Three books I’ve read over the past few months from authors who had AML~Acute Myeloid Leukemia and required a bone marrow transplant. I had a very aggressive form of this leukemia 4 years ago and thought I was finally in the position to read other people’s accounts of the process.

All three books (full titles and authors below) were given to me by friends. Before receiving the first book, Between Two Kingdoms, at about year two post crisis, my friend asked it was ok to send it to me or would it be too soon? Honestly, I felt I was sound enough mentally to read it. But I only got about 1/4 of the way through and broke down with a PTSD moment. Each time I picked it up again I faced a new round flashbacks, or tears or realized I was holding my breath or nodding along with the author. But those moments served to be a catharsis which helped me process what I experienced.

Each book took on its own flavor as the writer recounted their very personal journey through the intense chemo required to rid the body of leukemic cells in an effort to reach a temporary remission until a donor is available for stem cells to transplant.

The 2nd book, Lotus in the Fire; The Healing Power of Zen took place in 1995 when bone marrow transplants were somewhat rare…a new frontier. So the technology and procedures are very, very dated! I bring that up so anyone about to go through this life saving treatment doesn’t get scared off! It’s not anything like the author or his donor had to endure! We’ve come a long way!

I devoured the book and felt such an affinity with the writer. I admire Jim Bedard for his tenacious fight for life and also found that had practiced many of the same calming techniques of mindfulness which helped me get through some of the tougher days.

Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life: A Memoir by Delia Ephron,
is an enjoyable, heartwarming, sad, funny, poignant true story. It was such a delight to read that I plan on picking it up again soon. Delia’s approach to treatment and coping involved so many friends surrounding her! It was completely contrary to my own experience, where I tend to do everything quietly and privately.

Anyway, @mir123, these are the 3 books I’d recommend for anyone wanting feel the extreme lows and ultimate highs of survival when faced with a life threatening disease.

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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted Kindle Edition
by Suleika Jaouad

Lotus in the Fire Lotus in the Fire: The Healing Power of Zen by Jim Bedard

Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life: A Memoir by Delia Ephron