Linda Nolan, 65, has opened up about the heartbreaking health update she recently received, with doctors informing her that the cancerous tumours in her brain have now grown after ongoing treatment stopped working.
After her initial breast cancer diagnosis back in 2005, a secondary form of the disease was found in her hip in 2017, and later in her liver – with the discovery of tumours in her brain last March.
Since then, Nolan has been undergoing immunotherapy every three weeks, but she was recently told by her doctor she would be starting a new type of chemotherapy in the hope it could control her cancer’s progression.
Discussing the moment she found out the treatment had stopped working, she told The Daily Mirror: “I sobbed when my consultant first told me. I know so many people are suffering and going through things, but I thought, just for once, could cancer just leave me alone? My heart sank.
“I had feared something was wrong. My balance has been getting worse and my memory – my sisters have to prompt me when I get lost in the middle of a sentence.
“Maureen came with me to the appointment and my Macmillan Cancer support nurse was in the room, and I could just tell. I asked my consultant straight away: ‘Has it spread?’. When he told me, I immediately asked ‘What do we do now?’.”
Linda Nolan found fame singing with her sisters
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Despite the initial sad news, Nolan was told she would be starting a new treatment, which will include Enhertu, and said of the new drug: “To be able to try a new drug is amazing, I just wish everyone could have this opportunity.
“To be able to try this is hope – it’s a plan B, not everyone is being allowed. To take this drug away from women is to take away their hope.”
She admitted to being worried about the side effects and said: “I asked my consultant ‘Will I lose my hair again’? and it is a possibility. I told him: ‘That will be five times I’ve lost my hair!’.
“But if it happens, I’ll just shave it again. Thankfully, he is not saying ‘We can’t do anything for you’. We have more places to go. I am ready to try anything. I have done this before and I can do it again.”
Nolan shared the news with her Instagram followers, and captioned the post: “My latest scan results are in… The brain tumours have grown. Not great news, but not the worst news (as it could’ve spread elsewhere).
“I’m beginning new treatment this week, praying it works. #livingwithcancer #tomorrowspaperstoday #secondarybreastcancer #cancercommunity.”
Fans of Nolan were quick to show their support for the singer, with one noting: “Sorry to hear that if anyone can stay strong and fight it’s you. Sending lots of love.”
“You will get through this you are strong tough and resilient with a heart of gold and an outlook on life to admire. Sending you love you got this,” another added before a third said: “Oh Linda I’m sorry to hear that, you are a beautiful strong lady you got this.”
Coleen Nolan has been open about her sisters cancer battle
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Someone else commented: “So sorry to hear this Linda. Such a brave and inspirational woman. Keep fighting darling. Sending lots of love.”
“Stay strong sorry to hear the not-so-good news. Keep fighting and keep on going. Sending lots of love,” a fifth penned before a sixth praised: “Bless you sweetheart. You’re such an amazing woman, sending you much love and healing prayers and hoping your new treatment works for you lovely.”