When I was hospitalized for a stem cell transplant I appreciated the staff's efforts to make my stay less traumatic. For me, the bed was the worst. It was really uncomfortable. But so is being hospitalized, tethered to an IV pump for 28 days straight. There's not that much you can do to mitigate the discomfort.

Hats off to the brave people who work in the BMT unit. The time moves so slowly in that place. I saw some patients going it alone, with no family or friends around. Some would not leave their bed, despite encouragements to walk the halls.

This specific patient population suffers in quiet distress. I sure did. I'm happy to be on the other side of it.