Artist Tracey Emin celebrated her 63rd birthday on Friday with a reflective Instagram post, sharing her aspiration to live as long as possible and continue working until her final day. The artist's message comes six years after her diagnosis and treatment for bladder cancer.
In her post, Emin shared, "63 years old, size 16.. technically I’m 62 in this photo, it was taken in my hotel room in Rome when I shooed everyone out, when I needed to get ready for my opening. My aim in the next year is to get physically as well as possible. I want to live as long as possible and work until the day I die. Very happy at 63… Love Dame Tracey xx."
Emin underwent significant surgery in 2020 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer during the COVID-19 lockdown. The procedures involved the removal of her bladder, urethra, lymph nodes, and parts of her intestine and vagina to prevent the spread of the tumor. She was subsequently fitted with a stoma pouch.
The artist has been open about her experiences adapting to life after surgery, frequently sharing updates on her health via social media. She has previously described her stoma, an opening on the abdomen for urine diversion, as "live flesh. Fragile and delicate," and acknowledged the challenges of carrying the urostomy bag, stating, "Nothing cool about carrying a bag of p*** around with you. But it's life.. my life now."
Emin concluded her birthday message by requesting that friends refrain from sending gifts, instead asking for donations to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.