Michelle McKenna has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has begun chemotherapy treatment. The Platnum singer shared a series of candid photos and videos from her first day of chemotherapy on Instagram, documenting the emotional reality of starting treatment.
“First day of chemo complete,” she wrote. “I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for all your beautiful messages, love and support. It honestly means the world to me, and I appreciate every single one of you.”
She added: “A special thank you to my angels, @asirr_07 and @iamdanieljohnson. My rocks through all of this. I genuinely don't know what I'd do without you both. Love you endlessly.”
McKenna said she hopes that by sharing her journey openly she can help others facing a similar diagnosis. Her first update showed the difficult moments of treatment, including becoming tearful as nurses struggled to find a vein.
Describing herself as feeling like a “human pin cushion,” she admitted the process had been tougher than expected. “The Herceptin injection stung a bit,” she wrote. “But surprisingly it wasn't as bad as the endless attempts to find a vein.”
“Then came the cold cap… WOW. Whoever invented that deserves some kind of award because it is NOT for the weak! It felt like a brain freeze that lasted forever, but I did it.”
She added: “So here I am, one round down. Feeling grateful, emotional, proud and hopeful all at the same time. Now I'm just praying the side effects are kind to me over the next few days.”
Her husband, luxury property consultant Daniel Johnson, shared his own message of support, posting a photograph kissing McKenna on the forehead alongside the words: “Love you.”
McKenna first revealed her diagnosis earlier this year, explaining it came after she discovered a lump in her breast while pregnant with her second child. Following the devastating miscarriage, the lump remained. Encouraged by her mother, she visited her GP, where she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She has since revealed she will undergo a full mastectomy and breast reconstruction. “I feel so lucky to have the chance to fight for my little girl Nevaeh, my partner Dan, and my family and friends,” she previously wrote. “Life is fragile. Hug your people tighter. Say the things. Take the chances.”
McKenna, who provided vocals on H “Two” O’s 2008 hit What’s It Gonna Be? and has toured with N-Dubz, performed at Manchester’s AO Arena as recently as May, just weeks before beginning chemotherapy.
If you or someone you know 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.
