Actress Ali Bastian, known for her role as Becca Dean in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

At 42, Ali was completely taken aback by the news, describing it as a “total shock.”

Living in Ireland with her husband and their two young daughters, Ali is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

She will later face a mastectomy and radiotherapy as part of her treatment plan.

The Journey Begins with a Discovery

The diagnosis came after Ali noticed a lump while breastfeeding her youngest daughter, Isabella, who is 19 months old.

Ali initially thought the pain and lump were due to a blocked duct, a common issue for breastfeeding mothers.

However, when the antibiotics prescribed didn’t improve her condition, she knew it was time to seek further medical advice.

This led her to a breast clinic, where the diagnosis was confirmed.

Processing the Diagnosis: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Ali shared that the diagnosis came via a phone call, and although it was difficult news to hear, she felt reassured when her doctor told her they have an “intent to cure” her.

Ali has been doing her best to come to terms with the diagnosis, and she admits that some mornings, she forgets about it briefly before reality sets in again.

Navigating Treatment and Seeking Support

Doctors believe that Ali’s cancer is hormone-driven, and they are currently conducting more research to determine if it has any genetic links.

Ali’s maternal aunt and grandmother also had breast cancer, which raises the possibility of a hereditary connection.

As part of her treatment, she will undergo a single mastectomy and is considering whether a double mastectomy would be beneficial as a preventative measure.

To help her through this challenging time, Ali has been working with a psychologist who specializes in oncology, and she has also been assigned a mentor who has experienced cancer firsthand.

Despite the daunting journey ahead, Ali is determined to beat the disease and eventually return to her acting career.

Holding on to Hope and Looking Forward

Ali remains hopeful and focused on the future, expressing her desire to get back to acting once she is on the other side of her treatment.

She recently found herself longing to return to a film set after seeing a post from her former co-star Dominic Power.

This desire to reconnect with her craft gives her something positive to look forward to as she navigates her treatment.

Coping with Grief and Finding Strength

In addition to her health battle, Ali has also been dealing with the grief of losing her close friend Lou last year.

Ali has spoken candidly about how this loss has impacted her, especially as it coincided with the postpartum period following the birth of her youngest daughter.

She has been open about the challenges of processing her grief while trying to be present for her children.

Despite the difficulties, Ali finds comfort in her memories of Lou and the support she receives from those around her.

She continues to cherish the moments she had with her friend while also seeking help to manage her mental health during such a challenging time.

A Message of Support

If Ali’s story has touched you, or if you are dealing with similar challenges, organizations like Macmillan Cancer Support are available to offer assistance.

Their helpline provides free support to anyone affected by cancer.

Ali Bastian’s journey is far from over, but she remains resilient and hopeful as she faces the future with determination and a desire to return to the life she loves.

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