Well, I have finally completed my 12 sessions of chemotherapy and had my PICC line removed yesterday. What a relief. I am quite proud of myself for surviving it so well but it was beginning to take a toll psychologically towards the end. Walking into that hospital with all its strange smells, pumps and bags of chemo and knowing that I would come out feeling not better but worse was really hard to deal with - much harder in fact than the physical effects of the treatment. This morning I was able to bath with abandon, no longer having to worry about keeping my right arm above the water - what a blessed relief.

In contrast to the debilitating physical and psychological effects of the treatment, I have nothing but praise for the staff of the chemotherapy ward. They were unfailingly helpful, considerate, efficient and informative. In fact all the treatment I have received under the NHS, which so many people choose to denigrate, has been brilliant. Sometimes in Britian we forget to talk up the good stuff, being all to ready to dwell on the bad.

That's something I regularly tell my clients, particularly those presenting with depression. I set them the task of buying a special diary and faithfully recording at the end of each day at least three good things that have happened to them, even if it was just a smile from a passer by. It is just so easy to dwell on the negative aspects of the day. Likewise, if you make a bad shot or move in your chosen sport, don't fear making another bad one. Immediately turn your attention to the last brilliant shot you made and focus on that. It will unfailingly lift your mood and improve your performance. Try it out. It works.