Latest news with #healthbattle
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Dying James Whale shares emotional update in terminal cancer battle as he reveals he is struggling to breathe and talk
PRESENTER James Whale MBE has broken hearts with a tear-jerking glimpse into his terminal health battle. Star James, 74 - who has been courageously battling stage 4 kidney cancer since 2020 - was told he has twelve weeks to live. 4 4 He is now up to week seven - but says, 'I'm not me anymore'. Speaking on his podcast Tales of the Whales alongside his co-host wife Nadine, they spoke about his conditions. The much-loved TV personality said he is struggling to breathe, talk and think - and can't hear very well. He also admitted his speech has become very slow and he is forgetful, while suffering with painful pressure sores. On the emotional recording, he said: "I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't talk. "Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?" A confused James continued: "Could I thank everybody for getting in touch and wanting to meet up. "I'm not being rude when I make it difficult to get touched up. I mean... in touch." Nadine explained: 'You're getting quite tired, so from next week, we're restricting visitors to just very close friends and family.' He added: 'The most tiring thing I found… I still can't hear very well, which is more frustrating than anything else. James Whale reveals he's got weeks to live in emotional update on cancer battle, saying 'I spend a lot of time crying' "I've become very slow in my speech and then forgetful and everything else." Talking about his pressure sores he said: 'I'm tootling along, which is all you can do really, trying to get my breathing sorted and the mark on my bum.' He humbly asked: "People have to go through a lot worse, don't they? Do they?" The poignant conversation concluded: "Anyway. I don't feel I can go on much more... "The other thing is, my energy levels have gone completely. "So I wish everybody well, and let us hope we go through these phases as quickly as we can." The star recently celebrated his 'last birthday' surrounded by loved ones after stopping his cancer treatment. Back in May, the TALK show host revealed his long-running programme could be coming to an end as he reached the final stage of his battle. One of the country's most revered radio personalities, James has been in the business for no less than 50 years and, in 2023, received the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work. He's helped countless others too, having launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006 - now known as Kidney Cancer UK - the nation's leading specialist charity of its kind. James, who first defeated kidney cancer 20 years ago, had been receiving the aggressive treatment since a second cancer detection in 2020. Nadine, who he affectionately calls Lady W, has cared for him throughout his health battle and meticulously keeps on top of his hospital appointments and prescriptions. 4
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's two decade health battle: From rocker's secret Parkinson's diagnosis which he revealed five years ago to multiple surgeries before his death aged 76
had been battling ill-health for over 20 years before his sad death on Tuesday aged 76. The Black Sabbath legend had been suffering from Parkinson's disease since 2003 and had undergone seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal surgery in September 2023. His health battle began more than two decade ago years ago, when in 2003, he broke his neck after falling off a quad bike leading to some extensive back surgery and metal rods being put down his spine. The British musician was diagnosed with a mild form of Parkinson's disease in 2003, however he only went public with the condition in 2020. In 2020, the singer shared in an interview with Good Morning America alongside his wife Sharon his diagnosis. He shared: 'I had to have surgery on my neck which screwed all my nerves. I found out that I have a mild form of..." Struggling to finish the sentence Sharon stepped in: 'It's Parkin two which is a form of Parkinson's.' She added: 'There are so many different types of Parkinson's. It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. It's like you'll have a good day, then a good day, and then a really bad day.' However, Ozzy previously said that his biggest struggles were due to a fall which he suffered in 2019 which caused metal rods in his back to dislodge. The rods had been put there following a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire home in 2003. He told Rolling Stone UK magazine: 'The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled. 'I thought I'd be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a f*ing rod in my spine. 'They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. It's pretty rough, man, and my balance is all f*ed up.' In February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu and had experienced 'complications' from the illness. Sharon tweeted: 'As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu. His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love.' The illness led to him cancelling a string of tour dates while he recovered, including postponing the UK and European legs of his No More Tours 2. Ahead of his final live performance in July 2025, which was a benefit concert in Birmingham, Ozzy gave an update on his health status and state of mind. Speaking on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard, he said: 'You know what, I go on about the way I can't walk and I can't do this, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all of my complaining, I'm still alive.' He continued: 'I may be moaning about how I can't walk as well but as I look down the road, there's people that didn't do half as much as me, and they didn't make it.' 