News 2005

Here is an online journal of my fight against the childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

My battle against Neuroblastoma started in September 2005, to read my journal from the beginning simply scroll to the bottom of this page and work your way to the top.

To read my journal from 21st May 2007 onwards, simply click on NEWS on the left hand side of this page.

I have just returned from my trip to Euro Disney, a huge thank-you to my friends at The Thomas Ball Charity for making this happen, there is so much that people take for granted when taking a holiday which are a huge hassle for us.

For example before I was even allowed out of the country I have to be insured and documents need to be signed by my Doctors, and even then very few companies will insure me, and the ones that do charge a massive amount of money. The Thomas Ball charity made everything as easy as they could and I have had the time of my life in Paris. A huge kiss to you all.

I want to say a huge thank-you to the wonderful Jodie and all who were involved in raising money at Moseley park school in the West Midlands, by getting the teenage boys to wear make-up! Jodie had 2 volunteers but when more people found out about it they were keen to do their bit too! the idea was for the boys to do the girls make up and the girls to do the boys, but after we they had made the boys up they got very excited and went around all the classrooms in the school collecting money for little old me and forgot to do their own make up (ha ha). people either chose to sponsor or gave to the collection on the day.

With the money they raised, they brought a huge trampoline for me and Louis to have fun with this summer, We are so grateful to you all and are so touched by everyone's kindness, to think how selfless they have been in their quest to keep us both smiling is very special.

Both Louis and I have had some rough times, but with the support we receive from my friends all over the world, I feel on top of the world, I will never forget how much you have all done for me.

We have both been on the Trampoline constantly, I will post some pictures soon so you can see just how much fun we are having.

As many of my regular visitors know, my friend Kahlilla who I call my twin, has recently discovered this nasty disease is back and is now having treatment again.

I have received an e-mail from her family that I wish to share with you all, and hope that you will visit her site by clicking the picture or simply send her some positive thoughts, they all need your support so much at the moment.

I have a message from Lilla's mum, Nell. It is heartfelt, and it needs the support of Lilla's friends.
Nell.." maybe, just maybe, we can collectively create a miracle, simply by asking for one. For those whose hearts have been touched by Kahlilla, I have a simple request.
With sincerity, ask the Universe for a miracle, one of saving Kahlilla's life and letting her live a long and fulfilled life. It's not an unreasonable wish, and one we can all relate to.
Our child has suffered long enough and I believe it's time the Universe and all the love and miracles in it are bestowed upon Lilla.
Please put aside a moment each day, maybe when the sun sets, even as you go to sleep, to make this simple request. believe it, demand it and maybe we can make a miracle". Love, Nell.
Poppy... this message has a note of desperation about it, understandably so. It also relates to all the little ones who are suffering and deserve a fair go.
Give it some thought tonight, they all need your energy.
Love from Lilla's poppy, Nell's dad.

You will all be pleased to hear that no news is good news, I must admit I have been so busy playing with my friends and going to playschool that I have neglected you all recently. Thanks so much for all the fantastic child friendly websites that you have sent me, I am hoping to have my very own page containing all my favourite websites, so it is nice and easy for me to find everything that I want.

Thanks so much for thinking of me, and please stay in touch. I will do my best to update you with news, stories and pictures as soon as I have more to tell you about.

Last week I developed a nasty rash and my skin was very red and itched really bad, it was very horrible but after lot's of special cream it's just about back to normal again. I have been getting some belly ache recently too but apart from that I am doing ok at the moment.

The weather is getting warmer, the nights longer, I can feel that summer is nearly here and I love playing outside in the fresh air, and if all that isn't enough, I'm going to Euro Disney soon.

I even went round to a friends house to play recently, who is a boy so I guess you could call him a boyfriend but not in the way that you are all thinking.

Finally I owe you all an apology as I forgot to tell you something recently, many of you may remember that when I was first diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, I said I wanted to go to Drayton Manor Park and go on the Elephant Ride. There have been many times during my treatment that I thought I would never get the chance to visit there again.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go, and I loved every second of it, and you will all be pleased to here that I went on the Elephant ride again. Sorry I forgot to tell you, but I have been so busy having fun recently that it slipped my mind.

Louis and I also love playing games on the computer, so if you know of any child friendly website's please let us know, as we are getting a little bored with CBeebies, because we are big children now.

My hero Brendan Devlin ran 26 miles and 385 yards in the London Marathon today in 3 hours 40, which is 2 minutes slower than last year but I will let him off as he's not getting any younger. He knows I'm only teasing, I'm so proud of him.

If you haven't sponsored him, please drop by his page by clicking on his picture below.

Why have I been so quiet, is the question that everyone has been asking, in answer to your question, you will be pleased to hear I have been off on a big Aeroplane to see my Uncle David and Aunty Mel and their lovely children in Germany. Both Louis and I love playing with them all.

My brother Louis is really grown up now and was seen driving a big red tractor in Germany, despite my plea's to jump up and down on the big red tractor, he settled for driving it instead. If that's not enough he returned home and has just mastered the art of riding his bike without any stabilizers. Now he can balance fine, there's no stopping him and he is cycling at top speed everywhere, so watch out.

Louis also attracted a young lady in Germany who took quite a shine to him and wouldn't stop kissing him, I have photographic evidence so I warn him I will show his friends if he gets cheeky with me. Could this be the beginning of a overseas romance?

The weather has been really warm here at the moment, so I have been busy playing outside on my pretty princess bike and only returning inside for an ice cream to cool down.

Regular visitors will know all about my very special friend that I call my twin in Australia, of course I am talking about Kahlilla who was born the same day as me and was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma around the same time as me.

We today learned some very bad news which has left us all in a state of shock, here are a few lines from her online diary.

"Kahlilla's left leg was hurting again yesterday and she started limping. Mum took her to the hospital today and her oncologist ordered a bone scan. A few agonising hours later, our worst fears were realised when Dr Waters told Mum that Kahlilla has a neuroblastoma tumour in her left femur (thigh)"

Despite being on opposites sides of the world, we have become so close and this news is heartbreaking, please visit her site and give this beautiful little girl and her family your full support. They need your positive thoughts more than ever, so please help them the same way you have all helped me many times before.

Positive thoughts and love are needed as I am sure they will help her fight this disease once again,.

I have been feeling a little tired and poorly for the last few days and had a sore tummy, but hoping it's just the effects of a cold which everyone round here seems to be fighting. Poor Louis has the nasty cold too and has spent much of the day coughing.

Don't go thinking that I'm sat around feeling sorry for myself though, it will take more than a common cold to keep this girl down. It appears that I can do no wrong at the moment as everyone is continually laughing at my gags and antics.

There's no better feeling in this world than making someone smile, and I hope you don't mind me blowing my own trumpet by saying I'm very good at it.

