Veteran broadcaster Trisha Goddard has marked her 68th birthday with a message of hope and resilience, sharing her feelings about ageing while living with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
A Joyful Birthday Celebration
The former talk show host celebrated her milestone birthday by posting a vibrant video on social media, where she was seen smiling and dancing. Captioning the clip, she wrote: “If dem ask me how me feel turning 68 today & living with metastatic breast cancer.” Despite her health challenges, Trisha appeared in high spirits, proudly declaring to the camera: “I made it!”
Fans and followers flooded the post with supportive messages, praising her inspirational attitude. One admirer commented: “Happy 68th Birthday to a truly amazing, inspirational, beautiful woman. So proud of you and who you are! You are a blessing.”
Living with a 'Life-Limiting' Illness
Trisha Goddard is living with secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic or stage four breast cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and received the news that it had returned in 2023.
In her birthday reflections, Trisha addressed the frightening language often associated with cancer. She explained that upon first hearing “Your cancer has come back,” and seeing words like “terminal” in the news, it's easy to feel hopeless. However, she highlighted a significant shift in medical terminology, stating: “But scientists and the Medical world have re-classified metastatic cancer to being a LIFE LIMITING illness, for good reason.”
She pointed to new drugs, treatments, and medical breakthroughs as key factors helping people live longer with the disease today.
Managing Treatment and Side Effects
Trisha has been open about the realities of her ongoing treatment, which includes chemotherapy. She has also spoken about managing Raynaud’s syndrome, a condition that restricts blood flow to extremities and can be a side effect of cancer treatments. She has adapted by wearing gloves and using napkins to handle cold drinks.
During an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in April, she spoke frankly about a powerful drug that has helped stabilise her condition. “My cancer count has come down and down and down, this drug is working,” she revealed, but acknowledged its severe side effects, including constipation, muscle aches, and changes to taste and eyesight. She concluded: “But if I hadn’t have had it, I wouldn’t be here, so it’s last call at the rodeo drug.”
Trisha used her birthday post to thank her support network, including her “darling husband and kids,” her “fantastic Oncology team and nurses,” and friends who have stood by her. She also expressed gratitude for the public's encouragement, telling followers their kindness helped her celebrate.
