BBC Radio 1 DJ and former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star Adele Roberts has issued a lengthy update on her cancer treatment.
The 43-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October last year and was given the all clear from the disease in June. She has regularly kept fans updated with her recovery.
Roberts revealed she will not be getting rid of her stoma bag, which she has nicknamed Audrey, after a discussion with her doctor.
She shared: "“Oh won’t you stay another day." Had this song stuck in my head this week.
"Just a quick update - I had a meeting with my consultant and it looks like Audrey the #stoma is staying She rides again! Well… she’s staying for the time being. It’s a long story but essentially it’s not possible to give me a reversal of my stoma anytime soon. He also casually mentioned that I’ve had my rectum removed."
She continued: I might not be able to go to the toilet normally again ever… WTAF?! Anyway… for now - while I do have the honour of having a stoma I thought I could try & do some good. Share what life is like day to day & maybe things I find helpful?
"Clothes which are a good fit / accessible… sometimes pants nearly drag my stoma bag off before I’ve even got out of the door How I keep fit & motivated (without prolapsing) Comfy shoes!! My feet are still BATTERED from chemo. Seriously. Kate pretty much has to put plasters on my soles everyday so I can walk. I would show you but you’d actually vom."
She added: "It might also be good to share how accessible places, events and venues are. These are things I have to be mindful of when I’m out & about. I’m still not confident eating and drinking away from home. So even if I’m lucky enough to be out at night, DJing or at an event I don’t stay long, I don’t eat or drink much and I’ve got a military knowledge of where every toilet is - especially the accessible ones.
"I want to emphasise that’s my experience and how I’m learning to get better looking after Audrey. Everyone is different but I know from experience that if I get too excited or nervous it’s game over!"
"I also didn’t realise but having a stoma is classed as a ‘non visible’ disability,” Adele said.
“Thanks to Radio 1 & the diversity and inclusion team at the BBC who recently did a brilliant session on disability. It definitely helped me realise I can help a lot more in terms of sharing my day to day and hopefully help the wonderful #ostomate community.
"There are around 200,000 people in the UK with a stoma. From little babies right up to the more distinguished and senior members - so many more people than we all realise - and together I feel like we could do a lot of good."
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