I can make anyone laugh within 30 seconds, or Louis in under 5 seconds, but he is so easy.

There are so many Easter Eggs coming our way at the moment, I better be careful or I won't fit into my swimming costume in the summer so I promise not to each them all straight away.

We have all been so down recently after hearing so many sad stories about children losing their battle against Neuroblastoma, sometimes it can be very hard being so positive when surrounded by such awful statistics and the harsh reality of this disease.

A quick visit to the website of Jay Bull soon made me realise that odds and percentages, are meaningless, he is a fantastic boy and hope you drop by and tell him just how special he is.

Jay Bull is a real inspiration to us all, he fights tirelessly in Australia to publicises NB and has won many awards, and is regularly in the newspapers. He really is an amazing young man!

I have just found out that Briony Woodward died last monday[19th march] aged 3 from Neuroblastoma, she always used to sign my guestbook when I was very poorly and when her Mummy showed her photos of me on the computer, she would say `look mummy tube like me.

It breaks my heart to hear of another little girl like me, losing her battle against Neuroblastoma and it makes me more determined than ever to make a difference against this nasty and deadly disease. Please join me, even if it is just telling a few friends about Neuroblatoma, raising awareness is priceless and only takes a few minutes.

I would like all the Woodward family to know that we send our love to you all, and our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

My skin is still very flaky and itchy but much better than a few days ago, so my smile has returned again.

You will happy to hear that I'm still singing and smiling and loving life at the moment, please continue to follow my story as I may have a small favour to ask in May.

The love, support, positive thoughts and so much more that everyone of you from all over the world has sent me since my site was created is appreciated more than you could ever know.

I had to visit the hospital today, because my skin is really suffering due to the Retinoic Acid treatment, I have had no sleep at all for the last few nights and have been in so much pain. If any of you reading this have seen the TV show or film "The Singing Detective" you may recall a man in it with really bad sore skin. That's what mine feels like at the moment.

It's hard to believe my skin has gone from beautiful and smooth on my birthday, to really itchy, sore and flaky within a few days.

They are going to monitor the dose that I am taking, and also advised that I'm scheduled for an MRI scan in May, which is quite scary as it will reveal if I am still free of Neuroblastoma.

Keep those positive thoughts coming my way as this really is a critical time few months for me.

It's not all about me, today belongs to my fantastic brother Louis who celebrates his 6th Birthday. He getting so tall and grown up now but one thing that will never change, and that's his wonderful ability to make me smile day or night.

I am feeling fantastic and enjoying going to pre school, with my own friends and loving the fact that nobody stares anymore at the girl with a tube in her nose with no hair. It's nice to feel like I fit in with all the other children my age.

Everyone is saying how funny and witty I am, so maybe there's a future in stand up comedy for me.

However it breaks my heart to see so many children getting their angel wings, and want you all to know how passionate we all are on making a difference against Neuroblastoma.

No matter where in the world you are reading this, please take a few moments of your time and make someone you know aware of Neuroblastoma and it's devastating effects.

I know together we can make a difference against this disease, and think you will all be amazed at just how quickly we can spread the word around the world.

There is NO direct government funded research into this Neuroblastoma and drug companies only fund research into diseases that will make profitable returns for their share holders.

I have just discovered that Amelia Price lost her battle against Neuroblastoma at the weekend and has earnt her angel wings.

Amelia will always be a beautiful, amazing and special girl that will never be forgotten and I urge everyone who follows my story to spare a thought for her family at this very sad time.

After spending my 3rd birthday in hospital last year, this girl was ready to party today. No NG Tube, No Hickman line 'Wigglies' coming out my chest this year, I'm armed only with a new Kylie hair style and a new dress. So hey Mr DJ put a record on.

It's my brothers birthday on Wednesday and two of his school friends Olivia and Georgia also have birthday so we had a huge roller skating and bouncy castle party with over 40 children, it was amazing and they all sang Happy Birthday to me as I blew out the candles on my cake.

I had a brand new princess bike and so many cards and presents from all over the world, in fact I got so many I was buried in wrapping paper, although I am unable to thank each of you individually, I want you to know that I'm so grateful and want to give you all a huge thank-you for making my birthday a day to remember and for making me feel like a very special little girl.

Bike Riding, Roller Skating, Jumping on a Bouncy Castle, Dancing, Singing, Smiling and opening my presents were just a few of the things that I enjoyed today, people seem concerned that this disease could re-appear without warning, but I am concentrating on enjoying every second of this crazy life and filling it with very happy memories.

I'm so happy at the moment and love being a strong, determined independent fun loving gal, people are starting to see me as the princess that I am and not just a poorly little girl that's different from other children. I still have a very long journey with my battle against Neuroblastoma and I hope you will all continue to follow my story, we are friends forever now.

In just a few days time I'm going to be 4 years old! I'm such a big girl, I'm going to pre-school making my own friends and everything, it's a really good time for me at the moment. I have been getting lot's of cards and little gifts from all over the world via Post Pals too, so a huge thank-you in advance. My big brother is about to celebrate his 6th birthday too, and I thought I was all grown up.

My friend in Australia who I call my twin has been having a few problems lately and feeling poorly, so please drop by and make sure she has a good birthday too. http://www.kahlilla.com/blyssFeb07.htm

I may have been a little quiet recently but rest assured it's only because I'm having so much fun.

I wish you could have seen me climbing to the top of the slide on my own and flying off the edge into the pit of coloured balls.

It's just so much fun being me, and yet so busy trying to fit in going to the pub for dinner, soft play, the park, pre school, dressing up and playing with my super cool brother Louis.

On Friday I swallowed the tablet easily and was feeling very confident, but when I tried on Saturday I had a few problems and struggled to swallow it which has knocked my confidence a little.

Apart from that I am feeling amazing and cannot stop singing, my current favourite goes like this

"He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined
When you were young"

Have you heard it? if not maybe I should sing it on video for you. I'm off to bed now, I better get some sleep as It's pre school tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing my new best friend Ebony.

As you can see by my latest picture, I am still feeling fantastic and dare I be a little vain and say looking pretty good too, with my new hair.

Sorry If I worried you all by going quiet, but the truth is, I haven't had much to report as I have been so busy playing, singing, going to school and even making a snowman a few weeks ago. Everyone was complaining about the snow but I loved it.

The main reason for today's update, is I have something to tell you all which I am so proud of. For many weeks now, I have been struggling taking my Retinoic Acid and I Mummy has tried various ways of encouraging me to take them but mostly they have been mixed in food.

However today, I was feeling like a big girl, and I said "I want to swallow the tablet with some Orange and Lemonade please" The tablet went down straight away and with little fuss, I'm so proud of myself and feel like a really big girl. How Cool Am I?

