Yummy

'When the thoughts are good, the smiles are bigger' (John says, in response to Rita the catering lady pushing her trolley without a scowl on her face). As for me, I was still dozy/dopy after the best night's sleep since I've come in.

71.6 kg, that's my weight. I know, because (for the first time since it was checked in the Day Ward on the 29th), it's just been checked again. There was the inevitable bit of banter between the other guys about how heavy they are (Séamus is 14 stone, Barney 12 and a half in pounds shillings and pence as he asked for, and Michael (which really surprised me) is 15 in old money. I've now checked my own using the conversion widget, and I come out at eleven and a quarter stone or so.

10.37 now. I've just removed the plaster from my arm where the blood sample was taken, and it looks as if bruising is going to develop there now, just as the other arm is showing signs of clearing up. Why can't all these blood-takers use the same technique? Why are some so much better than others? Certainly, today's exponent won't be getting any medals, whereas my favourite who spoke of the little trick massaging the spot and keeping pressure on it before withdrawing the needle: she's the tops, and easily qualifies for the Bloodsucker of the Year award.

2.32 pm. Cariologist: 'I've left a message. I've left it with the people who are on over the weekend. As soon as I hear anything I'll let you know.' Parting shot: 'Now you didn't hear me say this, but you've had chest pain.' 'I have anyway, so I can say that honestly.' Nod nod. Wink wink. I wish I was more of a cute hoore so I can work out what that's supposed to mean. Is it that he'll tell the Mater people this in order to speed things up? Or is it for the benefit of the nursing staff? Bottom line: I'm still waiting for definitive word. Also, I forgot to ask about my cholesterol figures. I must do that next time, so at least I'll have a number to mention to people when they ask.

5.00 pm. Getting things mixed up with the evening meal is most unusual, but the kitchen certainly managed to do it today. Instead of vol au vents and coffee, my tray arrived with fish cakes and tea. Our server was a very big and very tall Eastern European gentleman, but he was much kindlier and gentler than his appearance would lead one to believe. He went off to talk to the kitchen people and came back with something else on a plate. This turned out to be something which was also wrong, and he said the problem was that there weren't any vol au vents in the kitchen, so what he had or a salad was the only option. I had the salad. He came back with coffee, so I guess it could have been worse.

8.15 pm. Carl has just left. We've agreed that our best bet is to cancel our Berlin flights outright and aim to go to there next year at the same time of the year as the original plan. We'll decide about our rest and relaxation package holiday when I get an indication from the medical team of when I'll be right to travel.