Theo Burrell has shared an emotional health update, revealing she has now lived four years beyond her devastating glioblastoma diagnosis despite originally being given just 12 to 18 months to live.
The 39-year-old television specialist took to Instagram on Saturday to reflect on the milestone, admitting she had once feared she would never see her young son reach key moments in his childhood.
Sharing a tranquil photograph of the scenery at Windermere during a family holiday in the Lake District, the BBC Antiques Roadshow expert opened up about the challenges she continues to face following brain surgery earlier this year.
She wrote: "On 7th June this year I marked 4 years since my glioblastoma diagnosis. Like other GBM patients I was expected to live for 12-18 months."
Theo Burrell shared an emotional update four years after her glioblastoma diagnosis
| BBCThe BBC star admitted she had experienced "many dark thoughts" after receiving the diagnosis, including fears she would not live to see her son's second birthday.
However, Ms Burrell celebrated reaching milestones she once believed would be impossible.
"I was lucky enough to say I did! And no one can take that away from me," she added.
The antiques expert also gave followers an honest account of her recovery after undergoing a second operation in January.
Ms Burrell has starred in BBC's Antiques Roadshow several times over the years
| BBC"Life since second surgery in Jan this year has definitely been a bit up and down," she explained."
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."
Despite those ongoing difficulties, Ms Burrell revealed she, her husband Alex and their son had escaped to the Lake District for a four-night break with support from her parents.
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"Having such warm weather has therefore been a bit of an extra bonus," she wrote.
"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.'"
She continued: "Whatever the results, I'll take stock, trust my oncologist and go from there."
Ms Burrell also offered words of encouragement to others living with brain cancer, urging fellow patients to focus on taking life one day at a time.
"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!"
Her latest update prompted an outpouring of support from followers, with many praising her resilience.
One person wrote: "Keep defying the odds Theo."
The BBC star thanked her family for helping her enjoy a relaxing getaway despite ongoing health challenges
|Another shared: "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!"
A third suporter penned: ""What a strong girl. Enjoy the beautiful lakes, such a special place x".
"Keep doing what your doing brave lady enjoy your break", someone else added, as another wrote: "I don't think you will ever realise what an inspiration you are to people."
A further supporter said: "Have the most brilliant break my darling girl."