Myelofibrosis & Yransplant Symposium

[MFBMT2011]

Currently in Denver where Lesley, my better half, and I attended a two day Bone Marrow Transplant Symposium and met fellow survivors. Have pasted my MPNForum Facebook post here to share.

Day one at the BMTinfonet symposium in Denver. A couple of hundred present but the Myelofibrosis break out group that could have been a massive six, was only four by the time we made it to the room. The group (left to right) had 7, 7, 2 & 2 years survival between them (missing were 6&3). Lovely to meet Andrea Wernsing and Beatrice Larroque and share experience of this tough ride that both had fought their way through; two very tough ladies, in the nicest possible way! It is good to share with people who understand the journey and are ready to help others. The fourth was Nancy Shorter who transplanted at 63, seven years ago.

Also saw three vintage productions, 34, 36, and 34 year transplant survivors of other conditions.

BMTInfonet do an excellent job covering a wide area and organising support, including buddies. Here they create a platform for people to meet and listen to expert lectures that support the attendees and the issues they have to tackle. They have now produced another excellent video of the history of BMT transplant but this time from the patients perspective. They then produced the lady who, as a nine year old, donated bone marrow cells (twice) for her baby brother, the first ever non twin transplant, to speak to us.

Really interesting meeting nice people who walked similar paths to get where they are today. Next year is Orlando. This plus Disney? Have to go!

[MFBMT2011]

Please excuse the typo in the title. 😀 Will try and post a link to a film about the history of transplant too. Chris

[JediReject]

Hey Chris , , cracking pic there, no wonder you're smiling and looking so well I would be too if had 3 lovely ladies with me. The event sounds really worthwhile so thanks for sharing and as you say Orlando next year to look ahead to. Great. I will watch your link re BMT History.

Cheers buddy🍺 😉

[MFBMT2011 in reply to JediReject]

Worth considering going as they cover a lot of ground as you can see in their website‭ description of the symposium. Trust all well

Chris

[JediReject in reply to MFBMT2011]

Chris , don't wish to tempt fate (from someone who born on Friday 13th!! ), but I'm gaining strength and much happier now I can see out of one eye. Clinic today so see what bloods are doing and reassess doses of immuno-suppressants.

Keep well my friend.

'Starwars' Chris

[crapaud]

Although probably not on the level of Denver, my hospital (Angers, France) is holding a day for SCT patients next month (along donors and future 'candidates') who have been through the Angers ward - partly to share progress made in the last 35yrs in their services. An opportunity to get feedback from my fellow patients and share with new patients who need to 'talk' about their experiences or upcoming challenges.

Should be interesting.

[MFBMT2011]

Excellent. Enjoy it. Look forward to some feedback.

Chris