Deborah James says ‘no one knows how long I’ve got left’ in heartbreaking post

Elly Blake11 May 2022

Deborah James has said that “nobody knows how long I’ve got left” and that her active care has stopped in a heartbreaking post.

The BBC podcast host, 40, revealed she has had stage 4 bowel cancer since December 2016.

The mum-of-two has also shared her experience using the moniker @bowelbabe and inspired millions of people.

She took to Instagram on Monday to share the heartbreaking news that she does not know how much longer she has left to live.

In the post, she said her “body isn’t playing ball” and has now been moved to hospice at home care.

She said: “The message I never wanted to write. We have tried everything, but my body simply isn’t playing ball.#“My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.

“Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not unable to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we have left no stone unturned.

“But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore.”

Deborah continued: “In over 5 years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school - I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye.

“I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me. But I don’t think anyone can say the last 6 months has exactly been kind.

“It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will.

“Bowelbabe Fund. I always knew there was one thing I always wanted to do before I died.”

Deborah James aka the Bowel Babe

Royal Ascot 2022 - Day Two
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Deborah is asking her supporters to donate to a charitable fund set up in her name to raise funds to fight bowel cancer.

“I have always over the years raised as much awareness and money for the charities that are closest to me. @cr_uk @royalmarsden @bowelcanceruk,” she wrote.

“As a result, the @bowelbabefund is being established and I’d love nothing more than for you to help it flourish. Please visit bowelbabe.org for all the info and to donate.

“All I ask if you ever read a column, followed my Instagram, listened to the podcast or saw me dressed as a poo for no reason.

“Please buy me a drink to see me out this world, by donating the cost to @bowelbabefund which will enable us to raise funds for further life saving research into cancer. To give more Deborah’s more time!”

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