I went in to see Isobel at a quarter to five. She had eaten all of her breakfast and lunch and had not been sick. She was lightly asleep when I arrived and woke quickly. We talked for a few minutes but Isobel did not say a great deal, mainly single words and a few short sentences. Her words were often unclear. The right arm was not very swollen. I read to her from her book for about half an hour until tea arrived rather later than usual.

Isobel ate all the first course of meat, mashed potato and baked beans briskly and without difficulty. After a short break, she drank half a beaker of thickened tea before Dallas and Mike dropped in on their way home from Ramsgate after a week working of the bathroom of the flat Dallas lets out. While we chatted, Isobel finished the tea. She did not say very much while Dallas and Mike were there, and the words were still usually unclear. Mike and Dallas left for Milton Keynes at ten to seven. After Mike and Dallas had gone, Isobel ate one of the pots of balanced food supplement for dessert. It was the first time I had opened one of these and it seemed very palatable.

I read to Isobel from her book for another half hour, she was not very responsive although she was wide awake all the time. Towards the end of this period her speech became clearer, the words said much more distinctly. I had brought in some more skirts for her and marked these up for the Centre laundry. At about a quarter to eight Isobel drank another beaker of thickened tea without any difficulty. I manipulated and massaged her right arm for a few minutes, it is not in too bad a condition and the roll she has been given to clasp is helping to stop the fingers clenching tightly. I put the television on and turned the main light off, we watched some coverage of the Olympics. Isobel was still awake although showing signs of tiredness when I went home at a quarter past eight.

There is no doubt that Isobel is somewhat improved over the past week, but from a very low point. I think we will take the decision tomorrow to increase the steroid dose from 12mg daily to 16mg.