Davina McCall, the well-known TV presenter, has been on quite the emotional rollercoaster following her recent surgery for a benign brain tumor. After the procedure, which involved the removal of what’s called a colloid cyst, Davina took to social media to express her gratitude and share updates about her recovery.
For those who missed it, McCall, aged 57, discovered her tumor somewhat serendipitously during a health check she underwent as part of her advocacy work focused on menopause. She had been giving talks on women's health and was offered the scan, believing she would ace it. To her surprise and concern, she learned she had this rare condition affecting merely three in every million people—a finding she described as alarming yet fortuitous.
She remarked on social media, "It’s been mad. It’s just really nice to be back home; I’m on the other side". This sentiment echoed throughout her updates, reflecting her emotional state post-surgery. Initially spending time in intensive care, her partner, Michael Douglas, kept her followers informed about her condition, sharing updates and expressing appreciation for the support they’ve received.
On Instagram, McCall expressed her heartfelt thanks saying, "an enormous, heartfelt thank you to everybody who’s messaged me or been in touch; it meant the world to me". She noted her short-term memory might be affected, something she is actively working on by jotting down everything to keep her thoughts clear. Amidst these challenges, she described feeling "really lucky" as she was being wonderfully cared for by Douglas and her mother.
Her surgery, often described as textbook by her medical team, was necessary to remove the cyst. While benign tumors are not cancerous, they can lead to symptoms like headaches, blackouts, and other behavioral changes. McCall's experience is particularly significant as such tumors are more frequently found in people over 50.
Despite the health scare, McCall's resilient spirit shone through. She posted, "Resting and sleeping loads, I feel really good. I just feel very lucky." This unwavering positivity has garnered support from fans and fellow celebrities alike, with renowned personalities flooding her posts with well-wishes. Singer Olly Murs and Craig David were among those who rallied around her, sending their love and support.
The surgery and subsequent recovery stood out not only for their personal impact on McCall but also for the broader conversation around women’s health issues, including her long-time advocacy for menopause awareness. She has previously shared how changing hormones had encouraged her to highlight women’s experiences with their health throughout various media platforms.
McCall’s endeavors extend beyond her recent challenges. Earlier this year, she was honored with special recognition at the National Television Awards for her contributions to television and for raising awareness around pressing health issues. Her book, Menopausing, celebrates discussing hormonal changes and empowering women to take charge of their health, coincidentally leading to increased demand for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) post her documentary Sex, Myths and Menopause.
Now back at home, McCall has expressed her deep gratitude not just for her well-wishers but also for the life-saving professional help she received. "Thanks to the Cleveland Clinic—my amazing neurosurgeon." Reflecting on the ordeal, she comments, "It feels like I have received the best dose of gratitude ever—something like this makes you realize just how lucky you are."
Though she will be taking time to rest and recuperate, the coming months will undoubtedly see McCall continue her important work and advocacy, leveraging her experiences to support and inform others about women’s health issues. It’s clear this inspiring figure remains committed to raising awareness as she continues her healing process, reminding many of the strength found through vulnerability.
McCall's recovery serves as both a personal narrative and a public example of resilience, highlighting the importance of health awareness among women, and reinforcing the idea of being proactive about one’s health. The outpouring of love she's received shows not only the impact she has on her audience but also how deeply human connections resonate during vulnerable times.