Trisha Goddard has opened up about her ‘new normal’ as she undergoes breast cancer treatment.
The Celebrity Big Brother star is the first contestant on the ITV reality series to undergo cancer treatment while in the house.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 but was given the all-clear, however, it returned as stage 4 in 2022.
Before taking past in the series, Trisha said she’s determined to show people ‘how you can live successfully with cancer and not be so scared of dying that you become scared of living’.
She’s now revealed how her daily life has been impacted by the disease in a candid chat with fellow housemate Donna Preston.
‘It’s my new normal,’ the 67-year-old TV presenter said. ‘I’ve stopped being scared, I’ve always been a bit nervous before scans, but you know.
‘My cancer count has come down and down and down, this drug is working.
‘But this new drug that people hail as a wonder drug, what people don’t know is that it’s one of the most vicious drugs to take.’
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She revealed she’s suffering from ‘terrible constipation’ and muscle aches, as well as her taste and eyesight being affected.
‘But if I hadn’t have had it, I wouldn’t be here. It’s a “last call at the rodeo” drug.’
Tearing up, actress Donna, 38, shared that her sister has breast cancer and seeing her go through health battles has made her ‘appreciate’ her own body.
‘It’s a tough, s****y thing, isn’t it?’ Trisha replied, giving Donna a hug.
Trisha then went on to reveal another shocking side effect.
‘The drugs dry your lower botty out,’ she told Donna and Towie star Ella Rae Wise.
Going into more detail, she added: ‘That’s another thing darling, you’ve got to moisturise everywhere when you’re going through cancer treatment.’
When questioned on the details, she gestured and clarified where she moisturises.
Celebrity Big Brother fans flocked to X to share their support for Trisha, with viewer Mariam hailing her ‘positivity’ while @tiger_brooke said: ‘I just think trisha deciding to go into the house during active treatment, dealing with horrible side effects and using it as a way to spread awareness is so brilliant. proper trooper.’
Chantelle added: ‘I had no clue that donna’s sister has breast cancer, I just find it quite heartwarming how Trisha and Donna are spreading awareness about cancer.’
‘Trisha is such a wonderful brave woman, massive respect to her,’ Mitchell said, while Harry wrote: ‘Trisha must be protected at all costs she’s a national treasure.’
Ahead of entering the house, Trisha – who sleeps in a separate bedroom to the other housemates for her privacy and comfort through the treatment – explained how she’ll be able to complete treatments while on the show.
‘My oncologist is my biggest cheerleader and is working with the Big Brother team,’ she explained.
‘I’ve got a special therapist who’s happy to work with the medic on the show.
‘My palliative care team – and when I say that word, everybody screams and runs away, but it’s symptom treatment – is working with the team here too.
‘And then when it comes to my treatment, I had one infusion on Monday, so I’ve got to jump on a plane and go straight back to have the next one as soon as the show is over. I’ve got a bag full of meds that I normally have which will be with me in the house.’
Big Brother airs at 9pm on ITV1.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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