Actress Lucy Davis, known for her role in The Office, has disclosed she's living with "incurable" stage four breast cancer.
The 53-year-old performer, daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, gained fame portraying Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom. In an extensive and heartfelt message posted on Tuesday (August 11), Lucy revealed her diagnosis came a year and a half ago, with the cancer having "metastasized" to her bones, affecting her spine, right hip and ribs, and that it is "too late" for chemotherapy.
Lucy Davis's message
She wrote: "Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I've kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now.
"A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.
"The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked. So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything - get everything checked out:)
"As of now, I'm trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there's a lot I have learned from it, and I'm grateful for that."
Living with pain and humour
She continued: "As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push! ).
"The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they're really good at), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell.
"I'm not scared of whatever comes next. I'm at peace with it. I'll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me.
"I'm still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It's so important to me. And I still would like to keep working. I'm perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.
"For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all."
Bell-ringing video and support
The actress posted her message alongside footage of herself ringing a bell and reciting a verse commonly used in cancer treatment centres to mark the completion of therapy.
Reading the poem aloud, she said: "Ring this bell three times well. It's a toll to clearly say my treatments are done, the course is run, and I am on my way."
An outpouring of supportive messages filled Lucy's post, with one supporter commenting: "Oh Lucy. I'm sending you so much love and wrapping you up so tightly. You will be in my prayers."
Another expressed: "Sending all the love. Breaks my heart to see so many affected by cancer."
