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)