Leukaemia: Dispatches from the Front

‘I’m sorry you left hospital - I was enjoying reading your emails!’ … at least 2 people commented, and I knew I was on to something bigger! Imagine entering a country you never opted to visit - and that during a war! This is how I experienced sudden arrival in hospital with a leukaemia diagnosis. Here are my email dispatches sent from the frontline with dry humour and honesty - but no sentiment. I start with the lead up to the action (performing the day before) and end with world travel. A noble hero? At times I felt more like the battleground itself! …‘Stay calm, lie flat & drink plenty of water.’ It was others who fought: the medics, those who visited, prayed etc. Personally in such circumstances I doubt a patient’s aggressively positive attitude makes much difference to outcome: that may encourage some! I have survived 6 years down the line - but come with me when there was no certainty just a journey. The battle with AML, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, led to rounds of chemo, a stem cell transplant, graft-versus-host, remission and cure! After many dangers along the way, I reached and crossed that border. If you appreciate journey/survival stories - or else you or someone you care about is similarly enrolled for battle - come with me from 2014 to 2021 - it’s safe! A whole 45 pictures bring the tale to life, none to worry about!