Magda Szubanski, the beloved Australian actress known for her iconic roles in Kath & Kim and Babe, has shared an emotional update from her hospital bed as she continues her battle with stage-four cancer. The 64-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with aggressive mantle cell lymphoma, posted a heartfelt video on Instagram this past weekend, expressing gratitude to a young fan who helped lift her spirits.
Szubanski, who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time, appeared in the video smiling from her hospital bed. She took the opportunity to thank 10-year-old Annabella from Adelaide for dressing up as her Kath & Kim character, Sharon Strzelecki, for Book Week. The gesture meant a lot to Szubanski, as she explained, “I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up. I’m really touched and that was a beautiful thing to do. Thank you, my sweet. Lots of love to you.”
A Difficult Journey with Cancer
In May, Szubanski shared the news of her diagnosis with fans, revealing that she had been diagnosed with stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The diagnosis came after she underwent a routine breast screening, which led doctors to discover her swollen lymph nodes.
Magda Szubanski. Credit / Getty Images & Instagram
“It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” she admitted at the time, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. However, Szubanski found solace in the support of her family, friends, and her world-class medical team in Melbourne. She expressed gratitude for the excellent care available to her, noting, “I feel very fortunate.”
She also acknowledged the ongoing advancements in cancer treatment, stating, “New treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time,” offering hope for the future.
The Impact of Treatment on Her Health
In her recent update, Szubanski reminded her fans that her immune system is severely weakened due to her ongoing chemotherapy. She urged her followers to respect her need for distance, humorously adding, “Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So I can’t hug no more. Don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”
Despite the hardships, Szubanski’s positive outlook and sense of humor continue to shine through, providing inspiration to many facing similar battles.
Sending Love and Support
Szubanski’s courage in the face of such a challenging diagnosis has resonated deeply with her fans, who continue to send their love and well-wishes. As she navigates this tough journey, we join her supporters in wishing her a speedy recovery.
Stay strong, Magda—our thoughts are with you!