Thanks so much for all your cards, e-mails and gifts from all over the world, everyone says I'm growing up fast, but you all make me feel a very special little girl.

I had a great day today, with boundless amounts of energy, I made everyone smile when I put on my old fashioned nurse outfit and used the cape as wings and said "Look I'm a flying Nurse" I don't know why they thought it funny, there was a programme called Flying Doctors wasn't there? so why not Flying Nurses?

Sorry for going quiet on you all, although I am feeling fantastic my dolls have been a ill, so I have been taking good care of them and I have been helping them get better too.

When not looking after my dolls or entertaining Louis, I'm off to Pre School making my very own friends, it's busy being me.

My hair is growing fast and furious and may need some girly hair products soon, maybe my birthday if I'm lucky. I can't believe I'm going to be 4 soon, I really am becoming a big girl.

I love singing, playing and making people laugh, I guess you could say I'm a fun lovin gal.

My face is a little sore at the moment but I've had worse so won't complain too much to you all, because we all know by now, complaining and feeling sorry for myself, just isn't my bag baby!

I've really enjoyed today, I painted a nice tea set at Nana Diane's and I'm looking forward to showing all my dolls and spoiling them with tea and treats.

I also enjoyed a great game of hide and seek today, I know where all the best hiding places are and using great stealth, I lie quiet and motionless so even if someone is in the same room, they don't know I'm there.

The lovely people at the Thomas Ball Charity were going to take me to Euro Disney with them before Christmas, but I wasn't well enough to make the trip so was very sad to miss out.

However, behind the scenes, they have raised the cash to send both Louis and I on a fantastic trip of a lifetime to Euro Disney!

How special is that? After everything I have been through, it warms our hearts so much to think that people have put so much time, effort and money into providing us with a very special holiday.

The charity was setup by the family of Thomas Ball who tragically lost his battle with Neuroblastoma but were able to turn a negative into something very positive, and are responsible for putting a huge smile on many children's faces.

To call them very special would be a massive under statement, if you have a moment please drop by their website by clicking on the link below and thank them too. Mummy always says you should reward good behaviour, and I couldn't agree more!

We are hoping to be taking the Euro Disney trip in May but will let you know exactly when we are going. We are both really excited.

I need to give a huge thank you to a very special girl called Natalia who raised some money and has sent me a cheque to pay for a character breakfast when I'm at Euro Disney. Natalia you are a star of the brightest magnitude and I can't wait to show you the photo's when I return.

I am over whelmed by the kindness I have received from all over the world, you make this girl feel very special, and want each and every one of you to know that every message, positive thought, gift, card, letter etc is appreciated more that you can ever know.

My hero Brendan Devlin ran 26 miles and 385 yards in the London Marathon last year in 3 hours 38 minutes and raised over £1,000 after being inspired by little old me.

Despite performing beyond the call of duty, this amazing man, is doing it all again in April, please drop by the link below to offer your support.

I have also heard that a lady called Alice Tell has been inspired by little old me and she promises not to have a good time for 60 days to help raise awareness and funds for Georgie's Fund, for more details click here

Although my face is quite sore, I'm still happy and having lot's of fun. Mummy has decorated my room with my favourite character Pepper Pig and it's a lovely girly bedroom, I absolutely love it to bits, but I still prefer to sleep in Mummy's big bed though.

I get the impression that my new room is to tempt me back into my own bedroom, but I'm not ready just yet. I will get there in my own time, don't worry.

Despite a few problems, I'm still facing everyday with a smile and a song, so if your reading this and having a rough time yourself at the moment, why not give it a try.

Everyone is trying to encourage me to eat properly at the moment, and even going to the lengths of offering me 1 penny for everything I eat, maybe I could make a large amount of money out of this. Seriously though, I don't have the tube in my nose anymore, so if I'm to keep it out for good, I must start to eat more or I will start to lose weight very quickly.

I really don't feel like eating much, but I am trying and although I have a long way to go, I'm eating little amounts and after 18 months of eating nothing, I think I'm doing alright.

I must admit though, I can be quite fussy, when I was at pre school, Julie brought me a Banana which was chopped up and I got upset and refused it, because I will only eat a banana if I can hold it like a big girl. It may sound a little silly, but I am a diva you know.

Just as a girl starts to feel like everyone else, with my head of hair and no tubes in my nose or wires coming out of my chest, my face is getting very sore and red which is a side affect of the Retinoic Acid that I am taking at the moment.

I have tried everything that people have suggested and despite bathing in Vitamin E cream and various other potions, my sensitive skin is suffering. Despite even using the cream before the starting the treatment again, it is still really sore and painful.

I have only made pre school on Wednesday this week, but hope to get back to normal. next week

I started the day, feeling fantastic and even enjoyed a huge play fight with Grandad Dave, but in the afternoon I became very tired and fell asleep. This is really not like me as life is much too short for afternoon naps, so I had my temperature taken and it was a whopping 39.8!

A quick call was given to the hospital and they said come to E37 ASAP! Just before we left Daddy's friend Simon, who we call Santa arrived with some post from Post Pals. Thanks so much for all the cards and gifts sent to me, we love reading everyone and to receive mail from all over the world is wonderful.

A special thank-you to all at the Thomas Ball Children's Charity, who had sent me and Louis a special cuddly toy, all the way from Euro Disney, we missed out on a trip there with them as I was poorly but they sent us a present when they returned. Both me and Louis loved our present and we made sure they came to the hospital with us. Thanks so much for keeping us smiling.

As you all know, I am currently wire free, which is fantastic but not so good when the hospital want to perform blood tests as it means I have to endure a big needle to take the blood. I'm a brave girl but I get really upset when they take blood and was heard shouting "Ouch....Ouch....Ouch" throughout the ward.

5 minutes later, I was fine and held some cotton wool over my little poorly, and made sure I got a sticker for my troubles.

Shortly afterwards a urine sample was needed so had to go to the toilet on demand whilst Mummy had the great job of trying to catch the wee in a tiny container. It was quite comical, trying to convince me to wee and catch it at the same time, but we did it.

I waited at the hospital until gone midnight, until they finally said I could go home as the tests didn't reveal anything to worry about, so we could go home to our own beds.

A very busy day, but it was nice to be cuddled up in my own bed with my new Disney cuddly toy.

As you know by now, the wires in my chest which I called my 'Wigglies' were removed before Christmas, which left me with just my NG Tube, which is fed through my nose, down my throat and into my belly. This tube had to stay in place until I was able to eat via my mouth again like every other boy and girl out there.

I am so happy to tell you all that the tube has finally been removed, so after 16 months, I'm finally wire free!