'I'm trying to get back on my feet.' Host Billy Morrison added: 'Ozzy, you are so much better than you were just a year ago.' He replied: 'Yeah, but the recovery is very slow. That f***ing surgeon. Plus the Parkinson's. When you get up in the morning, you just jump outta bed. Oh I have to balance myself, you know? But you know, I'm not dead, as you say. I'm still actively doing things.' Also ahead of the gig, Ozzy's wife Sharon revealed: 'Ozzy's working with his therapist every single day. He's doing really well, actually. Ozzy's number one thing in life is his fans, so he's working hard to be ready for them, to make this show the perfect way to end things.' Last year, Ozzy was not well enough to perform at the band's Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame induction in America. At the Back To The Beginning show, Ozzy performed on a black throne as he was unable to stand. Ozzy, who has undergone multiple back and neck surgeries, moved in a specialist rehab therapist in Los Angeles to try to help him stand for several minutes on stage, walk more freely and feel better balanced. He had also been a firm supporter of the health service, following being treated by NHS staff in 2003 after his near-fatal accident left him with a fractured neck vertebra, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone. Despite his setbacks, and his worsening condition, Sharon claimed his voice was as good as ever before his final ever gig. Speaking to The Sun she added: 'He's very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this. Parkinson's is a progressive disease. 'It's not something you can stabilize. It affects different parts of the body, and it's affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it's ever been.' Ozzy passed away on Tuesday (22.07.25), just weeks after he took to the stage for a final performance with his band in Villa Park, Birmingham. The Osbourne family said in a statement: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. 'Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, and dropped out of school at the age of 15. After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music and by 1970 Black Sabbath had gained a huge following in the US and UK with the release of their first album. Ozzy quit the band in 1978 and divorced his first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with, four years later, amid his ongoing substance abuse problems. He went on to marry second wife Sharon Osbourne, who helped him transform into a successful solo artist and the couple had three children together. Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family's reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001. He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack. WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website. What are the symptoms? The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness. Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness. Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration. What are the early signs? Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body. In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk. Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time. What are the causes? Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease. It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain. However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes. Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families. Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says. How is it diagnosed? No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition. They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement. How many people are affected? Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK. What happens if someone is diagnosed? According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment. The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available. People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise. Can it be treated? Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways. What medication is available and what are the side effects? Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems. There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways. The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes. What therapy is available? There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS. Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching. Does this change the way you live? Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health. It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health. Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘If it's end of the road, I can't complain' How hard-living rocker Ozzy Osbourne had no regrets amid health battles
FROM a horror quad bike crash to his Parkinson's diagnosis, Ozzy Osbourne has battled with his health through the years. The legendary Black Sabbath singer, known as the "Prince of Darkness," tragically died at the age of 76 on Tuesday. 10 10 10 The star broke his neck in a 2003 quad bike accident, underwent a rigorous recovery for addiction and was later diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's. He's had to undergo numerous surgeries and endure endless hours of physio. Quad bike crash The rock-n-roll star was seriously injured in a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire estate in 2003. The then 55-year-old broke his collarbone and six ribs, with surgeons at the time needing to stem bleeding to his lungs. The horror crash happened on a day off from promoting the release of a duet with his daughter Kelly. A fall from a toilet in 2019 later dislodged the metal rods in his back from the quad bike crash. 'I fell over and I landed wrong,' Ozzy later said. 'I went to the doctor's and you assume everybody knows what they're doing. "My son Jack has a video of me going into surgery, saying, 'I'll see you in a few minutes'. "I haven't walked properly since.' Ozzy Osbourne takes to stage for final time with Black Sabbath band mates in front of delighted rock fans In 2023, the rock legend said a fourth op was the last one he believed his body could handle. He said: 'It's going to be the final surgery, because I can't do it any more. 