One of my 'tasks' for today is to print clean copies of these two photos... Annie and Lil, two very precious friends whose lives were cut short by breast cancer.

For the sixth time (so it must be a tradition) some of my chemo-buddies and I are meeting up for a catch-up and to relax together.  Almost seven years from my diagnosis (and six from all of theirs, 'I'm the 'big sister') it's fair to say that for most of us the spectre once so large and fearsome has receded very much into the background.  On Friday we will meet the 'miracle baby' of our own 'baby', even now only in her mid thirties, as we share afternoon tea on the banks of the Thames (and hopefully the rain will have stopped by then!).

We will inevitably talk a bit about shared experiences, but more we will simply enjoy ourselves, and chat about what we're doing now.  We will take a moment to remember Annie and Lil, to be grateful for the love and laughter they brought to our lives, and to commit ourselves afresh to living our own lives as fully as we are able.

Of course I can't post a cancer-related post without a little nag to check your bits 'n' bobs, do the screening and report to your GP any persistent coughs, headaches, unexplained weight loss or changes in bladder/bowel habits.  Stay well.  Live, love and laugh.