Tuesday 22 December part 2

I'm delighted to report that when I visited this morning Helen was much more herself. She ate breakfast, spoke at a fairly normal rate (although still through clenched teeth). She was able to smile normally and to express an interest in the world around her to some degree. She spoke of how much she appreciated Jennifer's visit. As yet she has not had a blood test but Dr L says she bets the sodium is 126! We'll see. They also told me Helen's Hb is 96 and they are considering giving her another blood transfusion to increase her energy and sense of wellbeing. I met Dr H today - the palliative care physician at the Mater - she seems ok. If Helen does stay in Brisbane til she dies there are apparently beds in a suburb called Oxley - not near Louis' home and in a more nearby hospice called Mt Olivet. Unfortunately Mt Olivet is being rebuilt and until April people there will be in 4 bed rooms which is not ideal. Darwin palliative care in also an option but we will have to keep reassessing things. The flat at Dorchester St may need some bathroom modification if she is to come home again there.