Beverley Callard Breaks Down in Tears Following Cancer Surgery Complications
Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard has opened up about her emotional journey battling breast cancer, revealing she experienced complications during surgery that delayed her return home. The actress, best known for playing Liz McDonald on the long-running soap, shared heartfelt updates with fans via Instagram videos, detailing her hospital stay and recovery process.
Emotional Hospital Stay and Delayed Homecoming
Callard returned home a day later than planned due to what she described as "minor complications" with her lymph node removal surgery. In a video posted from her home, the actress appeared visibly emotional as she recounted her experience. "I'm home. I was supposed to come home yesterday, but they decided to keep me in overnight. Minor complications," she explained, her voice trembling with emotion.
The actress joked about her appearance, noting that nurses had commented on her pale complexion. "I looked very pale, the nurses were calling me pale and passionate. I don't know about passionate, but I am very pale," she said with a smile, before admitting to having "a bit of a cry" as emotions ran high following the procedure.
Praise for NHS Staff and Unique Recovery Accessory
Callard expressed deep gratitude for the medical team at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, calling them "truly amazing." She showed viewers a specially made bag she received from hospital staff, explaining its purpose with characteristic humor. "And wait for this, who needs Louis Vuitton? Josh, one of the nurses, his nan makes these to keep the drain bottle in," she revealed, holding up the practical accessory.
Prior to her surgery, Callard had shared a pre-operation video where she discussed her mindset and concerns. "Update for anyone else who is about to go through it. I'm at the hospital, it's the big day, which I'm glad about. I'm ready, I'm strong, I feel fine," she said, adding that she had connected with other women facing similar procedures.
Recovery Progress and Shared Experiences
In a follow-up video posted a day after returning home, Callard provided a more detailed update on her condition. She acknowledged feeling "incoherent" in her initial post-surgery video and described experiencing significant pain on the first night after her operation. "I must say I was in great pain Friday night and I didn't sleep at all," she confessed.
However, her recovery showed positive signs as she reported sleeping for twelve hours the following night and managing without morphine. "I've not taken any morphine today because I don't react to it that well, it does make me feel a bit sick, but to be honest, I've not needed it," she explained. "Rather than being in pain, I'm more sore and I can cope with that, that's fine."
Callard also addressed the emotional support she received from thousands of well-wishers, appreciating their stories and shared experiences. "People who have been through this, people who are going through this, because there are many, many people going through it, and it's good to know you're not alone," she said emotionally.
Early Diagnosis and Future Treatment
The actress first revealed her diagnosis during an appearance on RTÉ's The Late Late Show, disclosing that she received the news just minutes before filming her first scene for Irish soap Fair City. Doctors detected her cancer at a very early stage, which Callard described as fortunate.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But I'm fine. I'm absolutely fine. My head was a bit mashed for the first few days. It's very early stages, and I'm along with thousands of other women as well," she shared during her television appearance.
Following her surgery, Callard will undergo radiotherapy as part of her comprehensive treatment plan. Throughout her updates, she has emphasized the importance of mental strength and community support, encouraging others facing similar challenges to share their experiences and fears openly.
