Former Home and Away actress Alea O’Shea has revealed the devastating impact of her treatment for brain cancer.
The 25-year-old social media star, who only learned of her diagnosis two months ago, has undergone brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy since.
In a recent Instagram post, she said that her most recent procedure has left her left arm paralysed.
Alea is also suffering from hair loss which she has documented in a video on social media.Â
‘I’m really just riding the waves, which is all you can do,’ Alea told Confidential.
‘One thing I’ve become deeply aware of through this diagnosis is how lucky I am to have control over my own work and schedule.
Former Home and Awayactress Alea O’Shea has revealed the devastating impact of her treatment for brain cancerÂ
The 25-year-old social media star, who only learned of her diagnosis two months ago, has undergone brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy since. Alea is also suffering from hair loss which she has documented in a video on social media
‘It’s allowed me to work to my energy levels, listen to my body, and still maintain a strong sense of purpose.’
Alea, best known for her role as Darcy Callahan on Home and Away between 2011–2014 and again from 2016–2017, added that she was ‘incredibly grateful’ for the outpouring of support she has received.
Alea updated her followers about her condition across her social media last month.
‘This is a video I obviously thought I’d never have to make, but I’ve recently been diagnosed with brain cancer,’ she began.
‘Saying that like, a hook, is insane. It’s been a crazy few weeks.’
Alea explained she underwent a biopsy on her birthday, and has been ‘waiting for results in a bit of limbo’ ever since.
‘Now that I finally have some clarity, I just want to share what’s going on.
‘I’m choosing to be open and honest about this online, because I want to live my life as normally as possible while I’m fighting this.’
In a recent Instagram post, she said that her most recent procedure has left her left arm paralysedÂ
Alea, is best known for her role as Darcy Callahan on Home and Away between 2011–2014 and again from 2016–2017. (Pictured)
She revealed that her ordeal began around six weeks ago with tiny changes she initially brushed off.
‘I noticed that my smile was a little uneven, and it felt harder to talk [and] get my words out,’ she said.
‘I had a few migraines, but nothing scary.’
However, things escalated rapidly while she was recently in the US working.
‘While I was in LA I lost feeling in two of my fingers, which then crept into my wrist and then my toe,’ she explained.
Despite the news, Alea said she is still able to walk and move, but the left side of her body has been affected, and may get worse before it gets better.
‘Can I flip you off? No. Thumbs up? No. Or hold things? No,’ she joked.
After surgery, doctors warned her about potential complications, including hair loss and localised paralysis.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Alea told fans she feels ‘genuinely so blessed’ thanks to the support around her.
She also thanked her long-time followers for sticking by her.
‘To everyone who follows me and has been invested in my journey thus far, regardless, thank you so much for being here. And thank you for staying through this chapter.’