At last I can have my picture taken, without everyone pointing to the tube stuck to my cheek, but what makes me happiest is knowing I can play and party hard at home and with my new friends at pre school without the worry of somebody catching the tube.

It's been a long ride and although my battle is far from over, it's great to have some normality back in my life.

It was my first day back at pre school today and I loved every second of it, not only because I am enjoying being a normal little girl making my own friends and not being in hospital, but it is fantastic to be re-united with my old friend Julie who really takes care of me. It was so nice when she held my hand and made me feel at home with all the other children.

My face is looking better at the moment as the Doctors advised me to stop taking the Retinoic Acid for a few days and they will review the dose that I am taking. So whilst I am waiting I'm looking good again, or so they tell me.

My hair is coming back thick and fast at the moment, and it feels kinda weird, I keep stroking it and wonder if my curls will be returning soon too, I have been without hair for well over a year now and it really didn't bother me too much but I must admit I'm looking forward to doing lot's of girly things with my hair in the near future.

Although I am feeling fantastic at the moment, I was very sad to hear about another child in the UK who has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma called Emma, her parents say that little old me have inspired them to help raise the profile of this nasty childhood cancer by setting up a website which follows her journey too.

Please drop by and say hi, if you have a few moments, you all helped me so much and I will never forget what a difference you all make.

Together, we are proving we can make a difference in raising awareness about Neuroblastoma and hope one day it will inspire someone to find a cure.

The party season is finally over and guess and would love to detox with the rest of you girls out there but I'm afraid it would take far too long with all the chemicals in my little body.

I spent New Year with my Nana Diane and Grandad Dave, and also enjoyed playing with Aunty Lynsey's children Dylan and Dean who are nearly as mischievous as Louis and I. We all have so much fun when together and always seem to be able to make all those big adults smile.

On a downside I am really struggling with Retinoic Acid, because it has made my sensitive skin very sore, my cheeks are very red and really hurt at the moment. I must admit that sometimes it really gets me down and I have to have a really good cry.

I am still not eating a great amount which means that I still have this NG tube in my nose which again is making it very hard to give me the Retonic Acid.

If there are any parents out there who have any experience with this, please drop me an e-mail, any tips would be appreciated.

You will be very pleased to hear that I had a wonderful Christmas, and enjoyed daily parties, games and the most fun I've had in a long time. You could say I have been quite a socialite or even the new Paris Hilton as I have been to all the best parties in the UK.

My Aunty Kerron and Uncle Gordon invited us all to spend Christmas in Bicester with them, along with Uncle David, Aunty Mel and their two lovely children Lisa and Jordan all the way from Germany. With 4 excited children at Christmas to look after, luckily Nana Pam was on hand too to keep us all occupied.

The days went so quickly and were filled with so much fun, I feel such a happy little gal and loving every second. I don't know if we have any pictures of us from our stay, so I am hoping that my Uncle Gordon will be able to send some we can use in the next few days.

After spending most of the Christmas in their lovely house, I must admit it looked a little trashed by the time we left, but that's the sign of a good party isn't it?

Before Christmas the Postman brought a huge parcel containing lot's of Christmas presents from our friends at Neuroblastoma charity Georgies Fund. The gifts made me and Louis so happy and it felt like Christmas had come early.

I want to thank them so much for the gifts and for thinking of my wonderful brother Louis, I get so many cards, messages and gifts from all over the world and he never complains but enjoys helping me open them.

It was fantastic to see his face when he opened his Robosapien, and his Leapster Learning Pad, they made two children very happy, so a huge thanks to everyone at Georgie's Fund.

I've got some more parties to attend, so I will leave you for now but rest assured this girl is feeling F.I.N.E fine.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts and cards from all over the world that have been sent our way via Post Pals. Louis and I had so much opening everything and it feels like Christmas has come early!

I also want to thank everyone that has signed my guestbook recently, because it seems that I have had lot's of new visitors leaving beautiful messages and positive thoughts after word spread about my battle on many internet forums.

Every message in my guestbook, post card, greeting card and gift I receive is appreciated more than I could ever tell you in words, so thank you to each and everyone of you.

I now have a Nottingham Forest cuddly toy and a Notts County teddy bear too, I think daddy's hopes of me being a Derby County fan are fading fast.

My hair is coming back thicker and faster now, and everyone tells me that people who have had chemo, get very curly hair when it grows back. If that's true then things could get quite interesting, it can't get any curlier than it used to be, can it?

I am feeling fantastic still at the moment, and enjoying doing lot's of girly things like playing with make up, singing, dancing and dressing my dolls.

I went to the hospital today and as expected they advised I will be taking a drug called Retinoic Acid for the next 6 months and I have a very anxious wait to see if the cancer has gone for good.

However to my surprise I will not be having a MIBG scan or a Bone Marrow test to see if my body is still clear of this nasty disease called Neuroblastoma. The reason for this is because my body has taken a huge hammering from over a year of chemo, stem cell and the very dangerous VOD (Liver failure) and if these scans did show any evidence of the disease, they would not be able to do anything for me because my body cannot tolerate any more treatment.

Instead, every five weeks I will be giving a urine sample for a Catecholamine Test, which will reveal any abnormalities that would show if Neuroblastoma has returned again.

It's quite scary to think there is a very strong chance of this disease returning quickly and that if it does, nobody will be able to help me, but I'm not the kind of girl to sit feeling sorry for myself dwelling on something that may never happen.

I'm feeling fantastic, I have boundless amounts of energy, excited about Christmas and looking forward to starting pre school in January, so I'm concentrating on living my life to the full and enjoying every second of my life, I urge everyone of you reading this, to do the same, it's quite liberating.

My guestbook has received so many beautiful messages from all over the UK, after the word about little old me seemed to have spread like crazy via internet forums.

Football fans from so many different clubs have been flocking to say hello and wish me a merry Christmas. Maybe one day, I could lead the England team out when Wembley finally opens, what do you think?

I expect to hear "Sammy for England" across the terraces this Christmas, a girl can dream I suppose.

Over the weekend Louis and me, have been busy playing with stick on transfer tattoos, Louis thinks he's a big tough guy and I had some very lady like ones too. I went to see Louis in his school nativity play today, he was so cool as an Inn Keeper, but I had to laugh when I noticed he still had his tattoos on his arms. That boy was certainly in character and takes his method acting seriously.

I had a phone call from the lovely Julie at my Pre School, and she has invited me to a Christmas Party, I'm really excited about it, and although I don't have much I will be certainly letting my hair down. This girl loves to party!

I'm going to the hospital tomorrow, because the Doctors want to see me, to discuss the next stage of my cancer battle, which I expect to involve scans etc, but I will let you all know how I got on.

As for me, I'm feeling happy, confident full of energy and ready for Christmas. It's pretty good being me at the moment.

