Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer in the form of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Bartholomew, 41, said she received the diagnosis after blood tests in July and started treatment in early August.
“I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock to say and hard to say.
“(But) it is a good kind — It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I will be completely fine.
Despite the diagnosis, Bartholomew said she felt “very lucky.”
“Firstly, because everyone at home and here has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us,” she said.
“It felt right to share this with you, too. Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse, and come out the other side stronger.
“Secondly, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40 I made the decision to prioritise my health. I got a skin check after Nat had her scare.
“I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps. That came back all clear. I even had an eye check. That’s fine.
“But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels out of whack.
“Please, particularly for mums who always take care of everyone else, please take care of yourself too. And just check in with your doctor.
“I found out in July. About a month and a half ago. I only told a few people here at work. I wanted to thank a few of them.
“All of you guys at the desk, particularly Nat, for constantly checking in and all the meals as well.
“Thank you for that. To Mon (Wright) and Sally (Bowrey) who shuffle around their family commitments, so I could take care of mine, and our bosses,” she said.
Bartholomew said she would be taking time off in September before returning a few days a week.
“It genuinely is the luckiest unlucky thing to ever happen to me. I’m just beyond grateful I found it,” she said.
“My life expectancy doesn’t change. I just do need to take care of myself and rest. I have reacted really well to the medication so far, which is fantastic. I have had no side effects.
“I was tired, but, hey, I get up at 3am. So, no symptoms at all. No warning signs. That’s common with this kind of cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia. You don’t have symptoms.
“If I hadn’t had prioritised my health and had the check, it would be a different situation. It is a lot to wrap your head around.”
Get well soon Eddy!
Source: Seven News
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