Jessie J has revealed she was readmitted to hospital six weeks after undergoing breast cancer surgery, suffering from an infection and fluid on her lungs. The 37-year-old singer shared an update on Instagram, saying she finally has a diagnosis, albeit jokingly: “Apparently it’s called… Dramatic? I think that’s the spelling. My symptoms are the same and no idea what’s wrong yet. But my sarcasm and sense of humour are holding on.”
Filming herself for what she called her first “real-time” update since her operation, Jessie admitted: “I think people think I’m hanging on by a thread… which in some moments has felt that way. Like two or three days ago when I woke up and I couldn’t breathe. I still have pain in my chest when I breathe, but it’s not as bad.” She added that her symptoms are now minimal and quipped she hopes it’s just a “viral p**s take.”
The singer explained she’s “feeling a lot stronger” but believes a weakened immune system may be behind her latest setback. She’s focused on rest, thanking her “hero” mum and friends for helping with her two-year-old son Sky. “I’m very grateful for my little gang,” she said.
Earlier this week, Jessie revealed she’d been readmitted to the same ward she stayed in after her surgery. “I had and still have symptoms that pointed towards a blood clot on the lung. IT IS NOT A BLOOD CLOT THANK GOD,” she told fans. “Tests showed I have an infection (still trying to figure out what) and a little fluid on my lungs. Finding it hard to breathe in, but I discharged myself last night - I hate being in hospital - and will continue the investigation as an outpatient.”
Calling recovery “the most mentally challenging time” she’s faced, Jessie said: “Especially as a mum with a toddler and being unable to be the mother I usually am. Changing my career plans this year has been frustrating… but it’s life. Getting the all-clear was incredible, but it didn’t make recovery easier physically.” She admitted she’s been forced to “slow tf down” - a challenge for her self-described “ADHD Ariest fire-breathing dragon T-Rex” personality. “My body and immune system said ‘sit down d***head,’” she laughed.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessie said she went into “survival mode” after her diagnosis and didn’t have time to process it until now. “I’m currently experiencing some delayed sadness and frustration,” she admitted. “A little disappointed in myself I didn’t say goodbye to my old boob enough. Sounds silly but that’s where I’m at. I was just being strong. Now I’m letting myself be angry and sad and all the things… just for a few days. Then I will sew some padding in a bra to even them out, order some t-shirts and crack tf on.”
