HEARTBROKEN: BBC star shares ‘grimm’ health update after devastating c@ncer diagnosis
Thomasina Miers has opened up about the difficult reality of her first round of chemotherapy, admitting the experience was “more grim than most other things” she has faced since beginning treatment.
The 50-year-old MasterChef winner shared the update with followers after undergoing a mastectomy in July, when tests revealed that two lumps she had initially hoped were harmless were something far more serious.
Posting on Instagram, Thomasina shared a photograph of a large tent beneath a striking pink sunset and reflected on how she had managed to get through her first chemotherapy session.
Despite the toll the treatment took on her, the chef revealed that just a week later she was able to attend her former university flatmate’s 50th birthday celebration and dance until 1am.
For Thomasina, it was an important moment of normality during an otherwise challenging period.
“When you’ve done your first chemo and despite it being more grim than most other things thus far, you still get through it,” she wrote.
‘No One Is Taking the Dancing Out of Me’
Thomasina also revealed that she followed a Fast Mimicking Diet during treatment, which she said appeared to help with some of the side effects.
She described being able to dance late into the night at the birthday party as feeling “BLOODY BRILLIANT”, before making clear that she was determined not to let treatment take away the parts of life she loves most.
“No one is taking the dancing out of this stubborn, mad-capped, people-loving, life-loving, thrill-seeking cooker woman,” she added.
The update comes several weeks after Thomasina first revealed that she had undergone a mastectomy.
At the time, she explained that she had previously had a cyst in the same area, but further lumps later proved to be something different.
“So…. I had a mastectomy last Friday,” she wrote when announcing the news in July.
Thomasina used the moment to urge others not to ignore any changes they notice, even when they believe a lump may be harmless.
“Always check a lump EVEN if you think it’s a cyst and do it promptly!” she told followers.
Thomasina Says Her Prognosis Is ‘Good’
While her treatment has clearly been demanding, Thomasina has reassured followers that her prognosis is “good”.
She has also spoken about the approach she is taking while recovering, explaining that food, positive thinking and dealing openly with emotions have all become important parts of how she is navigating the experience.
Thomasina has said she draws inspiration from both Hippocratic ideas and Ayurvedic medicine, describing her belief that “food is medicine”.
She has also emphasised the importance of “positive framing”, while saying that addressing emotions and considering the role of age have helped her personally.
The chef rose to national prominence after winning MasterChef in 2005 and went on to build a successful career in food and television.
A year after her victory, she co-founded the Wahaca restaurant chain in 2006, which went on to become one of the best-known names in Mexican-inspired dining in the UK.
Thomasina has also appeared on programmes including Wild Gourmets, A Cook’s Tour of Spain and Mexican Food Made Simple.
Alongside her television work and restaurant business, she has written several cookbooks, including Mexican Table, Meat-Free Mexican, Home Cook and Chilli Notes.
For now, though, her focus remains firmly on treatment and recovery — while holding on to the parts of life that continue to bring her joy.
