"I'm sorry you left hospital - I was enjoying reading your emails!" At least two 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, and drink plenty of water." It was others who fought: the medics, those who visited, prayed, etc. Personally, in such circumstances, I doubt an aggressively positive attitude makes much difference to outcome: That may encourage some!

I have survived six 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!