Trisha Goddard has given a heartfelt update on her health following the recurrence of breast cancer, revealing a poignant question she had to ask her doctor.
The television presenter, who is now 68, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and successfully overcame the illness. She later relocated to the United States with her fourth husband, Allen, establishing their home in Connecticut and continuing her career in broadcasting.
However, this sense of security was disrupted in July 2022 when she found out that the cancer had returned.
This time, the diagnosis was much more severe. Trisha discovered she had stage four breast cancer that had metastasised to her hip and was informed it was treatable but not curable.
This devastating news came after a distressing accident at her home, where a fall resulted in a broken femur and intense pain, reports the Mirror.
Reflecting on the moment she received the news, Trisha shared with Closer: "At the hospital, I was off my face on every drug known to man when an intern wandered in and said, 'Oh, yeah, you've got a cancerous tumour.' That's how I found out and I said, 'Am I going to die?'".
Throughout this challenging period, Trisha says her husband Allen, whom she lovingly refers to as Boo, has been her pillar of strength. The pair met in the US in 2017 and tied the knot in August 2022, just a few weeks after her diagnosis.
Trisha recognises that her illness has brought back painful memories for Allen, whose first wife passed away from breast cancer, leaving him to raise their two young children alone.
"I'm lucky to have Allen," she said. "His first wife died with breast cancer and he was left a single dad of two children aged nine and 11. The first thing I said to him was, 'I'm sorry to put you through this again.' He comes to all my appointments and sat with me during chemo. I'm blessed."
Beyond her husband's support, Trisha has discussed the significance of having a comprehensive medical and emotional care team. She includes a nutritionist, a gastroenterologist, massage therapists and personal trainers amongst those assisting her in managing life with cancer.
She also consults a specialist psychologist weekly to ensure the emotional weight doesn't rest solely on her marriage.
"I also see a specialist psychologist every Tuesday, so I don't dump everything at Allen's door. I have a support system – that's the backbone – I'm not Wonder Woman. And not for a moment do I think everyone is as fortunate," she said.
The care she has experienced has also motivated her to campaign for enhanced services in the UK for people living with life-limiting conditions. Trisha recently met with Ashley Dalton MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention, who also has metastatic breast cancer, to advocate for better support.
Positively, Trisha reports her current treatment is proving effective. "My cancer counts are very low; my oncologist calls me entry level," she disclosed.
Her regimen consists of regular injections, infusions and a daily tablet, combined with a rigorous dedication to fitness. She power walks every day, exercises at the cancer centre gym multiple times weekly and even participates in ice-skating.
Whilst maintaining her role as a CNN correspondent, Trisha stays committed to living life to the fullest. She is also mother to two grown-up children, Billie and Madi, and credits staying active and well-supported with helping her approach the future with strength and resolve.