Dear Christine, I am so glad that your husband’s biopsy results have come back clear, that must be a relief. Although I am sorry that the cataract operation you had in February has left you with double vision. I do hope the doctor is right, but it’s hard to take your mind off the worry when as you say, you have almost run out of things to do. Reading etc. can’t be an option for you at the moment, but patience is the key. I’m keeping everything crossed that there will be a positive change ahead. Take care, love Ali x

Wow Judith! That is no mean feat – many congratulations to you for putting so much time and effort into making those scrub bags. And you should feel fulfilled and proud. I think it’s wonderful, and I hope that you enjoyed your well deserved day of doing nothing. Yes, Honey’s cards are still out on the side, and it was even tougher not being with her on her birthday, but Lucy is great at keeping us all in touch with FaceTime and I know there will be better times ahead. You take care and stay safe and well, love Ali xx

My dear Sandra, I am so sorry that you’ve been through such a tough and emotional time, but please just give it time, and it will start to feel easier. It’s perfectly normal to be frightened of the future… I think many of us are for a myriad of different reasons. I believe hanging onto the fact that the treatment both you and I have received has given us our best chance for a healthy future is the only way, but I appreciate some days that’s hard to do. The current situation we’re all living in will pass, and then you will have less to contend with. Please do keep in touch with us here – it’s a fabulous and caring network – and offers great support. Sending my love, Ali xx

Susan, I’m glad you’ve written this to Jo, as I know you comment regularly and were probably concerned as I was – not like Jo at all! I hope you’re keeping everything together and staying safe and well. Ali x

Hi there Dee, yes the blue flowers are called borage. They grow wild, but grow equally well in a garden. Very prickly leaves and stems but you can use the flowers, leaves and the young stems and they apparently taste just like cucumber! Ali x

Dear Tina, I can completely empathise with your feeling out of sorts and confused as to which day of the week it is, and I know it’s not just you and I. So many are struggling as the lockdown continues, and I know it’s the loneliness as much as anything else that makes it difficult.. How kind of your sister-in-law to call round to see you. It’s great to actually see someone even if you can’t physically hug them. Keeping strong and believing that it won’t be too much longer before we can all be together is the only way I find to deal with it. I hope you can hold off using the clippers on your hair! I had to cut my fringe just the other day, but had luckily had a very short cut just before my hair salon closed. I hope you can continue to count your blessings and as you say, things could be worse! Let’s just hand to believing it will all soon be much better, love Ali xx

My dear Jo, firstly I can only apologise for being so tardy in responding and secondly how I really hope that the return of the sunshine has lifted your spirits. It is unusual to hear you being anything other than positive, but I know that the last two months have been incredibly difficult for so many of us. I am sure though even in your most despairing moments you were able to cling onto a glimmer of hope and that now you are feeling stronger? Do let me know how you are aren’t you? Sending you a hug and my love, Ali xx