BBC Antiques Roadshow star gives candid update on ‘worrying’ cancer battle

BBC Antiques Roadshow star gives candid update on ‘worrying’ cancer battle

BBC Antiques Roadshow episode

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 14/02/2024

- 21:01

The 36-year-old took to social media with a sweet snap

Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has been met with heaps of support from fans after sharing a candid update about her cancer diagnosis.

Burrell, 36, has been living with grade four GBM (glioblastoma) since 2022, and she was told she has about two years left to live. The mother-of-one was devastated by the diagnosis but has occasionally shared updates and messages of hope on social media.


Taking in her Instagram account on Tuesday, Burrell posted a sweet snap of her dog, Pip, snoozing on a cushion.

She penned: “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.”

She concluded the caption: “Pictured, my Jack Russell, Pip, sound asleep on a cushion of herself (no, the humans don't also have them!)”

Floods of sympathetic wishes filled the comment section of her post, with fans and friends offering messages of support.

One wrote: “Wise words, rest up. also thanks for the cushion idea…” while another wrote: “This is so true & you are amazing for sharing your story & for those like me with similar diagnosis it really helps & creates a community, thank you so much. On chemo number 3 for me day one only 4 days to go though the tablets are up at 350mg!” (sic)

Theo Burrell

Burrell joined the Antiques Roadshow team in 2020

BBC

“Remarkable lady. Please join Pip on that sofa,” a second applauded before another penned: “You forgot a couple #inspiring #amazing.”

A third remarked: “You are one of the most amazing women I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life. I am so inspired by what you have achieved and of course, you must listen to your body.

“Do what you need to do for your body and please remember that there are so many people who support you and admire you. No one will think any less of you for taking a well-earned rest.”

“Listen to your body and rest my dear!! Xx,” another fan echoed.

A sixth shared: “I'm 8 years post-op for a neuroma, but I still get the nausea (they cut my balance nerve as part of the process). Ginger biscuits were recommended by a doctor, and they do seem to help!” (sic)

The antiques expert has undergone treatment to shrink the size of the incurable tumour, but she continues to face lasting impacts on her health.

Burrell joined Antiques Roadshow back in 2020 and opened up about her diagnosis last year. Since then she's bravely updated fans on her journey.

Speaking in a separate post last year, she admitted: “Sometimes the enormity of a GBM is enough to scramble what's left of my healthy brain.

“Time to try and get back to day-to-day living. In other news, quite a decent rainbow over the fields in East Lothian!” Burrell signed off before adding the hashtags: “#Dealingwithcancer #gbm #glioblastoma #livingwithcancer #rainbow #eastlothian.”

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