You shouldn't be reading this right now. That's because by all rights I shouldn't be here.

It was 10 years ago this week that I was told I had cancer of the esophagus - a diagnosis that gave me just the slimmest chance of survival. And yet here I am. I defied the odds and lived.

I had an amazing medical team and some luck on my side. I have lived to see daughters married, grandchildren born and my life expand to find new adventures and horizons, including my position here in Beijing with China Daily.