I’m knackered but my dad is here to hold me up, says Deborah James in heartfelt update
DEBORAH James has revealed she is knackered after a jam-packed week.
The 40-year-old Sun writer stunned at Ascot on Wednesday, with her 'lucky streak' continuing.
Not one to slow down though, Debs has now launched a limited edition of her Rebellious Hope t-shirts in a bid to raise even more money for the BowelBabe fund.
Taking to last night, Debs revealed the design, modelled by her father Alistair.
She said: "I may be knackered today from Ascot yesterday, but dad is there to hold me up."
Deborah has been living at her parents' home in Woking, Surrey, since been moved to palliative care last month.
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During that time, she has launched a fashion collection, become a Dame and has even had a rose named after her.
But one of her biggest achievements is raising over £6.7million for the BowelBabe fund.
Money from the fund will go towards helping Cancer Research UK, the Royal Marsden and Bowel Cancer UK - in order to support research into 'giving more Deborah's more time'.
The podcaster said 100 per cent of the profits from her t-shirts will go to her fund.
It comes after Deborah said she is “living in limbo” but enjoying every day as much as possible.
The mum-of-two says she is in a very “stressful and uncertain place”, given she continues to outlive her survival odds.
Debs stopped treatment for her incurable bowel cancer - diagnosed in 2016 - at the start of May because her body could no longer cope.
But the optimistic writer joked that she “ain’t dead yet”, despite expecting to have passed away weeks ago.
She wrote on her : “I find myself living in limbo land, not really knowing what the future holds and for how long.
“It’s a very stressful uncertain place to be because when I was discharge from hospital over a month ago I was given days, maybe a week to live. And I felt like it.
“But as we all know life doesn’t go according to plan, so I’m just grateful for what ever extra time, the powers that be have decided to grant me.
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage
"So despite the unnerving tears, I look at the sunshine, smile, and think, wow, life is a funny thing isn’t it!! Better enjoy it!”
Debs is making the most of time with her two children, Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, who she shares with husband Seb.
The mum-of-two, who has incurable bowel cancer, last week said she is taking life “day-by-day” and at a much slower pace.
She is still tirelessly campaigning and virtually cheered those on who are taking part in the Race for Life.
And on Wednesday, she had an impromptu trip to Ascot with her brother and brother Benjamin James and his fiancé Ashley Hall.
She said: “Yesterday was really special as with a lot of effort and help I actually made it to @ascotracecourse once again.
“I honestly have to pinch myself that I’ve been well enough each day to do something like this.
“Another favourite I’d had in mind and a fab milestone to say “ain’t dead yet!
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"Obviously like most haven’t been for a while due to covid, but so nice to be back and thank you to @ascotracecourse for making the whole experience for me and my brother just seemless and achievable for me.
“Memories made, but most importantly I got 3 wins in a row and am still bouncing off the ceiling from them still!!!”
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