I would like to say hello to everyone at www.nottscounty-mad.co.uk website, who have been dropping by and saying so many nice things. A huge thank-you to everyone that liked my singing voice too, I have been busy practising for my next video for you all.

I am enjoying every minute of my young life at the moment and slowly turning into a rock chick. Louis and me enjoyed a great game of musical statues today, we put on our favourite music channel and when someone hits the mute button, we have to freeze like a statue. When the music starts, I play my air guitar with everything I've got and give my best rock face before turning into an angelic statue. It may sound silly but it's so much fun.

With no tubes in my chest anymore, I have also been enjoying nice soaks in the bath with lots of bubbles, I really missed the simple things in life but it's all almost a distant memory now.

My hair seems to be growing quite quickly again now, and have dark stubble appearing making which makes me look like GI Jane, it's coming back just in time though as it's very cold outside.

I'm also really looking forward to going to pre school after Christmas, I have so many wonderful memories of Julie who I developed a strong bond with before I was diagnosed with this nasty disease. Us girls have so much to catch up on.

Oh I nearly forgot, I'm just the most excited little girl because Christmas is on it's way.

Just because I have been busy living the dream and having a good time, please don't think I forgot about you all. As a little thank you for sending so many positive vibes my way, which I believe has helped me bounce back so many times against all the odds, I have posted a little video of me singing for you all.

Louis started the day by opening number 1 on his Simpson's Advent Calendar, and I followed by opening door number 1 on my Barbie Princess Advent Calendar. Chocolate everyday, YUMEE!

I'm still feeling fantastic and I have a new favourite song that I cannot get out of my head, it's America by Razorlight and I love it. I may just treat you all to a video of me singing sometime soon. Would you like that?

Louis was feeling very poorly and went to the doctors who said he was very dehydrated so they rushed him to hospital, I was very worried about him.

He came home late at night, and I waited up for him, but luckily it is just a nasty virus, so he will have to spend some time in bed and drink lots of fluids.

Louis is poorly at the moment, so our roles have been reversed and I have been busy keeping him happy and smiling, it's the least I can do after everything he has done for me.

Still no news from the hospital, but I'm sure they will be calling for me soon as they will want to run many scans and test to check this cancer has gone from my little body. Please keep your fingers crossed for me, because this girl is loving every single of being home and out of hospital.

The hospital have gone quiet on me so I have been busy enjoying life and having fun with a capital F and it feels great.

It may still be November but me and my brother Louis have decided it's time to spread some Christmas cheer, we both pestered Mummy to put up the Christmas decorations already over and over again until she finally agreed and our home now looks like a Santa's Grotto. How cool is that?

That was just too easy though, we want to spread cheer outside of our home too, so when we arrived at Nana Diane and Grandad Dave's house today we insisted we help put their decorations up too. They put up a big brave fight and insisted it was much too early and that they have never in life put Christmas decorations up in November!

By 5pm they finally conceded defeat and they had a fully decorated Christmas tree in their living room courtesy of Louis and Samantha. What a fantastic team we are proving to be, and watch out because we could be knocking on your door next with a helping hand to put up your Christmas decorations too.

After spending most of last Christmas and bank holidays in hospital we are planning on making this Christmas one that we will never forget.

When I rub my hands across my head at the moment, I can feel my hair beginning to grow back, it feels a little strange after being bald for so long but will be nice to have something to keep my head warm for winter. The question that everyone is asking though is will my infamous curls come back?

I am feeling fantastic and on top of the world, and loving every single second that I am at home and in good spirits.

If you have followed my story from the beginning, you will know that before I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, I went to pre school and made a friend for life in one of the teachers called Julie. I had a surprise phone call last week and I should be able to go back to pre school after Christmas if I am still feeling well and I cannot wait.

I have so much to catch up on with my friend Julie and I'm really excited to be going to school like my brother Louis and having my own friends too. There has been so much that I have missed out on in the last 15 months and it feels amazing to be getting on with life like a normal 3 year old girl.

I went to the pub for Sunday Lunch today and treated everyone to a handful of my favourite tunes, followed by my own chorus of Bravo....Bravo etc just to get everyone in the mood. A nice man on the table next to me said "She's a happy little girl" Guess what? he's not wrong!

When I got back home, I began thinking about how many people love to hear me sing and that I maybe able to use this to my advantage. I decided to charge people for every song that I sing, my rates are very reasonable at 1p, 2p, 5p or 10p and my catalogue of songs is growing quick with old school nursery rhyme classics to cool new tunes like America by Razorlight.

It went down a treat, and in just a few hours of my trial run, I earned a whopping 50p, forget X Factor, this girl has her sights set on Broadway.

I am very sorry to say that I have just learned that my friend Chiara in South Africa lost her battle against this nasty disease on the 13th November at 18:40.

Chiara will always be a beautiful princess that will remain in our hearts forever, and her memory will forever remain.

Her very brave parents wrote on her website "Our precious little Princess Chiara went home to be with her Lord at 18:40 tonight. She went very peacefully, we thank the Lord for that. She is with Jesus right now, beautiful, perfect and in no more pain!"

Yesterday, I went to the pub for a good old fashioned "English Sunday Dinner" but decided on a children's meal instead which consisted of Pizza and chips. Although I didn't eat much, it is so cool, being able to sit in the pub having dinner like a big girl.

After my dinner, I discovered a big playroom so me and Louis threw off our shoes and got down to some serious fun, this is the life I thought to myself.

It was aunty Lynsey's birthday today, so I sang her Happy Birthday and even helped blow out the candle on her cake, there was only one because there wasn't enough room to fit 30 candles even on this big cake.

It was a fantastic day, and I certainly slept last night after having so much fun.

As I have no 'Wigglies' coming out my chest anymore, I enjoyed a long soak in the bath tonight, so I'm feeling nice and clean. I'm now all cosy in my Princess dressing gown, so going to bed now.

I was feeling a little sick today after a feed and ended up vomiting my NG tube through my mouth, it was very traumatic and I had to return to the hospital to have a new one fitted and you all know how much I hate that!

Apart from that, I am still very happy and feeling pretty good but most importantly, I'm still at home in Mummy's big bed.

Mummy received a phone call from the hospital today, and warned that there has been a nasty virus on the ward where I have spent so much time. It could be very dangerous for me, especially as it will be a year before I have a normal immune system again.

They will be putting me on some very special medicine for a whole month, so hopefully I will be alright, but I am not saying too much as whenever I open my mouth usually something bad happens.

As for me, I am just having such a good time, being a normal happy little 3 and a half year old girl.

I had a fantastic time last night as we had a family bonfire night at home. Louis and me screamed as loud as we could as every firework went off.

