Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has been candidly sharing updates on her cancer diagnosis ever since she was diagnosed back in June 2022.
Burrell has undergone treatment and surgeries to prevent the spread of the cancer after being told she had a grade four glioblastoma, and frequently shares what it’s like to be living with the incurable illness.
The 38-year-old has provided a fresh update along with a heartbreaking confession as she shared her thoughts recently.
The mother-of-one reflected on how this year could be “one of the last Christmases” her husband and young son get to share with her in a sobering admission.
“At 38, I’m facing the reality this could be one of the last Christmases my four-year-old son Jonah and my partner, Alex, will share with me,” the antiques expert reflected.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, she continued: “In September I was told a brain tumour that had been almost entirely removed two years ago may be growing.”
Theo Burrell has starred in BBC’s Antiques Roadshow
BBC
“In terms of my life expectancy, I’ve already outlived my prognosis, which is 12 to 18 months for someone with my type of brain tumour — glioblastoma,” the presenter detailed.
She continued: “I feel healthy physically — I’m still meeting friends and campaigning for the charity Brain Tumour Research — but I can’t say I’m not frightened.
“But while in this uneasy limbo, I will cherish the time I have with Jonah and Alex, who had to play the part of mum and dad during months of penetrating migraines and when I had been bedbound.”
Burrell detailed how she is bravely speaking out to “raise awareness,” with brain tumours killing more people under 40 than any other cancer, despite only one per cent of the national cancer research funding allocated towards the disease.
She also gave a realistic glimpse into her thoughts and struggles, explaining: “I carry a lot of anger. Anger at the lack of treatment options and anger because of the hardship this disease has brought upon my family.”
The Scottish-born antiques guru admitted the ordeal is “worst for your loved ones” who have to watch the illness take hold.
She ended on a positive note though, assuring readers “I still have hope”.
Just last month, Burrell shared her strong hope once more. It came after she’d previously admitted “with some heartbreak” on Instagram that the glioblastoma had “started regrowing”.
In an update just weeks later, she displayed her determination and how she hasn’t allowed the news to stand in the way of helping others.
Returning to Instagram on October 18, she revealed: “Last night @brain_tumour_research joined forces with @thecaledonianclub to host a whisky tasting fundraiser.
Theo Burrell shared a heartbreaking admission as she reflected on her future
Brain Tumour Research YouTube
“My dad and I invited over 80 people to join us and we were treated to whiskies from all over Scotland with Colin Fraser from @dramfool_whisky talking us through each one.
“We then finished the dinner off with a talk from rugby legend Gavin Hastings. I had an incredible time and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, supported the event, bid in the auction and had good fun!”
As well-wishers flocked to the comments, the charity Brain Tumour Research also reached out, sharing: “Thank you for all you did to make this such a fabulous night. Hope you had a great time.” (sic)
