Adele Roberts has revealed she’s taken the “first step” to get her colon fully functioning again after completing her bowel cancer treatment last year.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter, 43, was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer in October 2021 and was given the all-clear in June.
However, the former Big Brother contestant revealed in November that her rectum was removed during her colostomy operation in October 2021.
The operation diverts one end of the colon, which is part of the bowel, through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma. A pouch is then placed over the stoma to collect stools, and can be permanent or temporary.
And now, the I’m A Celeb star has revealed that she’s undergone surgery in order to get her digestive system working as it had before and get her closer to going “to the toilet the old-fashioned way” as she continues to deal with the side effects of her treatment.
Taking to Instagram on Monday (January 9), Roberts shared two candid selfies of herself in a hospital gown and bed as she discussed her nerves before going under the knife.
In a lengthy caption, she penned: “Today was the first step in hopefully getting my colon working again (post bowel cancer surgery).
“I may be down a rectum but I think there’s enough left to blag it and get things moving again. I was super nervous this morning but I met a lovely lady who I started chatting to and she calmed me right down.
“She was getting ready to have the second part of her surgery to remove breast cancer.”
The broadcaster also detailed her progress and what her next steps are in restoring her colorectal functions to what they once were.
She continued: “The next steps are to see the surgery team again soon for the ‘finger test’ Praying it’s carried out by someone with small hands because the last time they tried to go there they had to peel me off the ceiling.
“I think there’ll be a few more surgeries for me this year… but do you know what, I’m just so happy they can help me and there’s hope.
“I might be able to go to the toilet the ‘old fashioned way’ one day in the future. Might even get inspired by all the balloons and have a grand re-opening party.”
Signing off the update, Roberts credited her stoma, affectionately known as Audrey, for supporting her through her health battle: “Until then. It’s me and you Audrey you little legend.
“Thanks for keeping me happy, healthy, alive and kicking. I love and appreciate you more than you could imagine.”
