Beloved Kath & Kim actress Magda Szubanski has shared a heartfelt update with fans as she continues her fight against stage four cancer.
The 64-year-old comedian and actress, adored by audiences for her role as Sharon Strzelecki, posted a moving video from her hospital bed on Sunday evening, thanking a young supporter for lifting her spirits during chemotherapy, The Guardian reports.
“This is a special shout-out to 10-year-old Annabella in Adelaide. Thank you so much for your impression of Sharon Strzelecki. I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up,” Szubanski said in the Instagram clip, smiling softly.
“I’m very touched, that was a beautiful thing to do. Thank you, my sweet.”
The actress went on to provide an update on her health, revealing that chemotherapy has been taking a toll. “Chemo is smacking me around right now and you really cheered me up. Bless you, my darling,” she added.
Szubanski revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Appearing on social media with a shaved head, she explained that her treatment would involve what is known as the Nordic protocol; a demanding multi-phase regimen combining several powerful drugs to shrink tumours, as per the Sydney Morning Herald.
“It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” she said at the time. “The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team. Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate.”
Despite acknowledging the challenges of treatment, she expressed optimism: “New treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.”
Since sharing her latest update, Szubanski has been inundated with messages of support from fellow celebrities and fans alike in the Instagram comments section. The Bachelor star Alex Nation commented: “Lots of love Magda,” while presenter Gorgi Coghlan added: “Sending so much love.” Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson wrote: "Sending all the love in the world to you, Magda darling."
Szubanski has asked for space as she continues treatment, reminding her followers that her immune system is fragile. “Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So I can’t hug no more. Don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly,” she said with her signature humour.
The actress also revealed that her cancer was discovered by chance during a routine breast screening, after abnormalities in her lymph nodes prompted further tests. “TBH, I’ve been feeling pretty rats**t for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and, voila!” she explained. “The takeaway is: get tested and listen to your body!”
For now, Szubanski says she is lying low while undergoing treatment, supported by her closest circle. “I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful. I’ve never felt more held by the people around me,” she said.