It was fantastic, getting all wrapped up and sat outside watching the fireworks eating hot dogs with my brother Louis. Aunty Lynsey came too with Dylan and Dean who always make me smile, along with Nana Diane and Grandad Dave, we all had so much fun.

Don't worry guys, I'm still out of hospital and having a great time. I have spent most of this morning rolling around in wet, freshly cut grass, and got very messy. My very girly pink trousers, hat and coat all ended up green. It was so much fun, you should try it sometime.

I have also managed to get hold of a picture in my Halloween costume, I thought you may want a little look.

A whole week with no hospital, no tests, just at home doing my own thing and I have missed doing the simple things so much over the past 12 months, so I'm really happy at the moment being a normal 3 year old girl.

You will be pleased to hear that I popped on my Halloween outfit and went to the party with my brother Louis. It was fantastic, although I must admit with me not being 100% walking in a house with loads and loads of kids was a little over whelming.

I was feeling a little shy and tired so stuck close to Mummy and although I was really enjoying myself, I left the big children to play the games and left a little earlier than everyone else.

When I returned home from the party, I stayed up for awhile and loved seeing all the other children knocking on the door with so many wonderful costumes on. "Happy Halloween" I shouted at them all.

My brother Louis had a fantastic time too! He loved the party and we both want to thank Isobel Randall's Mummy and Daddy for showing us such a good time. Lucky Louis also went Trick or Treating with his friend Maisey and her mummy Emma so again a huge thank you to them too.

There's no news from the hospital, so this girl is making the most of every moment at home and loving every minute of it, sorry I can't show you a picture of me in my outfit but everyone forgot to take a picture before I got my pyjamas on.

I have been busy preparing for Halloween, so I popped on my outfit and went to Crich where they had ghost trams, it was very scary and must admit I cried when a big scary man approached me.

My big brother Louis was scared too though when some ladies dressed up as child catchers, captured him.

It was very spooky, scary but great fun, and the perfect rehearsal for my Halloween party.

Oh by the way, I am feeling fantastic at the moment, I just get tired very quickly but apart from that I am fine. I'm just glad to be home again.

At 10am I was expecting to be discharged when the Doctor advised there was still a trace of the infection, which meant another 24 hours of antibiotics. I was allowed home for a few hours though and returned to the hospital later prepared for another night at hospital.

It is getting very traumatic for me, having the medicine through the cannular in my foot as it hurts so much, and I have to be pinned down, which makes me cry even more.

Antibiotics soon cause cannulars's to fail too, and this is why the last one was moved from my hand to my foot, it was horrible tonight as the nurses was having problems and the reason for this was the cannular on my foot was now failing too.

After a big discussion it was decided it would be more traumatic for me having another one fitted, and as I am feeling so well, they will let me go home. I will be tested again next week, and hopefully everything will be clear again.

You will be very pleased to hear that my wigglies were removed whilst I had a magic sleep, which feels like quite a landmark. It's like I have always had them in, so it feels a little weird not having them around.

Whilst having my magic sleep the Doctors removed the nasty cannular from my hand and but one in my foot instead, so my running around has been put on hold for a few days. The reason for it being there is because I have no wigglies to put the antibiotics straight into me.

It is the worst feeling though when the medicine goes in and I can be heard shouting Ouch....Ouch......Ouch...Ouch...Ouch! I can't explain it but it's a very strange sensation.

I must admit I have been feeling sad, teary, quiet and a fed up this week, but luckily I convinced the nice nurses to let me go home for the afternoon. That's when I'm happiest when back home with Louis and CBeebies on the TV.

I awoke feeling horrible this morning, my temperature hovering just below 40 and I feel so weak, helpless and genuinely fed up. I look like one of those little monkeys who just cling to their Mummy.

Whenever my line is used, shortly afterwards I feel like I have been hit by a truck, my temperature rockets and I begin shaking so everyone is 99% sure I have a line infection. The nasty infection gets pumped all around my body when the line is used, so my Wigglies are now officially out of action.

This presents a little problem as I need a blood transfusion today, all the Doctors and nurses here are lovely and I knew what they were going to say before they approached me. I have to have a Canular fitted on my hand.

I tried so hard to be brave but I cried and cried as it was fitted, and it is very uncomfortable, I HATE NEEDLES! This was followed by my urine looking a very worrying strawberry colour, but the doctors said not to worry.

My Hickman line was due to be removed in the near future but as it is now infected and useless it has been decided to have them removed from my chest tomorrow.

When you read this on Wednesday afternoon I will probably be in theatre, so spare a thought for me if you can.

On the downside I have a week in hospital feeling very crappy, but on the upside my treatment is finished with the exception of Retonic Acid and these annoying wires sticking out of my chest for the past year, which stop me from having a big bath and from going swimming will finally be gone.

If you look at it like that, this is going to be a very memorable few days and very very positive. Between me and you, I'm going to miss my little pouch and looking after them darn wires.

I believe that my Doll is also feeling much better and she has asked me to remove her wigglies too, so we are both on the road to recovery now.

Just a routine visit to the hospital this morning to check my blood counts and then off home again, or so I thought. After my tests, I went home and would hear about the results later in the day, but I was home for under an hour when I went from a singing happy go lucky gal to a very upset girl with a temperature of 40 and also began shaking uncontrollably which was very scary.

I rushed back to hospital and more tests were taken, but all this started shortly after my Hickman line (Wigglies) were flushed after my blood tests. I'm no expert but get the feeling that I have an infected pair of Wigglie's on my hands.

That means that I am stuck in hospital for another week, feeling pretty awful on antibiotics, don't worry I will shake this off, I always do remember.

I have been so busy having fun, I forgot about you all for a few moments, so please forgive me for going quiet on you all yet again.

I have been out and about, and have a fantastic new dance to show you all, which involves shaking my bum, I must try and capture it on film for you, it seems to go down very well on my test audience.

After much searching, I have found my Halloween costume, and I'm very happy with it, Louis has one too and really looking forward to the party at his friend Isobel's house next week, it's going to be so much fun!

Singing, Dancing, Playing, Dressing Up, Going Out, Watching TV, Reading my Magazine's and books, and of course sleeping in Mummy's big bed! I'm having the time of my life, being out of hospital really agrees with me.

People have remarked I'm looking a little pale though, but I am having my bloods checked tomorrow morning at the hospital.

The treatment protocol for Neuroblastoma here in the UK, is usually chemo to shrink the tumour, surgery to remove the tumour, more chemo until the body is clear of Neuroblastoma cells, Stem Cell Rescue, Radiotherapy on the original tumour site, and finally Retonic Acid.

The Doctors have decided against giving me Radiotherapy because this could cause further harm to my already battered liver. The original site of the tumour which was removed many months ago is much to small and hidden away for them to blast affectively. The feeling is that I would not benefit fully from this treatment and would be at considerable risk from further damage.

