Dad is not very well. A new tumour has been found deep in the back of his throat, in his pharynx and going into his voice box (his larynx). This week he has been at Susie and Johnnie's house in Leeds getting spoiled rotten. He was in desperate need of a rest and a chance to get his head round what may happen next.

Options are:

• get treatment for the cancer, which may involve getting a tracheotomy tube and artifical voice box. It will be gruelling, painful and unpleasant and possibly fatal
• Or get no treatment and let the cnacer take its course. This will be gruelling, painful and unpleasant and ultimately fatal.

He's got to choose one of these options on Tuesday and I don't envy the decision.

Mum meanwhile is in St Andrews care home and seems to be settling well. She doesn't understand what is happening to Dad and thinks he is away on holiday.

They are getting means tested next week. This may help to find a way to fund full time care for Mum.

It's all really sad and depressing.