“It’s been a crazy few weeks.”
The cast of Home and Away have thrown their support behind star Alea O’Shea after she shared the news of her brain cancer diagnosis.
The Darcy Callahan actor, who appeared on the beloved Australian soap on and off from 2011 to 2017, took to social media to share a health update and reveal she had been diagnosed with brain cancer at just 25.
“This is a video I obviously thought I’d never have to make, but I’ve recently been diagnosed with brain cancer,” she said to the camera. “Saying that like, a hook, is insane. It’s been a crazy few weeks.”
She said that after experiencing several symptoms, she underwent a biopsy on her birthday, and had been “in a bit of limbo” waiting for the results.
“Now that I finally have some clarity, I just want to share what’s going on,” the actor continued.
“I’m choosing to be open and honest about this online, because I want to live my life as normally as possible while I’m fighting this.”
O’Shea said her symptoms began six months ago, including migraines, her smile being “a little uneven”, and it feeling “harder to talk”.
She then “lost feeling in two fingers, her wrist, and toe” while in LA, which prompted her to visit a physiotherapist.
“He immediately realised it was beyond his scope and sent me to get a brain scan. And that’s how we found it,” O’Shea revealed.
She has urged others to trust their gut if they feel “off even slightly” and “find the right professionals who will take you seriously”.
However, she is still trying to focus on the positives, joking: “Can I flip you off? No. Thumbs up? No. Or hold things? No. But the good news is, where it is in my brain isn’t going to affect my personality. I’m still going to be as hilarious and have the gift of the gab.”
She went on to explain what will happen next, saying that after surgery, doctors have warned her about possible complications as well as the possibility of losing her hair and paralysis.
“I might disappear when I need to, but mostly, I’m going to be showing up as me every single day that I can,” she explained, before saying she feels “so blessed” by the support she has received.
O’Shea said: “To everyone who follows me and has been invested in my journey thus far, regardless, thank you so much for being here. And thank you for staying through this chapter.”
She also said that her brain cancer diagnosis will not become her “whole personality”, instead stressing: “If it can bring some perspective, comfort, or positivity to other people out there going through it, whilst helping me get through it, that’s all I could ever want.”
The Home and Away star has been supported by cast members both past and present, with Dan Ewing, who played her on-screen dad Heath Braxton, commenting on her Instagram post: “You got this chook!!”.
Georgie Parker, who plays Roo Stewart, said: “Amazing attitude, you are mighty! Sending huge love and strength your way.”
Bree Cameron actor Juliet Godwin simply commented with a heart emoji, while Lincoln Younes, who played Casey Braxton, added: “A personality nothing could F with. So sorry you’ve been going through this lil sis. Life is insane.”
Other stars sending their well wishes included ex-Neighbours stars Benjamin Turland, Takaya Honda, and Charlotte Chimes.
