Diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in 2022, Theo Burrell was initially told she only had 18 months to live.
Theo Burrell has shared an update on her health as she marks four years since her cancer diagnosis.(Image: BBC)
Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has spoken candidly about her struggle with cancer as she marks four years since her heartbreaking diagnosis. When the Scot was initially diagnosed with just 18 months to live, she revealed that she has continued to dig deep to see her son grow up.
Theo, who is from East Lothian, is currently battling glioblastoma, which is a type of cancer that starts in the brain and can spread to other parts of the body. According to NHSGliomas are likely to grow back after treatment.
The antiques expert has been a popular fixture at BBC show since 2018, and has continued to share updates with her social media followers about her health since her diagnosis in 2022. In a recent update, she opened up about finding “new determination” to keep fighting the disease now four years later.
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Sharing the update on Instagramwrote the 38-year-old: “June 7 this year marked four years since my glioblastoma diagnosis. Like other GBM patients, I was expected to live 12-18 months.
“In the wake of that news, I had many dark thoughts, including not wanting to see my son’s second birthday let alone start school, but I’m lucky enough to say I did! And no one can take that away from me.”
While Theo has defied the odds in her battle against cancer, she still has to contend with the “ups and downs” of surgeries and doctor visits. As parts of her health deteriorate, she is determined not to give up.
She continued: “Life since the second operation in January this year has definitely been a bit up and down. My peripheral vision on the left has gone and I have to take it slow wherever I go. My coordination is not what it was.
“But this week Alex and I had help from my parents (many thanks to GM and GI) and we’ve made it to the lakes for four nights of relaxation. So having such warm weather has been a bit of an added bonus.”
Looking at what still lies ahead, Theo added: “Obviously the next scan is close, but I’ve dug deep and found a new bit of determination (which isn’t always easy) to say to GBM ‘I’m not going to give up. Regardless of the results, I’m going to take stock, trust my oncologist and go from there.
“So if you’re in the brain cancer world with me – you’re not alone and we just have to take it slow but sure – every day we do is a little bit of a victory for us and a ‘GO TOUGH!'” to the disease!
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Since Theo uploaded the post yesterday (June 27), it has been inundated with likes and comments from followers sharing their own stories and praising Theo’s resilience.
One person wrote: “Have a great break. My husband continues to defy the odds and his GBM diagnosis was in 2020 – only positive thoughts allowed around here!”
While another follower added: “I don’t think you’ll ever realize what an inspiration you are to people”, followed by a red heart.
A third social media user also commented: “Thinking of you Theo and sending love and encouragement to you and your family. I really hope your scan is as good as it can be. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Just 12 months after her diagnosis, Theo became Patron of Brain Tumor Research in 2023. Since then, she has been raising awareness and advocacy while highlighting her own journey.
