Beverley Callard has candidly admitted to feeling "shy and vulnerable" as she prepared to undergo breast cancer treatment. The actress, 69, revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and has been keeping fans updated ever since.
Body Mapping Scan Experience
The Coronation Street legend, who portrayed Liz McDonald on the ITV soap for 30 years, recently relocated to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan to star in RTÉ soap Fair City. She took to social media on Thursday evening to explain her experience ahead of her first radiotherapy appointment.
She said: "I've just had my body mapping scan to prepare for radiotherapy. For those of you in my position who don't know what to expect, it was completely painless and took 10 minutes. I had to lie on the scanner with cushions under my knees and arms over my head."
"The only uncomfortable part was feeling really vulnerable because I had no clothes on my top half, so I did feel shy and vulnerable."
Praise for Hospital Staff
Despite feeling vulnerable, the former I'm A Celebrity...South Africa star praised the hospital staff. Although a staff shortage meant some procedures couldn't be completed, she believes she will begin radiotherapy in under a fortnight.
She said: "The staff were lovely. They said I'd normally see nurses for blood pressure and blood tests, but they're short-staffed, so they couldn't do that today. They'll do that on my first radiotherapy session, which they think will be 2nd July."
Husband's Perspective
Shortly after, her husband Jon shared his own take on social media: "Beverley has just gone into the CT room for her mapping. There's nothing we can do really. She looked pretty worried, but I know there's nothing to worry about. I think she's more worried about this than the operation."
"It's the unknown, isn't it? I'm more worried about this—the operation is just that. She's worried about what she looks like, but there's no need. The fact that she has to come every day... it's certainly a journey."
Diagnosis and Setbacks
Beverley, also known for her role in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, has faced setbacks. She explained that it "took a while" for her medical records to arrive from England.
The soap star first revealed her diagnosis in February on RTE's Late Late Show, saying she received the news minutes before going on set for Fair City. She said: "I had tests before leaving the UK, and 15-20 minutes before I was in my dressing room, my consultant rang and said I had to come back to the UK. I said, 'I can't, I've just taken a new job.' I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But I'm fine. It's very early stages, and I'm along with thousands of other women."
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
