Overview
- An ulcer that began in December 2024 was initially thought to be a seizure-related bite before a biopsy confirmed stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
- On May 27 at University College London Hospital, surgeons removed half her tongue and rebuilt it using skin and blood vessels from her left forearm, transferring her semicolon tattoo into her mouth.
- The first reconstruction failed within two days, prompting emergency surgery to repair blood vessels and address damaged lymph nodes near her collarbone.
- She completed proton beam therapy at The Christie in Manchester from July 7 to August 15, a precision radiotherapy approach linked to Cancer Research UK–supported developments.
- Now recovering with a slight lisp and facial swelling after intensive speech and swallow rehabilitation, she has returned to local stage performances, plans a 2026 master’s, and is urging donations to Cancer Research UK.