Theo Burrell was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2022 and was initally told she had just 18 months to live.
Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has spoken candidly about her battle with cancer as she marks four years since her heartbreaking diagnosis. With the Scot initially being diagnosed with only 18 months to live, she revealed that she has continued to dig deep to see her son grow up.
Theo, who is from East Lothian, is currently battling glioblastoma, which is a type of cancerous tumour that starts in the brain and can spread to other parts of the body. According to the NHS, gliomas are likely to grow back after treatment.
The antiques expert has been a popular fixture on the BBC show since 2018, and has continued to share updates with her social media followers about her health since her diagnosis in 2022. In a recent update, she has opened up about finding “new determination” to keep fighting the disease now four years on.
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Sharing the update on Instagram, the 38-year-old wrote: “On June 7 this year I marked four years since my glioblastoma diagnosis. Like other GBM patients I was expected to live for 12-18 months.
“In the wake of that news I had many dark thoughts including that I wouldn’t see my son’s second birthday let alone him starting school, but I’m lucky enough to say I did! And no one can take that away from me.”
While Theo has defied the odds in her fight against cancer, she still has to battle with the “ups and downs” of operations and doctors appointments. While parts of her health are getting worse, she is determined not to give up.
She continued: ” Life since second surgery in Jan this year has definitely been a bit up and down. My peripheral vision on the left has gone and I’m having to take it slowly wherever I go. My coordination is not what it was.
“However this week Alex and I got the help of my parents (thank you so much GM and GI) and we’ve made it to the Lakes for four nights of chilling out. Having such warm weather has therefore been a bit of an extra bonus.”
Looking at what is still to come, Theo added: “Of course the next scan looms but I’ve dug deep and found a new bit of determination (which does not always come easy) to say to the GBM ‘I will not give up. Whatever the results, I’ll take stock, trust my oncologist and go from there.
“So if you’re in the brain cancer world along with me – you’re not alone and we’ve just got to take it slowly but surely – every day we make is a bit of a win for us and a ‘GET LOST!’ to the illness!”
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Since Theo uploaded the post yesterday (June 27), it has been flooded by likes and comments from followers sharing their own stories and praise for Theo’s resilience.
One person wrote: “Have a fabulous break away. My husband continues to defy the odds and his diagnosis for GBM was in 2020 – positive thoughts only are allowed around here!”
While a second follower added: “I don’t think you will ever realise what an inspiration you are to people”, followed by a red heart.
A third social media user also commented: “Thinking of you Theo and sending love and encouragement to you and your family. I truly hope your scan is as good as it can be. You’re an inspiration to us all.”
Just 12 months after her diagnosis, Theo became a patron of Brain Tumour Research in 2023. Since then, she has been promoting awareness and advocacy as she highlights her own journey.
