Former Home and Away actress Alea O’Shea has shared an update on her battle with brain cancer.
O’Shea, who appeared as Darcy Callahan in 57 episodes of the beloved Aussie soap between 2011 and 2017, previously disclosed that she underwent her first biopsy on her birthday in November and had been living in “limbo” while awaiting results.
In a recent video shared with her followers, the actress documented the onset of hair loss as a result of radiation therapy.
She explained that she had initially planned to avoid brushing her hair while waiting for a wig, which was due to arrive on January 11.
However, that didn’t go according to plan after her hair began forming dreadlocks, leading her to ask for help from her brother Brock, as her left arm is “currently paralysed”.
“I’ve got two of the best brothers in the world,” she said.
In the same video, O’Shea told her 161,000 Instagram followers that although speaking publicly about her diagnosis feels “crazy”, she has chosen to be “open and honest” about her experience.
“I want to live my life as normally as possible while I’m fighting this,” she said.
O’Shea first became concerned when she noticed her smile appeared uneven and she was struggling to speak clearly. She also experienced several migraines, though she said she was not initially alarmed.
While recently in Los Angeles, she lost sensation in two fingers, which later spread to her wrist and toe. Believing it to be a pinched nerve, she sought treatment from her physiotherapist, who advised her to undergo a brain scan.
O’Shea said she “couldn’t be more grateful for” that recommendation.
She explained that while she is still able to walk and lift her arm, tasks such as pointing or holding objects with her affected hand are currently not possible.
O’Shea added that the location of the cancer will not affect her personality.
“So I’m still going to be as hilarious,” she laughed.
The star said the road ahead remains uncertain, with ongoing treatment expected to result in further hair loss and the possibility of paralysis on her left side.
O’Shea is using her platform to encourage followers to advocate for their own health and seek medical advice when something feels wrong.
“When something feels off, even slightly, pay attention to it and find the right professionals who will take you seriously,” she said.
She said she feels “genuinely so blessed” to have strong support around her, and to remain independent and able to continue working during her treatment.
O’Shea said she plans to keep sharing updates and connecting with her audience as openly as possible.
“I might be doing videos one-handed, I might disappear when I need to, but mostly I’m going to be showing up as me, every single day that I can,” she said.
She ended the clip by saying she does not want her illness to define her, describing it instead as just another part of her story.
Images: Instagram/Seven
