Esther Rantzen health: TV legend gives cancer update as illness spreads
Esther Rantzen has revealed that her lung cancer is at stage four which indicates it has spread
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Esther Rantzen has revealed that her lung cancer is at stage four and says "nobody knows" if medication is working.
The That's Life! star said her diagnosis has made her realise how "very lucky" she has been in life as her advanced lung cancer indicates that the cancer has spread.
Rantzen announced her diagnosis in January but said she was remaining "optimistic".
“I’m on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it’s working or not," she told the Mirror.
Rantzen announced her diagnosis in January but said she was remaining 'optimistic'
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“But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another."
However, she added that she was grateful for her life and work, saying: "I’m not good at regrets."
"My diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life.
"Working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That’s Life!"
The show, a predecessor of The One Show, pulled in audiences of up to 20 million with ratings unmatched with almost anything on TV today.
Rantzen was due to appear on The One Show this week to speak about consumer show That's Life which began 50 years ago.
However, due to her illness, she is unable to make it.
The star said: "I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me.
"At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.
“First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them.
Rantzen was due to appear on The One Show this week to speak about consumer show That's Life which began 50 years ago
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“My friends have been amazing and have created memories which sustain me and give me strength.
“My colleagues with whom I have worked, and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector, and in many other organisations have been a constant pleasure, and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and awful jokes.
“I have been continuously inspired by the courageous children, older people and viewers who have trusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to live up to that trust.
“As I am sure you will understand, while I am awaiting the results of the tests, I am unable to answer questions.
"Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic.”
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