Definitely go for it! My partner bought a BMW convertible a few months out of treatment and loved it. When he suggested a Harley a few months later, I bit my normal sensible tongue and thought: no matter what happens in the future he will have fulfilled a lifetime dream. He was down a week ago, thinking cancer was back but got his Harley out and kept going for short rides, which seem to really cheer him up in his darkest moments. Seeing his excitement and pride really helps me too. We have definitely adopted a 'spend as it it was your last day and have no regrets' attitude since his diagnosis, and subsequently I feel as I have a treasure trove of happy memories that it would have taken years to acquire in other circumstances.

It is funny, I have long had an academic interest in the sociology of money and its expenditure - the meanings we give to cash, and the way and we and others spend it. I think cancer really changes that. A few weeks ago we treated several of Chaz's friends to a ridiculously expensive restaurant for Chaz's 50th. One has recently had twins - an addition to 2 teenagers and is busy mapping out a financial plan for the next 20 years. Another had just had a baby and is in dire financial straights, yet another jobless after finishing a masters. When I went to the loo in the middle of the meal I found myself imagining what each of us must have thought when we looked at the prices on the menu and how cancer has affected my money lens.

Paula don't hesitate - I hope you both have a ball!
Cathy