Ali Bastian, a 42-year-old actress best known for her role as Becca Dean in the Channel 4 soap opera “Hollyoaks,” has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came as a shock to the mother of two, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and preparing for a mastectomy and radiotherapy.
Ali, who now lives in Ireland with her husband David O’Mahony and their two young daughters, Isabella (19 months) and Isla (4), revealed that she discovered the lump while breastfeeding her youngest daughter. At first, she thought it might be a blocked duct, but after antibiotics didn’t clear it up, she went to see her doctor.
“I hadn’t been breastfeeding Izzy at night, but then David flew back to London for work and suddenly she was feeding like crazy,” Ali explained. “I was thinking, ‘Maybe she’s having a growth spurt or something.’ And because of that, my boobs felt sore. The next morning, I woke up and thought, ‘Ouch, this really hurts.’ And that’s when I felt a lump.”
Ali initially assumed it was a blocked duct and was given a course of antibiotics, but when the lump didn’t clear up, she went to see her doctor again. This time, she was referred to a breast clinic, where she received the devastating news that she had breast cancer.
“I was in total shock,” Ali said. “I had mornings when I wake up and I’ve forgotten… and then suddenly I remember. I’m still trying to process it.”
Despite the shock and uncertainty, Ali is determined to beat the disease and is taking a proactive approach to her treatment. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is set to undergo a single mastectomy. She is still waiting to hear if doing a double mastectomy would be a good idea as a preventative measure.
The doctors have told Ali that her cancer is “hormone-driven” and are doing more research to establish if it’s genetic. Her maternal aunt and grandmother also had breast cancer, which has added to her concerns.
Ali has been open about her diagnosis on social media, and has received an outpouring of support from friends, family, and fans. She has also been seeing a psychologist who specializes in oncology and has been given a mentor who has had cancer.
“I will get through this and come out the other side,” Ali said. “After my diagnosis, I went on Instagram and saw a post by my friend Dominic Power, my former co-star in The Bill, and I could see he was on set in Hollyoaks. I suddenly had a real pang of, ‘I want to look into an actor’s eyes and do a scene.’ I really miss it.”
Ali’s determination to return to acting is inspiring, and she is already looking forward to the day when she can get back to work. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and is focusing on staying positive and strong throughout her treatment.
“I’m not going to let cancer define me,” Ali said. “I’m going to beat it and come out the other side, and I’m going to do it with a smile on my face and a spring in my step.”
Ali’s journey with breast cancer has been a challenging one, but she is determined to stay positive and focused on her treatment. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and is taking a proactive approach to her care.
“I’m trying to stay positive and focused on my treatment,” Ali said. “I’m doing everything I can to beat this disease and come out the other side. I’m grateful for the support of my loved ones and am taking a proactive approach to my care.”
Ali’s diagnosis has also given her a new perspective on life and has made her appreciate the importance of living in the moment.
“Cancer has given me a new perspective on life,” Ali said. “It’s made me realize how precious life is and how important it is to live in the moment. I’m trying to make the most of every day and not take anything for granted.”
Ali’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the importance of seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your body. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and is taking a proactive approach to her care.
“I’m grateful for the support of my loved ones and am taking a proactive approach to my care,” Ali said. “I’m doing everything I can to beat this disease and come out the other side. I’m staying positive and focused on my treatment and am grateful for the support of my loved ones.”
Ali’s journey with breast cancer is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. It’s a reminder of the importance of early detection and the importance of seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your body.
“Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or background,” Ali said. “It’s a reminder of the importance of early detection and the importance of seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your body. I’m grateful for the support of my loved ones and am taking a proactive approach to my care.”
Ali’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the moment and not taking anything for granted. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and is taking a proactive approach to her care.
“I’m grateful for the support of my loved ones and am taking a proactive approach to my care,” Ali said. “I’m doing everything I can to beat this disease and come out the other side. I’m staying positive and focused on my treatment and am grateful for the support of my loved ones.”
In conclusion, Ali Bastian’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the importance of seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual changes in your body. She is grateful for the support of her loved ones and is taking a proactive approach to her care. Her journey with breast cancer is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or background, and that it’s important to stay positive and focused on treatment.