'Regardless of the way it ends up, I can't.' He added: 'I walked upstairs today for the first time in a while, and my feet feel like I've got diving boots on.' Ozzy's family statement BLACK Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76. A statement from his family said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. "Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Speaking to the Guardian earlier this year, Ozzy said: 'You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong. "You begin to think this is never going to end.' Ozzy believed too much blame for his predicament was placed on his Parkinson's diagnosis. He said: 'I mean, when I came off the quad bike in 2003, I still did tours and I had Parkinson's back then. It was THAT f***ing surgery.' Parkinson's battle Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease back in 2019 and went public with his diagnosis the following year. As well as mobility issues, the condition caused him to suffer nerve pain, depression and blood clots. He revealed the sad news in an emotional joint interview with wife Sharon. 10 The singer told Good Morning America that he couldn't hide his health struggles any longer. Explaining the condition, Sharon said: "It's Parkin 2 which is a form of Parkinson's. There are so many different types of Parkinson's. "It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. "It's like you'll have a good day, then a good day and then a really bad day." Ozzy added at the time: "A year ago I was in a terrible state. I'm on a host of medication, mainly for the surgery. "I've got numbness down this arm and my legs are going cold. I don't know if it's the Parkinson's or what. That's the problem." Parkin 2 cannot be cured, but treatments are available to minimise symptoms — although it is steadily degenerative. Experts say the variety Ozzy had is one of the slowest developing types — but the long-term prognosis varies significantly between cases. Battle with pneumonia Ozzy was forced to axe tour dates in 2019 during a battle with pneumonia. The rock star, who was due to play in Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland and China at the time, was told he needed to recuperate for six weeks. His wife Sharon wrote on social media following the gigs: "Ozzy recently developed pneumonia & has spent some time in hospital. "He is through the worst part. His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for full six weeks." Learning difficulties The star has also spoken openly about his struggles with dyslexia and ADHD. Speaking to GQ magazine in 2019, Ozzy said: "With my recovery programme, I have to do a daily inventory of how my day has been. "I am terribly dyslexic and have attention deficit disorder, so I have to carry a tape recorder everywhere I go. "Also, if I get a melody in my head, I have to record it straight away. "There are times when I lie in bed at night and I go, 'F***ing hell, that's a great melody.' "I can hear the finished thing in my head. I hear concertos, f***ing violins and everything!" Drugs & addiction During his life, Ozzy spoke openly about his battle with addiction. The rock legend's battle with alcoholism and drug addiction began in the 1970s. He has also spoken about his sobriety journey but admitted he's "not completely sober" in 2024. Ozzy had long given up alcohol and said: 'My tolerance has gone, I'm glad to say, because when I start drinking I start looking for drugs. "Sharon had good training in dealing with chaos!' 10 10
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Teddi Mellencamp's LA mansion targeted in attempted burglary amid stage four cancer battle
Teddi Mellencamp has suffered another setback, as an attempted burglary occurred at her Encino home while she continues her battle with stage four cancer. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 44, was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and revealed in April that the cancer had advanced to stage four, having metastasized to her lungs and brain—a progression her doctors initially failed to detect. Following the discovery of tumors in her brain and lungs, she began a series of intensive treatments, including surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy. Amid her ongoing health battle, Mellencamp is also navigating personal upheaval, including a recent breakup and her divorce from estranged husband Edwin Arroyave, with whom she shares three children. On Monday, two individuals attempted to enter the Encino, CA property she shares with Arroyave, according to TMZ. The home's security system immediately alerted those inside to the intrusion attempt, and no injuries were reported, per the insider.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bristol Palin gives update on her facial paralysis after turning to extreme treatment and sobriety
Bristol Palin spoke about her ongoing bout with facial paralysis in series of posts Thursday on her Instagram Stories. The Wasilla, Alaska-born reality star, 34, fielded questions from her 549,000 followers on the number of different topics, including her personal health battle. The Teen Mom OG star, who has sporadically updated her fans on her condition via social media, was asked by one follower what symptoms she dealt with prior to physical changes in her face. The daughter of former Alaska governor and 2008 vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin made clear the condition literally crept up on her, with no warning signs whatsoever. 'I woke up and it was paralyzed completely out of the blue – no warning, wasn't sick didn't get the v@x, no recent Botox... just paralyzed,' she said. Bristol has past told her followers that different strategies she has taken in her health battle - including a year without alcohol; and nerve block treatments. Bristol estimated her face was 'probably like 70% back to normal' about six months after the situation began. She posed with daughters Sailor Grace, nine, and Atlee Bay, eight Another user asked Bristol how she was handling the situation on an emotional level. Bristol responded, 'I feel like I'm handling it well. I can't look at pictures of myself right now.' Bristol estimated her face was 'probably like 70% back to normal' about six months after the situation began. Another user asked Bristol why she wasn't spending that much time on Instagram these days. 'Maybe it's just me - but IG feels self absorbed the older I get,' Bristol explained. 'I LOVE connecting with y'all and having friends on here but I don't love posting a whole lot.' Bristol said she would try to share more of her professional endeavors with her followers if there was an opportunity to do so. 