I hope you have all managed to see a little of the Paralympics - even if you don't like sport. How can you not fail to be inspired by the dedication of the athletes? When I started watching yesterday I cried at every race. So amazing to see them being lowered into the water or helped up the slope to get onto their bikes, clinging by their teeth to a cloth before starting their swimming race because they have no arms to hold on with. I know just a tiny bit what it is like to wear a prosthesis, nothing like loosing an arm or a leg but still being aware that part of me is missing. It is wonderful to hear how sport has changed the lives of the athletes and helped them to dream big dreams. It is also wonderful to hear how young people with disabilities are being taken to the Paralympics and being inspired to dream dreams. Go team GB! 

As Lord Coe put it: “Prepare to be inspired. Prepare to be dazzled. Prepare to be moved by the Paralympic Games of London 2012.”

I am ready! Last nights opening ceremony was wonderful. It was extra exciting as my friends daughter was performing and my sister Joy and niece Talia were there. I am looking forward to seeing their photos.  I can’t wait to be in the stadium on Wednesday.

It is awe inspiring to see people overcoming adversity and making the best of their lives. Isn’t it what we all should be doing – treasuring each day and making it count.

Yesterday’s appointment with the renal consultant went very well. During the consultation she said ‘ you do realise that you were very very ill’. I smiled – I wanted to say ‘yes I lived it! She was very pleased that my blood results are stable and described my kidney function as good (if you can call 20% function good). We discussed my blood pressure tablets and she adjusted them again (more visits to the GP and pharmacy) We also discussed my diet and she said that I can now eat normal potassium – yippee tomatoes and bananas. But I need to continue to be careful of phosphates – mmmm cheese, milk, chocolate etc….  Steps in the right direction.

I left and my mind whizzed over the last 3 ½ years. What a journey it has been! I never thought that I could feel so well after all that has happened. I am so thankful for my life. I have scars and I get very tired. I am easily frustrated by what I can’t do but there is so much that I can do. Going back to the hospital always makes me reflect – I remember so clearly when I needed a wheelchair to get anywhere, where I carried my bucket because of sickness, where most days I was at the hospital for chemo or dialysis, where I was stared at because I had no hair and I was covered in tubes. Now I walk the corridors unaided having driven there myself, no one stares as I have no tubes and I have lots of hair. I am thankful. 

Early start to today - blood tests at the hospital. I even managed to find a parking spot where I didn't have to walk up or down a hill! There was a queue but it wasn't too long. Then on to the surgery to collect my prescription. The problem with all the adjusting of my drugs is that I spend my life writing to my GP and collecting new prescriptions! I expect tomorrow to bring more changes! Then coffee with my  friend D for a catch up. We hadn't seen each other for a few weeks so much to catch up on. She is my friend who I used to see weekly when she took me to dialysis so we are used to telling each other everything! Then home to start the Reading Festival washing !! Unfortunately by the time I got home I was feeling quite sick - I do hope my blood tests will be ok. I am going to see the renal consultant tomorrow. This is the longest I have gone without a blood test since I stopped dialysis. 

I am looking forward to the Paralympics starting tomorrow. We have tickets for next week and I am really looking forward to being in the stadium. I hope that Channel 4 cover the games well. I will miss the BBC presenters. 

11 days until my guest blogger - I am looking forward to sharing her answers to my questions and for you to get a glimpse of the life of a real author. I am reviewing her second book - THRIVE - The Bah! Guide to Wellness After cancer. She has also written 'How I Said Bah! to cancer: a guide to thinking, laughing, living and dancing your way through' She is also writing fiction - which I can't wait to read too. I would recommend her books to anyone learning to deal with an initial cancer diagnosis or learning to thrive afterwards. 

This has been a tough week and I for one am glad it's over.

We had a lovely day with Josh and Debs yesterday. It was really lovely to see their new home and to be able to imagine them there. They are in a perfect location just a minute from Golders Green tube station surrounded by coffee shops! We had a lovely meal out and then walked in Golders Park which has lovely gardens and a little zoo. They have chosen well!

This week is rather full of hospitals with blood tests and renal appointments. Hopefully all will be well.

Tomorrow - I am returning our lounge and dining room back to rights and washing 5days of festival clothes and bedding!

Don't count the days - make the days count. What a good way of living - making each day count. I have been thinking quite a lot about September - for a long time it has been the start of the new year - a new school year and a new start. How will my life be different in September - will it be a new start? I miss order in my days and I miss working. I know I don't have enough energy to work and I am not dependable enough to take on anything where I need to be relied on to turn up. My days remain up and down. I am thankful that I can 'take to my bed' when necessary although this does happen less often now. My mornings are usually slow and I certainly couldn't cope with the stresses of busy days every day. I avoid stress when ever possible. I have started to write - I am not sure where it will lead but I have a story to tell. Maybe it will just be for my family. It speaks of illness and recovery and a hand held so very tightly throughout by the creator of the world, of family and friends who supported and loved . It speaks of the scary world of cancer and the silent world of dialysis. And it speaks of making days count whatever your circumstances - joy found everywhere. Maybe that is my September plan? 

Today - more painting (I am nearly finished), helping a friend sort, putting away the ironing(I hate that job) and maybe a little reading in the sunshine (if we have any). 

New day full of possibilities. I am having coffee with a friend, watering church flowers, finishing the ironing, feeding my friends cat and painting. Ben is off to Reading Festival to pitch his tent typically the weather is changing! He has boots and cagoules at the ready! 

My appointment with my oncologist went very well. My mammogram is clear which is very good news. He thinks that some of the aches and pains I have been having are as a result of the radiotherapy.  It is very reassuring to know that as far as can be known all is well. My oncologist said that normally we would now move to annual appointments but that given my history he would like to continue to see me 6 monthly. I am happy to go with that. He also said that if I had any concerns I was to ring and he would see me straight away. That too is reassuring. While i waited for my appointment I popped in to see the staff and patients on Benyon, the dialysis ward. Every time I go there I am welcomed with open arms. It is hard to be there and remember but it is such an encouragement  to the staff. I have lots of hugs! Sadly I heard that one of the lovely patients who regularly prayed for me has died. She was 92. I feel sad to know that I won't see her again but rejoice that she is in heaven with a new body and not needing dialysis any more. She was so tired. Next Wednesday is my  renal appointment and then hopefully another little break from hospitals. Thank you for your prayers, emails and texts. 

See below for photos of quilts