Beverley Callard has said she is "in terrible pain" and struggling to eat as she continues to wait for results from stomach scans following her breast cancer treatment.
The 69-year-old actress, known for playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer around the time she moved to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan to join the cast of RTE's soap Fair City.
Ongoing health struggle
Callard initially underwent an operation and completed radiotherapy. Several weeks ago, doctors advised her to have further scans on her stomach. In a video posted to Instagram, she said she has heard "nothing at all" regarding the results and that her eating has been affected by a "burning feeling".
She explained: "Well, I'm not great. I am still waiting results from the gastro department. They did the scopes and they said I'd got chronic inflammation in my stomach, so they took several biopsies and I've heard nothing. This is weeks ago. I've been trying to ring them today because I'm in terrible pain, I just don't know what else to do."
Frustration over lack of answers
Callard said the burning feeling has persisted since she finished radiotherapy, and that her GP and oncologist, who is based at the same hospital, have also struggled to get in touch with the gastro team. She mentioned that her oncologist had provided medication, which initially eased the symptoms but has stopped working after she reduced the dose from two tablets a day to one.
In the caption of her post, she wrote: "Not sure how much longer I can keep waiting. Trying to get hold of someone from the gastro team, let alone get any answers, is proving almost impossible! Meanwhile, the medication isn’t working, there’s no alternative in sight, and I’m just left feeling constantly nauseous."
Fans have responded with messages of support, with one saying: "I cannot understand why it’s taking so long for you to get results! That’s ridiculous and cruel. Thinking of you and pray this is resolved soon." Another wrote: "I can’t believe you haven’t heard a thing it’s ridiculous and your in pain as well , sending love."
For those affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
