The Office star Lucy Davis has “incurable” breast cancer, according to a post on her Instagram page.
The 53-year-old actress, who is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, is best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the BBC sitcom.
Davis said one of the most important things that has helped her through the cancer is humour, asking her friends and family to poke fun at the actress “as much as possible” and above all to not treat her like a “sick person”.
She also said said she will continue working for animal rights, adding that she would also like to keep working as an actress – a job which is one of the “biggest joys” of her life.
A post on Instagram said: “Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I’ve kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now..
“A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs.
“The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo..
“The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out:).
“As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that..
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“As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!).The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at🙄), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell..I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home.
“Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me..
“I’m still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It’s so important to me. And I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life..For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally.
“And we all get to do it however we choose..Much love to you all”
Davis, who also appeared in Wonder Woman, shared her diagnosis alongside a video that showed her ringing ‘the cancer treatment bell’.
The actress shared a video of her ringing a bell and reading out a rhyme common in many cancer treatment centres to celebrate the end of treatment.
Reading out the poem, she said: “Ring this bell three times well. It’s a toll to clearly say my treatments are done, the course is run, and I am on my way.”