'Maybe when I have more house projects and I'm playing bob the builder – I want to show you guys but right now I enjoy an offline quiet little life,' she said. Bristol accompanied the posts by images of her with her children; a smiling selfie; and a shot of her hand, as her nails were painted fluorescent yellow. Asked if her son Tripp, 16, wants to go to college, she replied, 'I'd never push college. 'He wants to work – he already works actually,' Bristol said. 'He'll go into a trade and will have his hand in some sort of real estate/development I'm sure! Bristol in January said that her doctor believes she has a case of Bell's palsy — which is temporary paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles — as the tests she's undergone have turned up 'nothing.' Bristol admitted five months back that she has seen very little improvement in her condition as the health crisis eclipsed the three-week mark. 'We're on 23 of this, which is absolutely insane,' she said in February 'Can't move the left side of my face at all. It's really hard to blink. I can't blow out a candle. My sisters makes so much fun of me because I look crazy.' Bristol told more 552,000 followers on the platform the adjustments she's made to her health regimen amid the battle with facial paralysis. Bristol said in the Instagram Stories clip said that she has undergone treatments spanning acupuncture, massage, oxygen chamber treatment and red light therapy, as well as cutting out 'most of the processed foods' in her diet. Bristol said she was 'eliminating most caffeine' in her daily regimen.. 'I still have a cup of coffee in the morning, but trying to clean up everything - to be very healthy - but since this was onset by stress, since it was set off by stress, I've been trying to eliminate anything that I can control that serves no purpose,' she told her followers. Bristol said she was focusing her efforts on eliminating the stress from her day-to-day routine in an effort to 'lighter and feel better' and not cause the 'physical reaction' she's had. 'I'm sleeping pretty sound sticking to a routine - just trying my best to get this healed,' Bristol said. Bristol said that it made her uncomfortable to discuss the topic publicly, but felt that she should inform the public what she was dealing with, lest leave them wondering for the worse. 'I hate talking about the stuff on here,' Bristol said. 'The only reason why I wanted to post about it was that so when people saw me in person they didn't think that something crazy had happened so I could control at least that narrative - but everything is fine. Bristol wrapped up the clip in saying she was 'praying for some breakthrough some healing soon.' Bristol is mother to three children: son Tripp, 16, with ex Levi Johnston, 35; and daughters Sailor Grace, nine, and Atlee Bay, eight, and ex-husband Dakota Meyer, 37. Bristol in January said on the social media platform that doctors speculated she might have Bell's palsy after undergoing a series of tests after suffering symptoms. 'I woke up nine days ago with a little weird sensation in my face - my mouth was pulling [to the left], and it just felt a little off. Within a couple of hours, the entire left side of my face was numb and just paralyzed.' She said she couldn't blink her eye and 'definitely had no movement on the side of [her] face.' A number of notable names have past received diagnoses of Bell's palsy, including George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, The Bachelorette alum Emily Maynard Johnson and iconic pro wrestling announcer Jim Ross. Bristol was thrust into the national limelight in 2008 amid her mother's vice presidential campaign alongside then Republican presidential candidate, late Arizona Sen. John McCain. She appeared at the Republican National Convention in September 2008 alongside Johnston, as her pregnancy with Tripp when she was 17 made headlines, amid her mother's swift rise to political prominence as McCain's running mate. Beyond the campaign, her relationship with Johnston remained in the public eye amid a pair of engagements before they eventually split for good. Bristol made headlines in 2009 when she signed on for a $262,500 position to serve as an abstinence ambassador for a teen pregnancy prevention organization called The Candie's Foundation. 'Abstinence is the only way you can effectively 100 percent prevent pregnancy,' Bristol said in a 2009 Good Morning America appearance. 'It's the safest choice and it will prevent teen pregnancy and a lot of heartache.' Bristol in March of 2015 revealed she was engaged to Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor winner as a Marine. After calling off their engagement, they wed in 2016, prior to Meyer filing for divorce in 2018. In her 2011 book Not Afraid of My Life, Bristol dubbed Levi a 'gnat' who had 'stolen her virginity' after she had been consuming alcohol. Appearing on Good Morning America in June of 2011, Bristol clarified she was 'not accusing Levi of date rape or rape at all. 'I'm looking back with adult eyes and thinking, that was a foolish decision,' she said. 'I should never have been underage drinking, and I should never have gotten myself into a situation like that.' The statements triggered legal activity in which Johnston requested for hearings to be publicized 'as a check against anyone's need to be overly vindictive, aggressive, or malicious.' Johnston said, 'Not that Bristol would be that way, nor would I. But her mother is powerful, politically ambitious, and has a reputation for being extremely vindictive. So, I think a public case might go a long way in reducing Sarah Palin's instinct to attack.' Johnston in November of 2013 filed court docs to have joint custody of Tripp, saying it had been in the child's best interests, after Bristol previously had been awarded full custody. Bristol said that the court filing had been a move to impact child support payments, as he had been $66,000 behind on his slate at the time. Bristol would again take Johnston to court saying that he had not demonstrated he was fit to be a parent. Bristol said Johnston hadn't had visits with a young Tripp, and squandered his earnings on vacations, luxury vehicles and hunting trips as opposed to his child support obligations. In addition to her work on Dancing With the Stars, Bristol also appeared on the Lifetime TV series Life's a Tripp and MTV's Teen Mom OG in 2018.
