Life is a roller-coaster ride isn't it! Today I have woken with kidney pain in my back. I get twinges now and again but today it is very definite pain so I intend to drink lots, take it easy and hope that it improves. A day sitting in the sunshine may be called for! If it continues I will go for a blood test on Thursday. 


The change in the weather is wonderful and just at the right time for our visit to Chelsea . You may remember that last year we managed to go on the best day - with beautiful sunshine and it looks like it will again be beautiful sunshine tomorrow. I can't wait. 


Jenni Murray has written an interesting article    Jenni Murray: Robin Gibb didn't lose any 'battle'
www.independent.co.uk in the Independent today. Many people talk about fighting cancer as if it is a battle that can be won or lost by the individuals will power. That someone who 'wins' their battle has done so because they were 'brave' or 'courageous' or because they had 'thought positively'. Imagine how that leaves the families of those who haven't won their battle or didn't think so positively.  

I think it is hard to get the language right - I did feel at times I was in a physical battle to survive against the side effects of the drugs and the treatment. But I do understand that that language does suggest that if you die it is because you didn't fight hard enough and I am sure that is not the case for many people. Also I am sure positive thinking helps make the whole journey easier but it will not make you well on its own. This is an interesting debate - there are many of them surrounding cancer. Mostly I don't get involved. Each person needs to deal with it in their own way. using their own language. I am sure that if it helps to see it as a battle then that is ok. 

Sorry that is a bit waffly - I may come back to it a few days when I have thought it through a bit more - what are your thoughts?