Just five months after disclosing that she was battling the potentially fatal disease, Samantha Womack of EastEnders has declared that she is now completely cancer-free.
Samantha Womack of EastEnders made an emotional admission after learning she is now totally free of breast cancer: she is “thankful” to be alive. The star, who is well-known to fans for her role as Veronica “Ronnie” Mitchell on the BBC One soap opera, had revealed her diagnosis earlier in the year.
The 50-year-old had initially not noticed any symptoms, but the cancer had been discovered during a routine medical check.
She’d previously described the breast cancer treatment – a gruelling course of chemotherapy – as “hardcore” and “toxic”.
The Eastenders star has admitted she is continually bursting into tears because she feels so thankful to be alive.
“I just feel really thankful and really grateful that I caught it when I did. I feel very thankful for my life,” she declared.
“I know that sounds crazy, but it’s almost like I can see the beauty in everything now – like everything feels special.
“I keep bursting into tears, because I’m happy,” she told OK! magazine.
She explained that receiving the shock diagnosis had “shifted my perspective” and that she was now appreciating “everything”- even the smaller things in life she might normally have taken for granted.
Recalling the “rollercoaster ride” of her diagnosis, the actress, who has been supported throughout her cancer battle by boyfriend Oliver Farnworth, admitted her blood had run cold when she’d first found out there was a “shadow” on one of her breasts.
Sam was shocked because she had experienced no symptoms at all before learning she had cancer.
The star’s hectic theater schedule had forced the appointment between a matinee and an evening performance, and complications were the last thing she had anticipated.
She previously confided in Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield of This Morning, saying, “It was really incredible because I didn’t find a lump, I didn’t feel unwell.”
Because so many of our friends and family members had been sick, she continued, “I just thought I’d get a random check and I had an ultrasound, and it showed a little shadow.”
The doctor conducting the ultrasound urged her to take the findings to a breast clinic and prepare to have a mammogram and a biopsy.
The star, who was overjoyed, scheduled a private appointment but was shocked to learn that there was a 2 cm tumor, just as her doctor had initially feared.
She underwent a torturous course of chemotherapy and underwent a lumpectomy, during which five cancerous lymph nodes and a portion of her breast tissue were removed.
“I love life so much more, my kids so much more, and my boyfriend so much more. Right now, it seems like my life is in bright color “She proudly announced to OK! that she had completely recovered from the illness.
She had first broken the bad news to her social media followers back in August, alongside a warm tribute to a fellow sufferer – the late Olivia Newton John.
Olivia had died of the condition that same month at the age of 73, ending a three decade battle – but Sam emotionally recalled how thankful she was that the pair had been able to have dinner together before the Grease actress’ death.
Sam had previously played Olivia’s role as Sandy in a stage musical of Grease in London’s West End.
“I now start my own battle with this disease and am left feeling deeply moved,” she wrote at the time.
- EastEnders spoilers: Serious danger for killer Bobby as Cindy Beale returns from the dead for revenge
- Emmerdale star hints at tragic ending for Charity Dingle as Chloe fights for Mack
- Coronation Street exit for Evelyn Plummer as she’s left heartbroken by Roy Cropper
- Emmerdale spoilers: Manpreet’s fury in injury drama
- Emmerdale clash as Manpreet Sharma’s suspicions about Claudette are confirmed
- EastEnders chaos as Linda Carter left furious over her mum’s betrayal
