Beverley Callard has shared an emotional health update after completing her radiotherapy treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis.
The former Coronation Street star, 69, revealed on Thursday that she had finished all 10 of her planned radiotherapy sessions and said she was “thrilled” to have reached the important milestone.
Addressing her followers in an Instagram video, Beverley said: “I’ve done it. I’ve just finished my last radiotherapy session. Fingers crossed.”
She explained that the appointment marked her tenth treatment and acknowledged that many other cancer patients face much longer courses.
“Yep, that was number 10 for me, and lots of people have to have lots more, I know that,” she said.
“But for now, that’s finished. So hopefully — I don’t know for sure — but hopefully I won’t need any more.”
Her husband, Jon McEwan, who has remained by her side throughout the health battle, immediately encouraged her to remain optimistic.
“Positive thinking, darling,” he told her.
Beverley replied: “That’s it. I know, positive thinking. Yes, definitely.”
Despite feeling relieved, the actress admitted she was still processing the end of treatment and remained aware that further medical checks lie ahead.
“To be honest, I feel a bit numb because yesterday I really struggled, but today I’ve been fine,” she said.
She revealed that she will meet with her professor again in two months, when doctors are expected to provide more information about the next stage of her care.
“Then I’ll know a lot more, and mammograms and oncologists and all that,” she explained.
“But radiotherapy is finished for now, so I’m really thrilled.”
Rather than marking the occasion with a lavish celebration, Beverley said she and Jon planned a quiet evening at home because they were both exhausted.
“I’m not going to celebrate tonight. We’re too tired. We can’t be bothered,” she admitted.
“I’m going to put scruffy clothes on and just sit and watch TV with a cup of tea.”
Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has kept followers updated throughout her hospital appointments, surgery and treatment.
Last month, she revealed that doctors had planned 10 days of radiotherapy, divided into two blocks of five consecutive sessions with a weekend break in between.
She had initially been waiting for a body scan and mapping appointment before treatment could begin.
At the time, Beverley also shared that doctors were concerned her radiotherapy should have started sooner.
The actress admitted the news “wasn’t what she wanted to hear” during a hospital appointment to discuss her treatment plan.
Beverley had recently moved from England to Ireland, and she said delays in transferring her medical records between the two countries had complicated the process.
Her cancer diagnosis came shortly after she joined the cast of RTÉ soap Fair City in February.
Beverley was preparing to film when she received a call from her doctor confirming she had breast cancer.
She returned to the UK for surgery and treatment, taking four months away from work.
Last month, she celebrated another major step in her recovery by returning to the Fair City set.
Beverley admitted that she felt “nervous and on edge” ahead of her first day back, comparing the experience to returning to school at the start of a new term.
“I have to tell you, it’s like the first day back at term at school,” she said in a video filmed after Jon drove her to work.
“I’m really nervous and on edge, but nicely so. So wish me luck.”
After completing her first day of filming, Beverley told followers the return had been far more enjoyable than she feared.
“Home from my first day at work, and do you know what? It was fantastic,” she said.
“As soon as I was in there, you just feel like you’ve never been away.”
She added that her colleagues had given her a warm welcome and that the cast spent much of the day laughing together.
“Everybody was so pleased to see me, and I was really pleased to see them,” she said.
“We laughed a lot and got the giggles. It was just fantastic.”
Beverley joined Fair City as Lily, the quirky and unpredictable long-lost mother of Carrigstown resident Gwen.
Her return to acting and completion of radiotherapy represent two encouraging milestones in what has been a physically and emotionally demanding year.
However, the actress remains cautious as she waits for further appointments, scans and consultations.
For now, she is choosing to focus on the achievement of completing treatment and the simple comfort of spending a quiet evening at home with her husband.
“Radiotherapy is finished for now,” Beverley said. “I’m really thrilled.”
