'It's incredible what women can achieve'
OK! UK|October 09, 2023
Actress Amanda Mealing opens up on her cancer ordeal, survivor's guilt and facing the future
ALI GRAVES
'It's incredible what women can achieve'

STAYING STRONG

More than 20 years may have passed since her cancer diagnosis, but TV star Amanda Mealing tells us it feels like no time at all.

“Life happens,” says the 56-year-old Holby City and Casualty actress, when we meet for our exclusive chat. “It’s a journey and only you go through it. You can have all the love and support around you but you’re the only person that travels with it.”

Amanda was only 34 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer – just 24 hours after giving birth to her second son, Otis. Looking back, she still can’t believe how it happened.

“It was shocking. I’d always bought my pink ribbon in October but never thought about what that would entail,” she says. “I’d just given birth – my hormones and emotions were all over the place.”

Looking back on that traumatic time, she tells us it was “literally like the world stopped” as she listened to the consultant’s words. “I was in a bubble afterwards,” she reveals. “I could see and faintly hear other people around me. I was thinking, ‘How are you carrying on?’ It’s a bizarre thing, but I’m a fighter. I also had a newborn and a three-year-old. I thought, ‘You are not taking me now.’ I wasn’t going to give up.”

It was thanks to Amanda’s father-in-law that her condition was investigated so quickly. The retired GP examined the star when she complained of what she thought was a blocked milk duct during the latter stages of her pregnancy.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView all
SEASONAL SHOPPING
OK! UK

SEASONAL SHOPPING

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
OK! UK

BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
OK! UK

'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'

Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others

time-read
4 mins  |
November 25, 2024
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
OK! UK

I'm happy to be the one who says no'

TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself

time-read
5 mins  |
November 25, 2024
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
OK! UK

My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'

I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
OK! UK

'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'

Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet

time-read
5 mins  |
November 25, 2024
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
OK! UK

"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'

MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy

time-read
6 mins  |
November 25, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
OK! UK

KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE

\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year

time-read
6 mins  |
November 25, 2024
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
OK! UK

I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'

JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot

time-read
7 mins  |
November 25, 2024