ANTIQUES Roadshow star Theo Burrell has given fans a look at her painful-looking head scar amid her devastating brain tumour battle.
The BBC expert often shares frank updates and admissions with her fans about her ongoing health battle and has now shared an image of the harsh truth she has been living with.
Theo, 38, was sharing the post to mark two and a half years since she first received her diagnosis of a glioblastoma.
Initially, the TV star was given just 12 to 18 months to live but has bravely battled on amid her ongoing treatment.
Alongside the image of her scars, Theo wrote: “Today marks 2.5 years since I was diagnosed with a glioblastoma.
“This rather gruesome photo was how my scar looked before the staples were removed – it really is an experience filled with glamour and beauty!”
She then went on to discuss how she had exceeded her “life expectancy” and despite admitting she was still “anxious” of what was to come, she felt it “important” to reflect on how far she had come.
Theo wrote at length: “So here I still am, anxiously awaiting my scan results on 18th December and trying to keep distracted.
“But still being alive reminds me of something important – a life expectancy at the beginning of diagnosis is an educated guess, NOT a fact.
“Sometimes it’s an overestimation, sometimes it’s spot on, and sometimes you’re condemned but manage to beat the prediction.
“We’re all unique, our cancers are unique – all we can do is put one foot in front of the other.”
She then poignantly closed her post by writing: “I’m always thinking of those not with us any longer – the fight continues for them, for us, and for those to come x.”
Her loyal supporters were quick to send their messages of well-wishes with one lovingly writing: “I have the guest respect for you Theo and am wanting the very best for you.”
As another added: “Thinking of you Theo, and keeping everything crossed for a positive result.”
Theo’s battle with cancer began with excruciating migraines, vision impairment, and severe nausea – which led her to get checked out by doctors.
Sadly she was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma, which is a type of brain tumour, back in June 2022.
The Antiques Roadshow personality went through surgery to remove 90 percent of the tumour, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
While the cancer remains incurable, Theo has resolved to cherish every day and make the most of her time with her loved ones, including her young son Jonah who was only one when she found out about her condition.
More than 12,000 Brits are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour every year — of which around half are cancerous — with 5,300 losing their lives.
The disease is the most deadly cancer in children and adults aged under 40, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.
Brain tumours reduce life expectancies by an average of 27 years, with just 12 per cent of adults surviving five years after diagnosis.
There are two main types, with non-cancerous benign tumours growing more slowly and being less likely to return after treatment.
Cancerous malignant brain tumours can either start in the brain or spread there from elsewhere in the body and are more likely to return.
Brain tumours can cause headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting and memory problems, according to the NHS.
They can also lead to changes in personality weakness or paralysis on one side of the problem and problems with speech or vision.
The nine most common symptoms are:
If you are suffering any of these symptoms, particularly a headache that feels different from the ones you normally get, you should visit your GP.
Source: NHS
