Iona had not got in to see Isobel last night but we went in together today at about 1pm. Isobel was awake and cheerful.

She had been eating one of the little Thornton's chocolate bars sent by Rhoda when I was in yesterday; I noticed it was still out on her table today and no more had been eaten. Isobel explained that she did not like it, this seemed odd so Iona and I each tasted a square, it was truly disgusting. It was described as chocolate with Tonka bean (see http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/thorntons-milk-chocolate-with-tonka-bean/ ) It is the foulest chocolate I have ever tasted, Iona agrees; this demonstrates isobel has not lost her sense of taste. We compensated for this unpleasant experience by finishing at last the tin of shortbread biscuits, they have been being eaten since Christmas. I have put another packet of biscuits into the shortbread tin and left it out with her chocolate and fruit, visitors can help themselves and of course help Isobel to eat some. Today she was able to eat shortbread biscuits without much trouble, using her left hand. Isobel had a few sensible chocolates after, but did not want any fruit. She now usally has porridge for breakfast; Iona checked the food intake record, Isobel is still eating everything put in front of her.

Isobel's neck was still swollen but she seemed to have more movement of the head and no discomfort. The right hand was still slightly swollen. She was able to lift the right arm slowly, with some difficulty. Her overall condition seems a little bit better, but these are concerning symptoms. I do get the general impression that since Christmas she has less control of her muscles.

After we had been some time with Isobel, Helena arrived to visit. She is the young girl who shared the final room Isobel had in Kings College Hospital when she was recovering from her operation in January 2008. Helena has now finished her training as a nurse and will be starting work as a chemotherapy nurse at Darenth Hospital. The four of us sat around chatting for a long time, although Isobel did not say much, merely responding to direct questions. It was 3pm by the time we all left.

There will not be any blog on Friday or Saturday nights as I am going to Aberystwyth early on Friday morning and returning on Sunday night. Iona will go in to see Isobel and I hope to post a report of the weekend on Sunday night, or failing that Monday morning.