Former Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard, best known as landlady Liz McDonald, openly shares her breast cancer journey on social media. The 68-year-old describes it as a profound mental challenge following her diagnosis revealed on Ireland’s Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty.
Recent Surgery and Preventative Measures
Two weeks ago, Callard underwent surgery in the UK to remove lymph nodes as a precaution against cancer spread. She faces potential radiotherapy to target any remaining cells. Despite these steps, she battles fluctuating emotions during recovery.
Candid Video Before London Event
In a recent video, Callard prepares for a major ITV event in London, projecting optimism. She states: “Well today’s the big day, we’re going off to London for the massive PR thing tomorrow for ITV. I had a great day yesterday, I got everything ready – I’m really organised. The car’s just arrived to take us. We’re staying at an incredibly posh hotel, I’ll send you some photos when we get there!”
Yet, she confesses a moment of vulnerability just before filming: “But then I got ready this morning and I just thought ‘I don’t feel like a woman anymore, I feel unfeminine and I shouldn’t be doing this. It’s two weeks since my operation and everybody said it’s too soon and they’re right.” She adds: “So I got shaky and a bit lacking in confidence. Anyway, I’ve pulled myself together, I’m ready, we’re gonna get in the car and I shall be in touch! I hope everybody’s well. I’m thinking of everyone who’s going through this, truly.”
Her caption reads: “Off to an event in London, and I must say it’s been a bit of a mental battle to get myself out the door. But I’m doing it.”
Tearful Update One Week Post-Operation
A week after surgery, Callard appears makeup-free and emotional in another Instagram clip. She shares: “Full disclosure, it’s a week today since my operation and I woke up this morning and I put yesterday’s clothes on – which were dropped on the floor last night when I went to bed. I’ve not cleaned my teeth, I’ve not combed my hair. I can’t answer my phone because if somebody says a kind word to me, I just cry.”
Encouraging Hospital News
Married to Jon McEwan since 2010, Callard received uplifting news on March 4. Accompanied by her husband, she meets her consultant who confirms no second surgery is needed. She explains: “Well, today has been a great day. I got to the hospital at 9am. Jon came in with me because, if you remember, last week I really didn’t want him to come in when they took the dressings off for the first time.”
The swelling under her arm, now softening into fluid, measures three inches long and one-and-a-half inches wide. In about four weeks, results will determine if all cancer was removed and whether it reached the lymph nodes. If cancer-free, radiotherapy follows soon after. Callard feels optimistic: “But I have a feeling I will be. I don’t why I have that feeling but I just have.”
