Former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has confirmed she will begin radiotherapy treatment on Thursday, July 2, after an anxious wait. The actress, known for playing Liz McDonald, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in January.
Diagnosis and initial treatment
Callard revealed her diagnosis in January, just 20 minutes before filming her first scenes on Irish soap Fair City, where she plays Lily Patterson. She had three lymph nodes removed to prevent the cancer from spreading, and her consultant said the surgery “went really well,” managing to “cut the cancer out.”
Update on radiotherapy
In an Instagram video on June 30, Callard said: “Today, the hospital actually confirmed that I do begin my radiotherapy on Thursday. I've had to wait for a few days because they did the body mapping, and the scanning, and all the rest of it, and then they confirmed today.”
She expressed mixed feelings: “Now I'm a bit scared. I'm like, 'Oh, goodness!' But also, my head is all over the place.”
Return to work and coping
Callard returned to work last week, describing it as “brilliant” but tiring. She admitted to forgetfulness and confusion: “I get everything wrong. I forget everything. I put something down, and I can't find it.”
Regarding the treatment, she said: “I've no idea what to expect. Some people get really tired with radiotherapy. Some people sail through it, some people are sick. I start on Thursday, and I have it for two weeks.” She will return to work on Monday.
Callard captioned her post: “An update, finally! Radiotherapy starts this week! I’ve been desperate to get it started and now I’m feeling apprehensive… can’t win! It doesn’t help that my brain is a bit like mush at the moment!”
Support from fans
Fans sent messages of love and support. User @julesjack_1979 said: “Bev, you will be absolutely fine, they will guide you through each step and it will be over before you know it. Sending love.” @jules_hieatt commented: “Our brains are our own worst nightmare. Good luck.” @duffyjune added: “It's good to know what is happening Beverley and I am sure you are feeling a bit all over the place about it. Sending so many best wishes to you for Thursday.”
