Ricky Gervais has led tributes to The Office star Lucy Davis after she revealed she has been diagnosed with "incurable" stage 4 breast cancer. The actress, who played receptionist Dawn Tinsley on the BBC sitcom, announced her diagnosis in a social media post.
Diagnosis and announcement
Davis wrote: "A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo."
She added: "The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything - get everything checked out."
Star tributes
The Office creator Ricky Gervais, who played David Brent, left a simple red heart under the post. Jenna Fischer, who played Pam Beesly on the US version of The Office, wrote: "Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!"
Sarah Catharine Paulson wrote: "Sending you love love love, you are and always have been full of magic." Ulrika Jonsson commented: "Heartbreaking to read but beautifully written and articulate. Wishing you so much love and laughter. We’re all just walking each other home."
Sir Chris Hoy, who has stage 4 prostate cancer, wrote: "Keep going Lucy," while Jo Hartley, who starred as Pauline Gray in The Office, penned: "Sending you so much love love love and a big hug!"
Piers Morgan shared: "Lucy, this is such devastating news. I’m so sorry. Your courage in talking about this so honestly says everything about you. Sending you and your family all my love and support." Trisha Goddard, who has stage four secondary breast cancer, wrote: "Sending big love from a fellow stage 4 club-member. I know what you mean about a sense of humour being important."
Further support and Davis's response
Actress Laura Aikman wrote: "Lucy. What a wise & funny f***er you are. Forever admiring you from afar. Hope you’re receiving all of this love coming your way xxx." Campaigner Sophie Blake shared: "Hi Lucy, I have been living with stage four breast cancer for over four years now and still living life to the fullest (with adaptions!). I know many who have been living with it for years longer."
In her post, Davis said she looks for positives in every tough moment: "As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that."
She also noted the physical challenges: "Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)"
