BBC Radio 2 star Bob Harris, 80, has admitted he is struggling with the "harsh" side effects of his cancer treatment, speaking from his hospital bed. The veteran DJ, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and is still battling it 19 years later, shared a selfie from his hospital bed over the weekend.
In the photo, Harris was seen with cannulas in both arms. In the caption, he wrote: "I regularly post health updates here on @instagram as my cancer treatment continues." He explained that he had his latest infusion of intravenous radiotherapy on Tuesday, adding: "I have to be honest…it’s been a difficult few days since. This was my third treatment of this particular phase, my seventh in total and the side-effects are cumulative and harsh. I’ve not been feeling well."
Support from family and a busy week ahead
Despite his struggles, Harris said he had "a most beautiful weekend" with his daughter Charlie and her family, "which has kept my spirits up while I rest here at home." He continued: "I am blessed to have the love and support that surrounds me and I know that the short term pain is for longer term gain. I still have a lot to look forward to and work to be done."
Harris revealed that this week would still be busy, as he would be recording new episodes of his cricket podcast and publishing a playlist created for his Stand By Me concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, while also preparing for the shows themselves. He added: "So I can’t afford to be pulled down for too long. And this is the point. Life is literally too short. I am genuinely struggling at the moment. My emotions are all over the place. It’s a roller coaster. But, as I always say, it’s absolutely vital to just keep going."
Advice to followers and previous updates
Harris, also known as 'Whispering Bob', offered advice to his followers, writing: "Keep holding on. Keep going. And keep doing everything you can to bring kindness, joy and love into your life and into the lives of those around you. And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make."
In June, he had shared that his health had deteriorated to the point he had to step down from working for Radio 2, where he had been for 56 years. He has previously told fans about his radiotherapy treatment, writing on Instagram: "I still feel well but I am now at the start of an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy which we are confident will keep things at bay. I should know the outcome quite soon." He added: "It’s a very emotional roller coaster. But, as you know, I’m an extremely positive person, and I continue to be determined to continue to get the best out of everyday."
