BBC Antiques Roadshow specialist Theo Burrell has posted a candid photograph on Instagram revealing the surgical scar from her recent brain operation.
The 38-year-old presenter, who underwent surgery following her terminal tumour diagnosis, shared the image displaying her shaved head and a lengthy wound covered in stitches.
In her post, Ms Burrell wrote: “Forgive me the gory photo but here’s my war wound! Healing nicely, and my stitches are now out.”
The antiques expert added that she would be meeting with her oncology team this week to discuss her treatment plan.
Theo Burrell shared an update on her health | Brain Tumour Research YouTube
“I will be strutting into the hospital with a head of properly washed hair (well what’s left of it!) Taking the wins, however small or large,” she said.
Supporters responded with messages of encouragement, with one describing her as “simply incredible, a true fighter.”
Ms Burrell received her diagnosis of glioblastoma in June 2022, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer classified as grade four.
According to Mayo Clinic, “Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.”
Theo Burrell issued a candid health update
|
The specialist has been given a two-year prognosis and has spoken openly about how this has affected her outlook on life.
Despite her illness, Ms Burrell has maintained her television career, continuing to feature on the popular BBC programme where she has been a regular expert since 2018.
Chemotherapy treatment has helped slow the progression of her cancer.
Speaking to Survivor Net, Ms Burrell described the toll that treatment has taken on her body, saying: “The fatigue from the chemo has really flattened me over the last couple of weeks, with regular headaches rearing their ugly heads.”
Theo Burrell has maintained her television career despite her diagnosis
|
She also experienced a seizure-like episode affecting her vision, which required a hospital visit.
In September, scans delivered encouraging news, with Ms Burrell revealing there were no active cancer cells present and that her medication, Temozolomide, was working effectively.
However, the tenth cycle of chemotherapy proved particularly challenging, leaving her confined to bed for extended periods following a visual seizure.
“The combination of the two had me in bed for days on end, with new side effects that challenged me both mentally and physically,” she explained.
Ms Burrell admitted the prospect of further treatment was difficult, stating: “The thought of any more chemo is making me miserable.”
September also brought a deeply personal milestone for Ms Burrell when her son Jonah began primary school.
At the time of her diagnosis in June 2022, Jonah was just 19 months old and barely able to speak.
“Over the last three years I’ve watched him grow up to become a huge chatterbox and a very keen dancer, with endless energy and a great sense of humour!” she wrote.
Ms Burrell acknowledged she had not expected to witness this moment, admitting: “I definitely did not think that I would get to see him start school and I’ve cried many times at the thought that I would miss this occasion. But here I am! And I’m extremely grateful.”
She also paid tribute to parents and guardians who were unable to share similar moments with their children.