My Diary – April 2007

Friday 27th April 2007

Last Friday Nic and Rach came over. I’m sure something else happened, but I can’t remember! So much is happening these days.

On Saturday we went to Linda’s at 1pm. We only planned to stay for a couple of hours, but we didn’t get home until 8pm. Simon was there, and he’s hilarious. I can’t tell you about any of his conversations though, because he’s far too rude! We got a Chinese from the end of our road on the way home - I must stop eating them! We’d never gone to that one before - don’t know why - it would have been the logical thing to have done. We normally go to another really nice one. I was very impressed with this Chinese’s chicken balls. They were massive!

On Tuesday morning I had a call from BBC Radio Kent. Someone got in touch with them about me after I spoke at the concert last month. They arranged to come and interview me.

In the afternoon I met my publisher - I love saying that! Her name is Margaret, and she came with Nicola (the promoter) and Naomi (the editor). I baked cakes in the morning, which I thought turned out very well. They were here for three and a half hours, and I had a really nice time. They brought me fudge and chocolate! Thank you! The dogs were quite well- behaved. We gave them something to eat as they arrived, so that they were distracted - the dogs not the guests! They only climbed on our guests a few times! I had no idea how much work goes into publishing a book - but I’m very excited about it. We discussed the front cover, photos, promotions, the press and lots more. I will get a schedule soon of what will happen when. The publisher is Hodder, and they are going to print 15,000 copies of my book! I can’t wait until I’m on shelves all over the country!

Just after they left I had a call from the Herne Bay Times newspaper to talk about the sponsored walk, so it was quite a busy day!

On Wednesday morning I had the interview with BBC Radio Kent. Someone called Jo came, and we spoke for about an hour about the things I do. Then she turned the mike on, and started recording. I was rubbish at answering her questions though. Molly was on my lap right next to the mike, and snored and breathed deeply now and again. I went to college again afterwards. There’s only five weeks left. Woohoo!

On Thursday I went to the hospital to see a specialist at the haemophilia clinic. He was very nice, and put my mind at ease about the blood clot. He said it won’t move, and will disperse in time. He has given me a prescription for new stockings. The ones I have at the moment are a bit too tight, and leave purple marks on my feet for days. I only have to wear one stocking on the leg with the clot. I’ve been wearing them on both legs, but I’m glad it’s only one now. We discussed if I should try Warfrin again, but I would need a blood test at least once a week to check that it was working. To be honest, the injections I’m getting now are a lot easier. I can’t be bothered with the fuss of changing things, and getting used to something else. I’m going to stay on the daily injections for the time being. I’m a lot happier about the clot - well as happy as you can be for a giant thing blocking your vein.

Afterwards I went to St Nick’s School, where I used to go, to meet The Countess of Wessex. We arrived at about 12 noon. I spoke to lots of people there that I hadn’t seen since last summer. I also chatted to the people from ‘MOVE’, and then the Countess arrived. She went into the hall to watch the children perform a routine. I stayed in another room, because it would have been too noisy. While we were waiting, the Lord Mayor, Pat Todd, who I met last year at the Demelza bus rally, was there and came to say hello. He’s been reading my column every week in the local paper. He’s really nice and funny. MOVE is a physio programme for children with disabilities. I gave a speech at the House of Lords about it last year. They are trying to promote it, and get more schools to do it. Everyone had badges on with their names, and their connection to MOVE. Mine said my name and MOVE ambassador.

After a little while the Countess joined us for lunch. There were ten of us at the table, including the headteacher of St Nick’s, and some of the people who run the MOVE programme. I was one person away from the Countess. She was very nice, and the whole occasion was relaxed. We had a buffet lunch, but I nibbled on the crisps, because I didn’t want to be heard crunching really loudly! That lasted about 20 minutes, and then we all went to the hall where the Countess unveiled a plaque for the new school. Meridian TV were there, and recognised me from being on the show last year. A photographer and reporter from the Gazette were there too, and they’ve photographed and spoken to me several times over the years. It was really nice seeing everyone again. We left at about 3pm.

This is the first photo taken of me with my hair growing back. Impressive huh? People keep saying I look a bit like Sinead O’Connor. I still wear my wig if I go out, but I don’t in the house now. Thanks to Colin for taking the photo, and to Phil for fixing it because he’s no good at taking them!

This morning I was on BBC Radio Kent - a programme that started at 7am! I didn’t listen to it then, but I listened online later at: BBC Radio Kent. Click on John Warnett’s show - it’s about 48 minutes in. Enjoy!  

Tonight I’m at the ball!

Tomorrow I am doing my sponsored walk from the Clock Tower in Herne Bay to Tankerton Castle. I’m not sure how many people are taking part, but there are at least fifteen. Hopefully the weather will be nice. Please sponsor me, if you’re able to, at

www.justgiving.com/nicoleschallenge - every penny helps. Thank you.

I have updated my ‘About Me’ page for those who are new to my site. Please sign my guest book before you leave.

