"We have tried everything": TV host stops cancer treatment
British media personality Deborah James has shared that she had stopped treatment for her bowel cancer in an update she “never wanted to write”.
The 40-year-old took to Instagram to update her fans, saying that she will spend her remaining time at home with her family.
“The message I never wanted to write,” she began the post.
“We have tried everything, but my body simply isn’t playing ball. My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.”
James was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2016 and has been keeping her fans updated with her treatment and progress on social media.
In her latest update, James opened up about the condition she was in.
“Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not able to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams,” her post continued.
The journalist added that even with “all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough”, her body “continue anymore”.
She also reflected on the past five years of documenting her cancer journey, her writing, and her podcast You, Me and the Big C.
“In over five years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school - I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye,” she wrote.
“I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me. But I don’t think anyone can say the last six months has exactly been kind!
“It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will.”
James then announced an initiative called Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research to raise funds for several charities close to her, including Bowel Cancer UK.
“All I ask if you ever read a column, followed my Instagram, listened to the podcast or saw me dressed as a poo for no reason. Please buy me a drink to see me out of this world, by donating the cost to Bowelbabe Fund which will enable us to raise funds for further life saving research into cancer,” she wrote.
“To give more Deborah's more time!”
She concluded her post saying that her whole family will be around her and will “dance through this together” and enjoying every moment.
“You are all incredible, thank you for playing your part in my journey,” she wrote.
“No regrets. Enjoy life, Deborah.”
Messages of support poured in from James’ fans, with many thanking her for being an inspiration and teaching others to never take life for granted.
"We are all better people for having known you and knowing you today. Sending you and your family love,” one person wrote.
"You changed so many peoples lives, you've spread so much joy and kindness," adds another, in reference to James' many social media posts dancing in a 'poo' emoji and holding a catheter bag.”
Image: @bowelbabe (Instagram)