MY boyfriend has just been told that he has cancer of the lymph glands.

He’s taking it badly and when I asked him what the doctor told him, he said he couldn’t remember other than that they had caught it early. Consequently, he doesn’t know what to do next.

I have tried to get him to tell me more, but he just gets angry and says it will sort itself out. I am worried he is just trying to pretend it will go away. -RT

Fiona says: Your boyfriend is probably in a state of shock. A good indication of this is that he can’t remember what the doctor said.

You are right to say he needs to deal with this and, ideally, he should go back to the doctor and ask for an explanation of what he now needs to do.

It would be a good idea if someone (perhaps you) goes with him this time, to help take on board everything that is said. What he needs now is your love and support so try not to be too forceful.

A good source of help, advice and support is the Lymphoma Association (lymphomas.org.uk) and its freephone helpline: 0808 808 5555.

Why don't they like us?

WHEN we bought our new house three years ago, we quickly made lots of friends and everyone made us feel very welcome.

However, over the past three or four months I have noticed that many of those people we thought were good friends no longer seem quite so friendly.

Some have been openly hostile and I can’t think what has caused this. My husband thinks it’s because they’ve found out we own this house, whereas most people around here are renting. I feel hurt and bewildered.

Fiona says: It’s difficult to be certain why people have changed towards you, and perhaps your husband is right.

Good friends are hard to come by, so I suggest you try to speak to someone you think will be willing to talk. Say you want to put things right, then explain that you value their friendship, but are upset by what you see as a change of attitude towards you.

If you know what the problem is, perhaps there is something you can do to improve things.