Love Nicole xxx

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Friday 20th April 2007

On Monday I went to college for an extra lesson. Shakespeare is giving me a hard time! I think I have finally got the hang of ‘Othello’ now.

I went to Slimming World on Wednesday morning – not for me though! The lady who runs it said she would do a fundraiser for me, and asked if I would go along to one of her lessons and talk to the people about the Silver Lining Appeal. She is doing an auction, so she has asked everyone in her group to bring something in. I’m going to auction a 2 ft Winnie the Pooh - I have two of them, and a giant Eeyore. Mum’s fed up with them! Eeyore is on top of my wardrobe at the moment wearing my tiara, and one Winnie is in the attic. There were around 30 people there, and Linda and her friend Simon met us when we arrived. Simon was eating a chocolate bar - I don’t think he’s quite got the hang of dieting! I spoke at the beginning, practically as soon as I arrived, so I wasn’t prepared. I just rambled on for a bit, and forgot to breathe again. I must practise that, but at least I didn’t sound emotional this time! We stayed for the whole lesson, and learnt about fats, carbs, healthy eating, etc. All I was thinking throughout it though was that I wanted some chips! After the lesson we went to Sarre Windmill with Linda, Simon and another friend of Linda’s, Tina, for lunch. I had to go straight to college afterwards while Mum went into town and picked up my charm bracelet from the jewellers - it was having the charms soldered on. My last charm was a fantastic silver and pink handbag from Evelyn for Easter. The bracelet is really heavy to wear now!

All my coursework has been handed in. Good riddance to Shakespeare! I just have to memorise nine poems and nine stories now, because in the exam I have to compare one of them with an unseen poem. Why they can’t just tell us what story and poem it will be, I don’t know. It would make it a lot easier.

It was an early start on Thursday as we had to be at the William Harvey Hospital for 9am. We were still late, even though we left at 8am and the journey’s usually only half an hour. I had an ultrasound on my leg, and the clot is still there - from my lower stomach to my knee - and is blocking the vein. Blood is only flowing through the vein next to it. Afterwards we went to the children’s ward for our six-monthly appointment with Dr Martin. Our appointment wasn’t until 11.50am, and we got there at 10.30. I was given a really nice Easter egg, which I think was delivered by the bike run that happens each year, where hundreds of bikers collect Easter eggs and take them to hospitals and hospices. We went to the nice adolescent room with lovely smelling leather couches. Mum made us a cup of tea, and got a pile of magazines ready to read to me. Then while I was munching on a flapjack the nurse said Dr Martin would see me early, so we took our cuppa and egg with us!

I have to stay on the injections for probably another six months. Good job I’m coping with them. I’ve been getting hot flushes like I got last year. They stopped while I was on chemo, and I forgot about them, but they’ve come back. Dr Martin doesn’t know why, and basically I just have to put up with them. I asked if I was allowed to give blood, because that’s something I’d like to do one day. The answer was no for the moment because I still have chemo in my body. I then asked about being an organ donor, and was told I could only give away some of my organs because the others would be damaged from the chemo. I was feeling very unwanted! I already know I can never be a bone marrow donor due to the chemo, because I looked into that a year ago. Mum and I went shopping afterwards, but I didn’t get spotted this time.

I am meeting my publisher on Tuesday. How cool does that sound?! I’m really looking forward to it.

I have about ten people taking part in next weekend’s sponsored walk. Please email me if you’d like to take part.

Please sign the guest book.

Love Nicole xxx

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Friday 13th April 2007

Last Friday Linda, Nanny, Julie, Auntie Jean and my cousin, Megan, came over and I told them about the publisher. They’re all really excited for me. I made chocolate crispies and put mini eggs on the top to make them look Easterish, but the box of cornflakes had been open for a while, so they were more like chocolate soggies! Still, the eggs were nice.

On Sunday we went to Linda’s for Easter. It was such nice weather - I almost got a tan! We sat in her back garden for most of the afternoon. Linda opened all her birthday presents from us, because the next day she was having lots of people popping in and out, and we wouldn’t have had a chance to sit and go through the presents. Mum had made her lots of things, like a picture with old black and white photos with funny slogans underneath, and stuff to remind her of her childhood. We had a Chinese in the evening. It was lovely because I hadn’t had one for about six weeks. I was totally stuffed afterwards.

It was Linda’s birthday on Monday. We popped in to see her, before going to Nanny’s for lunch. The weather was so nice again.

Where does a girl go to celebrate being an author? Pizza Hut! Well, this girl does anyway. That’s where I went on Tuesday with the girls. Rachel had to work, so couldn’t come. It was good to be out with them again. Some advice to people eating pizza - don’t wear white! I stupidly did!

The result of my blood test last week came back fine. I don’t have another one now for two months.

On Wednesday Sue, my ex community nurse, came over with her puppy Muti. Sue loves being retired. Muti is a Border Terrier, and is really cute. She has long legs and huge paws, which I love. She’s four months old, and is already bigger than Molly and Daizy. Daizy was really mean to her, and just kept barking! Molly was more bothered by the fact that Sue was here and behaved herself as usual. Muti was into chewing all sorts, from pot pouri to left over sagging balloons from our party.

