Thank you for your thoughts. Sorry to be so long replying but it has been quite busy here. We have had a charmed life for three years (well, for nearly 49) so this is the worse which balances the better. At least the pain is under control so far, may that continue to the end.
Thinking of you Nanachrissie Yes, family ties show their strength at times like these ( and I realise that I mentioned DD1 and DS, but not DD2, who is also equally supportive)
Off to bed now and hope for a quiet night. Might browse round Gransnet first.