Dame Esther Rantzen has said her lung cancer diagnoses has made her "realise how lucky" she has been in her career, and she has spoken about the "fantastic friendships" she has made during her time in broadcasting.
Dame Esther confirmed in January she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-ol has now said she is facing Stage 4 cancer. But she said she he only feels grateful as she looks back on a long life and six-decade career. She said since her diagnosis, she has found herself looking back on her work, achievements, family and friends.
Speaking for the first time about her treatment, she told the Mirror: “I’m on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it’s working or not. But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another."
She added: “My diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life, working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That’s Life!.
“I’m not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to That’s Life! during the last 50 years, the people I met, and the team who worked so hard, and laughed so hard, together for so long.”
Dame Esther was a trailblazer for female broadcasters and became a household name during her career at the BBC. She is best-known for presenting That's Life! - a programme featuring a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment - from 1973 to 1994.
Her TV producer husband Desmond Wilcox died in 2000, not only appeared as presenter on the very first show in 1973, she coined its name.
“Pardon me boasting, I came up with the title,” laughs the mother of three and grandmother of five.
In January, Dame Esther said in a statement to the PA news agency: "In the last few weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread. At the moment I am undergoing various tests, to assess the best treatment.
"I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me. At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.
"First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them. My friends have been amazing and have created memories which sustain me and give me strength.
"My colleagues with whom I have worked, and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector, and in many other organisations have been a constant pleasure, and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and awful jokes. I have been continuously inspired by the courageous children, older people and viewers who have trusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to live up to that trust.
"As I am sure you will understand, while I am awaiting the results of the tests, I am unable to answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic."
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