent care at my parents' home in Vancouver. Then home to Surrey and re-deployment of my helping army. No shortage of work. Cooking, cleaning and driving. I continued to phone in to conferences and hold meetings in my living room. Office practice was out, and Dr Oriee kindly took over my patients for the next 3 months while she was building a practice of her own.

Recovery was complicated by infection, skin reaction, and high-dose antibiotics and steroids. But recovery did occur, and soon I was on my stationary bike and swimming in the pool.

Riding towards the light

During this time, there was ample opportunity to reflect. I was told, "You didn't get it the first time". Reading, planning and sleeping became the order of the day.

Greek Easter with lamb roasting on the spit

Peace Arch Foundation Fundraiser CODE BLUE

I'm now getting back to work, armed with new lessons learned.

Instructions for living a life. 

Pay attention. 

Be astonished. 
Tell about it.

― Mary Oliver