My body just isn’t playing the game and I’m finding it harder and harder, says Deborah James
CAMPAIGNER Dame Deborah James has revealed she is finding it 'harder and harder' to engage.
Earlier this month the 40-year-old told her loyal followers that she had been moved to hospice at home care.
Since then the Sun writer hasn't slowed down and has launched her BowelBabe Fund, which has already reached £6.5million.
Not only this, but she has also had a rose named after her, and is also on the cusp of launching a fashion collection with In The Style.
On Tuesday, the mum-of-two was also sent her very own Lego mini me, wearing her 'Rebellious Hope' t-shirt.
Taking to this morning, Debs said there are many things that are keeping a broad smile on her face.
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She said: "I feel at the moment I’ve got so much to share, to be thankful for but my body just isn’t playing the game!
"I'm finding it harder and harder to engage and am just resting up a lot between managing side effects and having lovely random chats with my family."
Speaking to The Sun this week, Deborah said her situation is 'so unpredictable'.
She admitted she's feeling “exhausted” but adds: “I don’t feel like I’m on my deathbed.
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“I’m scared to fall asleep and that’s one of the biggest reasons I’m so tired. I am scared to go to sleep.”
Over the last two weeks the Sun writer has been busy.
Whilst getting her affairs in order, she has also managed to raise over £400,000 through sales of a t-shirt, with her beloved motto 'rebellious hope'.
Deborah added that launching the rest of the collection is something that has been 'keeping me going'.
"I’m nervous because of all the hard work we put into it and I just really hope you like it.
"We decided to bring a little pre-order launch forward just so I’d be here to see it, which makes me emotional.
"I’m really proud of what we are doing. I just wish I could wear it all," she added.
The last few days have been eventful for Deborah, and earlier this week she was able to get out and visit the Chelsea Flower Show to view a rose that had been named after her.
She arrived with husband Sebastien Bowen for an hour-long private tour arranged by the BBC's Sophie Raworth.
For the outing, Deborah said she wore the 'Chelsea dress', which will also be part of her new range.
Deborah said Raworth had been her 'real life fairy godmother' for getting her to the show to celebrate her rose and view the gardens.
- To pre-order Deborah's book visit
- Her t-shirt is available through in sizes 6-28
- The Dame Deborah James rose, Bare Root, is available at
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know - remember BOWEL
- B:Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
"The whole thing brought a well needed smile to my face," she added.
In her latest update, she also thanked Prince William after he visited the Royal Marsden, where Deborah had previously received treatment.
The royal was able to meet Deborah's team and to see some of the work they do first hand.
"So happy that he saw interventional radiology in action. And met Nicos who is one of my hero’s who has actually saved my life on many occasions," she added.
Deborah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer just days before Christmas in 2016.
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Known to fans as BowelBabe, she has shared every step of her journey with Sun readers and her legion of loyal Instagram followers.
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Even as she stares death in the face, her determination to raise awareness of her rare cancer has not faltered.
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