I thought it was just the flu.
Every morning at 4am I was at the gym.
I ate well and trained hard, and I thought I was simply getting fit before work.
When strong symptoms appeared, I told myself it was the flu.
It wasn't. It was leukaemia, and I needed a transplant.
My fitness did not stop the diagnosis, but it gave me something to stand on.
And I learned two lessons the hard way, which became this checklist.
Listen to your body sooner. Prepare your money and your leave before you need them.
One story, three chapters
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Chapter one
Before
What I wish I had known: the symptoms I ignored, the leave I did not have, the home I had not set up.
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Chapter two
During
Three weeks on the haematology ward, one lap at a time, and eating whatever I could.
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Chapter three
Now
Slowly rebuilding: short walks, small chores, resistance bands, and flying home to Darwin.
What is inside the free checklist
Seven short sections with tick boxes, a hospital bag list and a one page tracker. Work through it at your own pace and skip what does not apply.
This is personal experience and general ideas, not medical advice. Always follow your own care team.
Listen to your body
Learn what to notice, when to book the appointment, and how to ask again when something still does not feel right.
Your money and time off
Check your leave and your insurance, start a small buffer fund, and know who to ask for help before you need it.
Your body: movement and food
Keep moving gently in ways that feel right for you, and stock easy food for the days when cooking feels like too much.
Your home
Set up a comfortable rest spot and put everyday things within easy reach while you still have the energy.
Your people
Make a simple plan for who does what, from lifts and meals to appointments, so asking for help feels easier.
Your mind
Choose one small daily anchor, like a short walk or a quiet cup of tea, to steady you on the harder days.
Questions for your care team
Write down the questions worth asking before each appointment, so nothing important slips away in the moment.
The Listen to Your Body tracker
A simple page to record what you feel, so your doctor sees the pattern.
Fit & Flourish was born from my recovery
On my YouTube channel I share the gentle, everyday steps that helped me rebuild. Strength Before the Storm is the place for the checklist and the guides that go with it.