Dame Esther Rantzen has no idea if her cancer treatment is working.
Dame Esther Rantzen has opened up about her battle with cancer
The 82-year-old TV veteran went public with her health battle back in January and she's now revealed doctors have told her the cancer is stage four - meaning it has spread to other areas - but she's on a new medication and is waiting for a scan to find out if it's been helping.
Speaking to the Mirror newspaper, she explained: "I’m on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it’s working or not. But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another."
Esther went on to insist she has no regrets and her health battle has made her look back on her life and achievements with pride.
She went on: "My diagnosis of stage four lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I’ve been in my life, working with [charities] Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of [TV show] 'That’s Life!'
"I’m not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to 'That’s Life!' during the last 50 years ... "
When she previously announced news of her diagnosis at the start of the year, Esther admitted she remains "optimistic" about the future.
In a statement, she said: "I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me.
“At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration grateful to them ...
"As I am sure you will understand, while I am awaiting the results of the tests, I am unable to answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic."
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