However they did warn that as I have drifted from this protocol, it does increase my chances of this disease coming back.

Odds and Statistics have never stopped me before and they sure as hell are not going to stop me now, it's time to get on with living, not worrying.

My advice to you all reading my journey is, Don't wait for something bad to happen to you before you start living your life to the full, Do it now!

You can take the girl out of hospital, but you cant take the hospital out of the girl!

Don't panic because I have been a little quiet on you all, I have a very good reason and that's because I have been out having fun, fun and yes even more fun.

Saturday I was out from 10am until 22:30! We went to Tamworth snow dome in the daytime which was fantastic, there was so much to do there, everyone told me it was pretend snow but it all looked very real to me.

As night fell we went to Matlock Bath for the Illuminations and firework display, after being in hospital for such a long time, it is just the best feeling to be outdoors and loving every minute of being a little girl again.

If all this fun I'm having is not enough, I hear Christmas is on the horizon and believe me when I say my Christmas list is now looking very healthy already. I'm to forget Christmas for the moment though, as I am really looking forward to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

I had a invite to a Halloween party too, from my brothers friend Isobel, I'm really excited about it and looking forward to dressing up. I take competitions seriously though, so have got into training for the "Duck Apple" game. I put a few grapes in a bowl and I can now eat them out the bowl with my hands behind my back! It may be a mini version, but I'm getting there.

As for me, I'm not eating as much as I should but I'm getting cravings for all the wrong foods like cakes and chips, so I'm sure it won't be long before I'm eating everything in the cupboards.

On Sunday I had a craving for chips and my quiet demands quickly got louder. "I want some chips.....I want some chips......I want some chips." Guess what? I got my chips.

So the good news is I'm out of hospital, back at home, eating tiny amounts and loving every second.

I have been home for the last few days and loving every second of it, especially getting to sleep in mummy's big bed and not the hospital.

Thanks so much for the many many food tips and recipe ideas that you have e-mailed me, we have saved them all and will give them ago. I'm sure it won't be long until I'm eating loads again, I'm feeling great and very happy right now.

I will go back to the hospital for a check-up on Sunday, to make sure my bloods are doing ok, but as Louis keeps singing to me..............................

"Don't stop me now
I'm having such a good time
I'm having a ball
Don't stop me now
If you wanna have a good time
Just give me a call
So don't stop me now
'cause I'm having a good time
Don't stop me now
Yes I'm having a good time
I don't wanna stop at all"

My last day in hospital, and I have received loads of cool presents from you all via Post Pals, I am so lucky to have so many friends around the world and you all of you have put a huge smile on my face yet again.

Here is a picture of me with my new dolly from Linda and her Ferret Rescue Centre in Kent

Huge thank-you to you all that have sent me so many cool cards and gifts. A special thank-you to Becky Basanda in South Carolina, USA, Victoria, Kate Dee, Angela, Nicky and my very special friends in Australia who sent me my very own Peter Possum.

Yabber Dabber Dooooo! OUCH! I got taken by surprise with a GCSF injection tonight, I thought I had seen the last of them, but my Neutrophils have been dropping slightly the last few days, so it was decided the dreaded injection may be needed.

I am in hospital this evening, and having 150ml of milk via my NG tube rather than TPN Feed via my wigglies, if all goes well, I get a night at home tomorrow night.

The idea is to try and build me up on the special milk, so that I am getting around 100ml for breakfast, lunch and tea and then a little more overnight. Then I should begin to feel like eating some proper food, and start thinking about pre school and doing normal stuff for a gal my age rather than be stuck in hospital.

A nice Doctor came to see me today, and is trying to free me from the hospital, he told Mummy that I have now come towards the end of my treatment, my body is now working fine so let's get her off the nightly TPN feed which is keeping me in hospital and back home where I belong. Amen to that brother!

The problem is, my body has become quite reliant on TPN feed which is through my wigglies and into my veins, this means my tummy has shrank and I have to be encouraged to eat again, which will allow my tummy to get back to normal.

I think lot's of people are meeting tomorrow, to discuss tactics on how to get me eating again.

At the moment though I have one night of liquids back in hospital, and then no more TPN, which means no more hospital, which means this gal is heading back home.

Any ideas on lovely foods to get my taste buds working again? please send suggestions with the subject line "Feed me......Feed Me Now!" to Samantha@SamanthaHughes.co.uk

Doesn't time fly when your having fun, 4 days since my last update and yet it seems like only a few hours ago. Of course I have endured a platelet transfusion since we last spoke but I'm really enjoying being at home in the afternoons, however I increasingly find myself getting upset when I have to return to hospital at night.

Saturday morning the Doctors said I deserve a night at home! I ran out the doors at 09:45 in my pink Mini Mouse slippers and had a fantastic day at home. The best part of the day, If I'm honest is getting to sleep in Mummy's big bed again.

A great weekend, with lot's of fun, and enjoyed keeping up with my brother Louis, I even played football in the garden!

Just like Cinderella though Sunday night came and once again I got a little upset, as I didn't want to leave the ball and go back to hospital, I love being at home now, but I know it won't be long before I'm at home all the time.

So I am off to hospital, but this little gal is feeling very good about myself and my future.

My Neutrophils are up and down like a yo-yo at the moment, the GCSF injection ensured they rocketed up to 5 but then slipped to 1 again. Whilst talking about all this, they took me by surprise and got me with the injection in the afternoon, OUCH!, I never saw that one coming, I don't usually have it until night time.

The Doctors seem happy with my Liver and can see that it is shrinking a little and happy woth the progress that I'm making. I was told this morning "You Look Happy", "That's because I'm going home later" I replied!

When I got home, I had the urge to be in the great outdoors, so I put on my pink coat and pink hat and enjoyed a game of football in the garden with Louis.

I'm happy and feeling great at the moment and I owe you guys so much for all that positive energy that you sent when I was so down.

I have received an e-mail all the way from Andy and the 28 Royal Engineers Regiment in Afghanistan
they say that little old me has inspired them to fund raise for our friends over at Neuroblastoma charity Georgie's Fund. They are all pictured below in Georgie's Fund T-shirts and the now famous wristbands which are spreading across the world.

**Please be patient if I have not replied to your e-mails yet, I am receiving them but having a few problems sending mail at the moment. I have loads of replies stacked in my outbox and working on resolving the problem**

Another good night for me, The Doctors said this morning that they are going to keep me on the defibrotide medicine for another 3 days. This means that I have to stay in hospital to around 2pm then come home until 7pm before heading back to the hospital again. As my feed increases throughout the week, they will take me off my overnight TPN feed and that will mean me back at home for good.