I got told a story this week about two children I know who got a free pack of sunflower seeds with the Gazette a few weeks ago. They were bored - it was their Easter holiday - so planted two seeds in the gardens of everyone in their village. A genius idea! It will be a BIG surprise when they start to grow!

Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary to Evelyn and David for Thursday.

I’ve been invited to another Ball at the end of the month by Demelza. It’s at Brands Hatch, and celebrity chef Brian Turner will be cooking for us. There will be 500 people there, and I’m really excited about it. There’s a champagne reception, music and an auction. I’ll have to get used to champagne with all these events I’m going to.

Next week I’m back at college, and going to Slimming World! More on that next week!

Please sign the guest book before you leave. You might as well while you’re here!

Love Nicole xxx

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Friday 6th April 2007

Exclusive news coming up!!

I can’t believe we’re in April already! On Friday I decided to start physio again. I walked about thirty steps with my walking frame. I was a bit wobbly, but better than I thought I would be. I’m really looking forward to getting back to the gym.

On Monday Evelyn came over to help me with some post. I’d written quite a few letters to some of the ‘Pals’ on Post Pals. Their web address is: www.postpals.co.uk I’d put little chocolates in their letters too for Easter. Once we had finished Evelyn said she didn’t think they would fit into the narrow slot as first class post under the new system, and told me about her friend who irons her post to make it flatter! I felt like doing that, but didn’t think it was a good idea with the chocolate!

On Tuesday we were going to go shopping, but Mum had a bad migraine. I didn’t mind not going. I was happy enough staying at home in my pj’s! I had a blood test in the afternoon. I’m getting quite good at having them done, but I still hate them. A little tip to anyone who uses Ametop cream to numb the hand before the needle goes in - leave it on for two hours. I know it says 45 minutes on the box, but you can still feel it after that time. Two hours makes it really numb. Heidi, my community nurse, did my blood test. I trust her, and she is the only one from the community nursing team who I will let do it from now on. Luckily she isn’t retiring for another 40 years. I found out that when Heidi did my blood test two weeks ago; it was the first one she had done after being off work for a year and a half to have a baby! Good job I didn’t know that at the time! Mum filmed me having it done. I’m still filming my journey, but it’s less frequent now.

Wednesday was a brilliant day. Evelyn came again to help me send more post, but that’s not why it was brilliant - no offence, Evelyn! First of all Mum got a call in the morning from Daniel, the Headteacher at my old school. The Countess of Wessex is going to the school in a few weeks’ time to see the children do their ‘Move’ routines (physio programme), and unveil a plaque for the new school. I was invited in November to meet her, but was sworn to secrecy, so couldn’t say anything. Daniel phoned to say that afterwards she will be having lunch with about twelve people, and I’ve been invited to be one of them! This will be the third time I’ve met her. I wonder if she’ll remember me?

The brilliant part of the day came when I spoke to Lindsey, the agent who has been working on my book. I have a publisher! It was great that Evelyn was here when I got the call. To celebrate we opened a box of pink champagne truffles that I had been given for my birthday. I couldn’t stop smiling all day, and I have to say, was being extremely big headed! I can’t name the publishers yet, but it’s all really exciting. Oh, I nearly forgot the best part… my book will be out in January 2008! I’m not going to say any more at the moment - just remember though… you heard it here first! All I need now is a briefcase for my business meetings!

This is me on the phone to Lindsey. I put the flaps up on my hat. How cool do I look?!

On Thursday I went to Pam’s house. She did the catering for our party. Her daughter’s rabbit had bunnies – perfect time of year - so we were visiting the six rabbits and their mum. They were so cute and soft. I held three of the bunnies and the mum. I couldn’t believe how well behaved they were. I just sat stroking them for ages, and they didn’t even move. I sooooooooooo wanted to bring one home. I asked, but it was a no. Maybe it was because I asked for two! Rabbits are one of my favourite animals, along with dogs, monkeys and tortoises. I used to have two rabbits, which I got as a present after my first operation. Molly and Daizy sniffed me like mad when I got home. Hilary and John dropped off a big pink fluffy rabbit with a carrot for Easter. It was the same one that was at the raffle on the night of Hilary’s poem evening last month, and I had my eye on it. Someone won it and I wasn’t happy, but now I have one too! It is very cute - thank you Hilary and John.

Hair update - lots of it! I have a full head of stubble now. It’s like a boy’s very short cut. My eyebrows are getting thicker, and my eyelashes are perfect!

Happy Birthday to my little cousin, Greg. He’s 7 today, and Happy Birthday to Sam who is 14 tomorrow. Also, Happy 50th Birthday to Linda for Monday!

I hope everyone has a ‘Hoppy Easter’! I certainly will now that I’m an author!

Love Nicole

Author/journalist (How good does that look, Lindsey!) xxx