In the Wake of Cancer Diagnosis, Jade Goody Says “I Live For My Boys”
Viewers of Big Brother India were shocked earlier this week when contestant Jade Goody departed the show after revealing that she does, indeed, has cervical cancer.
The 27-year-old British television personality knew before departing for Mumbai that there was a "strong chance" that she was afflicted with the disease, when a test revealed the existence of abnormal cell growth around her cervix. But she told Reveal magazine that she wanted to appear on the show anyway, to ensure some financial stability for her two children — Bobby Jack, 5 and Freddie, 3 ½. "It’s always difficult working away from home but I can’t wait around for the doctors to find out what’s wrong with me," Jade said prior to receiving the official diagnosis, "I need to keep working." She added,
I know it sounds crazy and a lot of people will criticize me for it, but I have to pay the bills at the end of the day. And if I do face cancer, I need to make sure I can support the boys.
Jade — who suspected that something was wrong after collapsing and experiencing strong "contraction"-like pains in her abdomen over the last several months — had been advised to undergo a hysterectomy because of previous abnormal pap tests and a miscarriage. Despite warnings from doctors that "getting pregnant again could be a real health risk," Jade says she refused the procedure because she wanted to try for a baby girl. For now, however, her focus is firmly on her sons.
I will worry for my beautiful boys if I get unwell. I live for them.
Bobby Jack and Freddie are Jade’s sons with ex-boyfriend Jeff Brazier.
Sources: Reveal, Daily Star; Photo by Lia Toby/WENN.
- Posted on Aug 20, 08 at 12:00PM
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- 10 Comments
August 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I can’t believe that she doesnt want to get a hysterectomy because she wants to have another baby. OMG!!!!! I once worked with a woman who was diagnoised with uterine cancer when she was 26 and was told that she needed all her female parts removed and she decided against it because she wanted to be able to give her boyfriend a baby. Everyone at work thought she was crazy and she ended up dying 11 months later.
August 20th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Dannie,
What are you eight? She doesn’t need “all her female parts” removed. Geez, I hope you never get “girl” cancer since you don’t seem very informed about human anatomy.
I also like that you and your coworkers gossiped about someone else’s cancer and then probably high-fived each other when she died 11 months later cause you were right and the poor dead lady was wrong.
Jade Goody is making her own choices based on her own needs. I don’t have to agree with her decisions, but I don’t have to gloat or attack her either. Why comment at all if you’re just going to be a witch about it?
August 20th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
All the mods here know I am the last person to typically ask that comments be deleted/removed, but I cannot believe ShameOnYou’s went through and am highly disappointed that it did. There is nothing intellent, enlightening, or respectful about her post; as such, I hope you will remove it immediately (and I don’t expect this post to be published either; removing hers is enough).
August 20th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Yes, this is a VERY PERSONAL decision. No one has the right to comment. Would you want someone commenting on something that personal if YOU had cancer? Try to put yourself her her shoes…
August 20th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
It’s so terrible for Jade to be diagnosed with this cancer, I think every woman would sympathise with her over this, its any woman’s worst nightmare. I wish her a full and speedy recovery and that she will be able to have future children after any treatment she may have.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
That’s very sad, I hope she recovers. She’s right though, at the end of the day, someone has to pay the bills, and if it’s her responsibility, I totally understand her need to work. I hope no one would blame her for being responsible.
August 20th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Since when does an abnormal pap smear and a miscarriage constitute the need for a hysterectomy!!
August 20th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I just saw that they aired the moment when Jade found out the news.
I know reality TV is all about reality but I think that’s sick. They should have respected her privacy and cut that bit out.
I hope she pulls through. No-one deserves to go through this.
August 20th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
After seeing her behaviour on big brother etc I could say that karma..it’s pretty bad. But this is unfortunate for any woman to go through.Especially a young woman. Sometimes I guess life throws us one of these to be greatful for what we have. I hope everything turns out ok and that she gains new perspective on life and how she treats/views people.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Jade was a bully on Big Brother, that’s not something you can dispute, but it wasn’t racist, and the people involved have stated that many times now. Aya, I am appauled you would even make the reference to this being karma, the way your post was worded that is likely what you believe. A young mother with cancer, fighting for her life, and there are some very sick people who believe that she deserves it, or that she has brought it on herself. Sick and disgusting to even entertain the idea. I wish Jade and her beautiful boys all the best. She has apologised many times and people need to move on and accept that. All my love to you and your family Jade.