Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard has shared a candid health update, revealing she feels 'dreadful' and is 'in shock' after completing her radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. The 69-year-old actress, best known for playing Liz McDonald on the soap, finished her 10th and final session last Thursday, but says the gruelling treatment has taken a severe toll on her body.
Difficult weekend after treatment
In a video recorded on her bed, Callard said: 'Well, what a weekend. I've finished radiotherapy for now, last Thursday. And in my naivety I thought 'well that's great'. More often than not, I've done really well. Sometimes feeling a bit poorly and etcetera, but not too bad at all. This weekend, oh my god, I've felt dreadful.'
She described intense side effects including sore skin, nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion. 'My skin on my chest and everywhere is now so sore. I'm putting all sorts of things on. Aloe vera, loads of lotions and potions, and I've been so nauseous, and almost like morning sickness. I've only been sick a couple of times, but I feel dizzy, I feel worn out.'
Understanding the recovery process
Callard admitted she was 'in shock' at how tough the aftermath has been, despite warnings from medical staff. 'It's funny because a nurse did say to me 'It's not actually over. Really, it's the beginning when you sort of finish your treatment'. So I understand what she meant now, and another lady said to me 'Beverley, you're still cooking' and I understand that now as well.'
The actress, who was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer nearly six months ago after collapsing in the I'm A Celebrity... South Africa jungle, continues to take each day as it comes. She has no appetite but is trying to eat healthily and plans to research vitamins and health foods. 'So I'm coping, and I'm trying hard, but I do have to rest a lot,' she said. 'So anybody else going through it, just remember, don't expect too much of yourself.'
Support from fans
Fans have rallied around the star, with one commenting: 'Sorry to hear you have had a bad weekend Beverley hope things get better soon stay positive you still look so good.' Another wrote: 'I hope you are getting plenty of rest Beverley and sorry to hear you had a tough weekend. You are so fantastic updating everyone when you are not feeling well.'
Last week, Callard had shared the news of completing radiotherapy with a positive message: 'I've done it! I've just finished my last radiotherapy session. Fingers crossed now. Yep, that was number 10 for me and lots of people have to have lots more I know that, but for now that's finished. So hopefully, I don't know for sure, but hopefully I won't need any more.'