Feeling great I headed home today, just in time to pick Louis up from school, who was pleased to see me home, as he likes to get up to mischief with me but he's a typical boy and more interested in his Lego Star Wars Xbox game once home.

So what could a girl do, with my remaining quality time at home? That's right I had a good old fashioned pampering session and painted my nails a nice red colour. If I'm on my way back to health and happiness, then a girl has to look her best you know.

The clock struck 7pm and it was time to return back to the hospital, once again I shed a few tears, but I know it's not for much longer so I put on a nig brave face and off I went.

What I didn't know was my Neutrophils have dropped to 0.59 and in danger of becoming neutrapenic so I had to endure the nasty GCSF injection in my leg again, I won't be wearing skirts for while with all these bruises on my legs will I? I'm only having them every two days so I will go with the flow for now, but I don't like needles.

I am convinced that the reason I'm up and out of bed, is because of the thousands of people worldwide, thinking the same positive thoughts and sending them my way. We have been through this together so many times now, and you always give me that extra strength to bounce back.

Anyway, I had another good night last night, and once again, the nice Doctors said I am doing so well, I can go home for the afternoon. The only thing keeping me in hospital over night is me not eating anything, so if I can slowly increase the milk food via my NG tube this week, it will mean no more TPN feeds via my wiggly tube and that means back home in Mummy's big bed.

Louis was an absolute darling today, and he showed me how to take photos, with a digital camera, he loves teaching me things, looking after me, playing with me, he's the best brother in the whole world.

I watched a little TV and noticed all these adverts for Christmas toys already, and I have now got a rapidly growing Christmas list, I can be heard shouting I want this over and over again, so Santa better watch out because he's going to be busy this year.

I made everyone laugh today, it was explained to me that because I don't need anymore of that nasty chemo medicine, my hair will finally grow back for good. I replied "but I don't want it to grow back, it gets in my way!"

It was 7pm, and I was hiding under the bed covers with Louis, laughing and giggling having so much fun when I was told it was time to return back to the hospital and I must admit that I shed a few tears, but hopefully I can come home again tomorrow.

The Doctors are delighted at my progress, they were looking for me this morning but I was hiding in the playroom drawing smiley faces.

They said the worst of this nasty VOD is over, and although my Liver is still very big, and it's going to take a while to get better, they feel I'm going to be ok.

Not only that, but I could go home for the afternoon if I wanted too, errm let me think about that one for a minute.........YES....YES...YES!

I'm going to be ok, my website is working again, I can go home for the afternoon, today is a very good day!

So home I went and a delighted Louis was thrilled to see me, we had loads of fun and played lot's of games but the little mischief also teased and tormented too, but that's older brothers for you. It feels great being back home again.

I just had time to watch X-Factor on the TV, practice my singing and dance moves before heading back to the hospital.

Yet again you have all helped me get better, I am convinced that the many thousands of people across the world sending positive vibes to little old me, has made a huge difference in my recovery. I would say the drinks are on me, but I maybe generous but not that generous.

You all impressed me, with how hard you tried to get an update, I understand Georgie's Fund and my friend Kahlilla have received lot's of e-mails asking for an update from concerned followers of my exploits.

My friends in Australia deserve a very special mention as they put me on Kahlilla's website and put many people's mind at ease whilst also sending loads of love from around the world my way.

I may only be 3 but this girl has had more come backs than Frank Sinatra already and it's all down to you out there, the wind beneath my wings and I thank each and everyone of you with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you.

As you have all been so good, I will try and show a picture of me smiling tomorrow, how does that sound?

I'm still feeling much better, I went for a walk this morning as usual, before keeping Mummy and Nana Pam busy with games and toys all day. I was even caught cheating at Guess Who!

The Doctors came to see me and advised I need a platelet transfusion today, I didn't see that on coming did you? sorry but they are becoming the norm at the moment.

However they are very pleased with my blood counts which slowly seem to be improving, but my Liver is still very big and below my ribcage, which isn't where it's supposed to be, I believe.

They originally said they would expect to wait 10 days before seeing any improvement, and we have a few days left yet, so just have to remain patient and positive at this moment in time.

I'm smiling and singing though, and that's just got to be a good sign, hasn't it?

A much better sleep for me last night ensured I woke up feeling pretty darn good again this morning, and like some hotshot boxer went for a walk for the big weigh in, my weight was exactly the same as yesterday.

My belly looks much better and is not causing me as much pain either which is fantastic, so I sat up and chilled out playing Finding Nemo on the Playstation.

There is always a big test though which will tell you how I am feeling, I am asked "Sam, are you feeling happy or sad today?", If I'm not well I will remain silent or shake my head but today I shouted from the top of my voice "H A P P Y!"

I want to do something! is what I have been shouting quite often today, I have some fun to catch up on and don't plan sitting around. So today I have enjoyed singing, dancing, smiling and playing whilst ordering Mummy & Nana Diane to get more toys. SAMANTHA'S Back on form kids.

I may be feeling much better, ready to party and my belly has gone down a little, but my liver is still the same size. Although blood results are showing very slim and slow improvements, we still have a very long way to go, before I am safe, so I just got to keep taking baby steps forward on my way to recovery.

I awoke this morning 1kg lighter and my tummy is shrunk a little, but it still hurts like hell every so often, the pain is a little like contractions when your pregnant I'm told.

Something changed in my thought process when I opened my eyes today, I am just so fed up of lying here feeling sorry for myself, so I announced that I would like to go for a walk. I was helped out of bed and stood on my own two feet for the first time in ages, and let out a loud cry of MY TUMMY IS HURTIN!

Even though my belly hurt, this girl was on a mission and was determined to go for a walk, tummy ache or no tummy ache.

I then enjoyed a nice slow walk around the ward, and all the Doctors and nurses seemed amazed at my little transformation, but looked so happy to see me going for a walk. On the way back, I stopped at the little chair by the telephone which I like to call the bus stop.

After a little rest, I walked back to my room, I set myself a little goal and achieved it, it felt so good to stretch these legs of mine.

I going to try some special food via my NG tube today, it's only 3ml an hour, but it's little baby steps forward on my road to getting better.

Oh and I nearly forgot, I need another platelet transfusion today too, so it's going to be quite busy.

All in all, I'm still very poorly and my belly is very sore too, but I feel a tiny bit better in myself and right now that makes a huge difference to me.

No news today I am afraid, everything remains the same. I still feel very poorly and my tummy still hurts, however I did have another blood transfusion today, bet you didn't see that one coming eh.

It's one day closer to recovery though, that's what I keep telling myself. It will take more than a poorly tummy to knock this gal down.

To avoid any complications with the blood transfusion, I was given some special medicine to make me wee wee, and it didn't take long to work either, and I got through 6 nappies and a bed change.