Angie Best has shared a candid health update from her hospital bed in Switzerland as she prepares to undergo her second round of chemotherapy treatment. The 73-year-old former wife of football icon George Best revealed earlier this month that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, with the disease having spread to her liver.
Preparing for Treatment with Weight Gain
In her latest social media update posted on Friday, Angie disclosed that medical professionals have advised her to gain weight in preparation for the upcoming chemotherapy session. Sharing a video clip from her hospital bed on Instagram, the mother-of-one explained she was being required to drink what she described as an "awful" high-calorie beverage to build her strength.
She captioned the footage: "All together now, just one cornetto…yes they want me to eat sugar ffs. I have to start second round of chemo on Tuesday." In the video itself, Angie could be seen holding up a nutritional shake while saying: "I've got to gain weight so they've got me drinking these awful things. I can't find a jelly baby bloody anywhere and the only ice cream in Switzerland is a Cornetto for heaven's sake."
Family Support During Difficult Time
Angie has been receiving treatment in Switzerland where she has been supported by her 44-year-old son Calum Best. Earlier this week, she shared another emotional update in which she revealed struggling with basic daily functions. "Advice needed: I know a lot of you have been through this, but I can't function, I can't lift my head up, I can't brush my teeth, I can't eat. It's terrible," she said in a clip while coughing.
Her son responded with heartfelt support, commenting: "I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and going through this, it will pass and we come out even better I love you." Angie added in her own message: "Apparently feeling like this is normal. Nothing normal about it ffs. If you're suffering right now, we're here for each other."
Alternative Treatment Approach
The former model is receiving Mistletoe therapy alongside her conventional chemotherapy treatment. This alternative approach uses extracts from the European mistletoe plant and has been utilised in European countries including Germany, Switzerland and Austria for several decades. While some practitioners believe it can stimulate the immune system and improve quality of life for cancer patients, its effectiveness remains debated within mainstream medical circles.
It is important to note that Mistletoe therapy is not a standard, approved cancer treatment on the NHS, as major UK cancer bodies consider robust evidence of its effectiveness as inconclusive. Angie is using this complementary approach alongside her conventional chemotherapy regimen.
Financial Challenges and Public Support
Calum Best first revealed his mother's diagnosis in an emotional social media video earlier this month, describing how the news had affected him deeply. "A few weeks ago, my beautiful, wonderful mum was diagnosed with cancer. For as long as I can remember, she has lived her life rooted in health, fitness and wellbeing," he said in the clip.
The reality television star admitted: "My mum has been diagnosed with colon cancer that has spread to her liver. To move forward, we need access to specialist care and professionals who can offer the right treatment. This is incredibly hard for me to say, but financially, I can't carry this on my own." He subsequently established a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of specialist treatment, stating that any contributions would assist in accessing necessary care.
Celebrity well-wishers have also offered support, with former EastEnders actress Samantha Womack, who previously battled breast cancer, commenting: "I wish I was with you... It's rough at the beginning. I'm sending you all my love." Angie continues to document her journey publicly, providing honest insights into the challenges of cancer treatment while preparing for her next chemotherapy session.
