Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell, 36, has given an update on her cancer battle having previously been told she only had months to live.
Theo was diagnosed with aggressive grade 4 glioblastoma brain cancer in 2022 and has undergone treatments to shrink the size of the cancer growth to ten per cent of its official size. The TV star - who joined the panel of experts on the Antiques Roadshow in 2020 - said she now endures headaches and bouts of nausea as she battles the condition.
Now she has given fans a fresh update on her health battle - explaining that she has been left worn out by work. She took to Instagram to share a picture of her Jack Russell dod, Pip, resting on a cushion. She wrote “So my recent trips away are definitely catching up with me - do not let my photos fool you, the fatigue, the headaches, the nausea, the dizziness are all still there, and when I'm tired these symptoms/side effects really make themselves known.
"I spend many hours worrying about each and every one of these issues because let's face it, when you've got cancer, regrowth is always on your mind. So if you know these feelings and live with this fear, just know, you're not alone. And it's not always a sign of something sinister, sometimes you're just absolutely exhausted and carrying a lot on your shoulders.”
Antiques expert Theo was met with support from her fans. One wrote: “Listen to your body and rest my dear!”
In a previous port, Theo wrote: "I'm Theo, and I was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour (glioblastoma) in June 2022 after around six months of symptoms. I was 35 years old. Despite various trips to the doctors, my brain tumour was missed, until I had a CT scan at my local A&E (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary). My symptoms included pressurised headaches, sickness, problems with my vision, pulsating tinnitus and pins and needles. These were all as a result of a 5cm tumour in my temporal lobe, on the right-hand side of my brain.
"I had surgery six days later, using 5ALA where over 90% of my tumour was removed. At this stage I learned that my tumour is over 40% methylated. I then went on to have six weeks of radiotherapy alongside chemotherapy (Temozolomide) before starting six rounds of adjuvant chemo. I finished treatment in March 2023. Since then I have been lucky enough to have stable scans.
"The last 20 months have been a battle of ups and downs, all with the aim of staying well, and, quite simply, to enjoy living my life. I still suffer regular headaches and lots of fatigue, and I have learnt that pacing myself, in all ways, is key to feeling good. I go to bed early, I exercise when I can, I listen to lots of music which makes me feel good and I live day-to-day as much as I am able.
"My priorities have changed hugely, and I now focus my time on being a patron for @braintumourrsch as well as being a mum to a three year old! It's a case of having hope and to keep on going!"
