Beverley Callard, 69, has completed her radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer, but was cautioned by medical staff that "the worst is yet to come" as side effects emerge.
The "Coronation Street" star, who was diagnosed earlier this year, shared her health update on Tuesday during an appearance on RTE Radio. Callard stated that the initial numbness of the diagnosis led her to continue working as a way to cope. "I just decided to keep going to work, mainly because, you just sit at home thinking about it," she explained.
Callard recently finished her ten radiotherapy sessions and is awaiting results to determine her prognosis and next steps. She reported managing the radiotherapy well, but noted that the delayed side effects have been challenging. "The side effects come a bit later. Burnt skin, I was very nauseous, so tired, it wipes you and I didn't think I would be," she said.
In a social media update last month, Callard described feeling "dreadful" after finishing radiotherapy. She detailed experiencing sore skin on her chest and a pervasive nausea, likening it to morning sickness. "I'm in shock," she admitted at the time, understanding a nurse's earlier warning that "It's not actually over... It's the beginning when you sort of finish your treatment."
Callard has been candid about her journey, often updating followers on her treatment and hospital visits. She has been focusing on resting and researching vitamins and health foods, though her appetite has diminished.
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease globally. In the UK, over 55,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, resulting in approximately 11,500 deaths. In the United States, the disease affects around 266,000 individuals each year, leading to 40,000 fatalities. The cancer originates from abnormal cells developing in the breast's ducts or lobules. When these cells spread into surrounding tissue, it is termed 'invasive' breast cancer. Early stages are classified as 'carcinoma in situ,' where the cancer cells remain confined to the original duct or lobule. While most cases occur in women over 50, younger women can also be affected, and in rare instances, men can develop the disease. Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, often used in combination.