Dr Philippa Kaye holds back tears over Deborah James’s cancer diagnosis

Dr. Philippa Kaye fought back tears as she discussed her friend Deborah James’ decision to join end-of-life care.

The show’s resident medical expert, who was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer at the age of 39 in 2019, explained the signs and symptoms to watch for.

She cautioned at the start of the segment that she might become upset as a result of her friend Deborah’s terrible news.

Mother-of-two and activist Deborah has had stage 4 bowel cancer for five years, but her body is no longer capable of fighting it, so she has returned to her parents’ house to die.

Dr. Philippa said, “The cancer community is an amazing place, and you guys have to excuse me if I do get emotional, and Deborah is an amazing person. You have a bond in a way other people don’t. We bonded over being in ICU, or being in hospital on our own in the middle of a pandemic, and you have a mutual understanding. That’s messaging at 11 o’clock at night or 3 in the morning. That connection is immense.”

Philippa’s initial appointment revealed that she had a one-in-10,000 chance of developing cancer.

Despite her sickness, Philippa considers herself fortunate to have caught it early and to be cancer-free.

If they observe blood in their poop, abrupt unexplained weight loss, irregular bowel movements, excessive exhaustion, or persistent stomach pain for more than three weeks, she advised them to see a doctor.

Deborah stated she didn’t want her children to see her suffer at the end of her life, and all she wanted was one last embrace in a farewell interview with The New York Times.

She has raised £3million in three days with her Bowelbabe Fund and praised husband Seb for his “incredible support” and told him “don’t marry a bimbo”.

Her intestinal cancer therapy has been halted, and she is receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ house.

Deborah sobbed on BBC Breakfast last week, recalling emotional chats with her daughters, Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.

She said, “It’s been hideous telling my children. My first thought was, ‘I don’t want them to see me like this’.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to speak to them without crying, but I’d love one last cuddle.”

She added, “I want them to have letters at milestones, and funny messages: Here’s my advice on your wedding day; what to do on a first date.”

She told, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen my husband so emotional. He’s suddenly realized the enormity of this.

“I have given him strict instructions: I want him to move on. He’s a handsome man, I’m like, ‘Don’t be taken for a ride, don’t marry a bimbo, find someone else who can make you laugh like we did’.”

She said, “It sounds morbid, but I want a sombre funeral in black and white because I think people look good in black and white.

“I’m thinking of asking people to bring a photo or funny anecdote, so my family can collect the memories. I want, Tell Me It’s Not True, from Blood Brothers played.

“My children love reading poems with me. If they would be up for it, I’d like them to read.”

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