Bestselling author Emma Hannigan has revealed that her doctors have told her she does not have long left to live.
The Wicklow mum-of-two, who has battled cancer 10 times, revealed the heartbreaking news in an open letter to her fans on her official Facebook page.
She said that she had had “conversation I never wanted to have” with her medical team a few days ago, where they told her “all avenues have now been exhausted”.
The post began:
“All good things must come to an end
“The time that I knew was borrowed must be given back soon, so it seems. The conversation I never wanted to have has been said.
“My medical team have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this fight but all avenues have now been exhausted.
“To say that I am heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it.
“But I feel I’d like to say something, after all that’s what I’ve done over the years – say stuff, write stuff and tell you what’s going down. So I feel it wouldn’t be fair to leave you out in the cold right now.
“I’ve gained such strength from all of you. We’ve shared tips and hints and stories over the years. For all of it – thank you.
“Thank you for taking my hand when I needed it most and for posting all sorts from doggy snaps to moggy pics and the rest.We’ve made a great team.”
Ms Hannigan has bravely battled cancer ten times since she found out that she carried the BrCa1 gene, which increased her risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer, in 2006.
In the letter, she said that the love she feels for her family – including her husband Cian, son Sacha, and daughter Kim – as well as her friends and readers is all that matters to her now.
She continued:
“Faced with very little time can I tell you what screams out at me? Love.
“Nothing else has much meaning anymore. Just the love I feel for the people I hold dear. My two babies (ok they both tower over me, but I’m still allowed call them my babies) my husband, my parents, my family, my friends and readers.
“Yes you guys are up there on the short list. You’ve been an integral part of my existence and have championed me and held me in your virtual arms.
“The love in my heart is all that matters now. I am broken-hearted at having to say goodbye so if it’s alright we’ll say farewell instead…
“Mind each other. Be kind to each other and hold those you love close by. Life is so very precious. We never know the day or hour that it will be whipped away. So fill your days with as much happiness as you can muster.
“Stay away from drains, we all know them, they’re the people pull the good out of everything. The ones who suck the beauty from things and change colour to black and white. Leave them to fester – I think they’re secretly enjoying being grim.
“Instead, gravitate towards the light and laughter. Like a moth to a flame, remembering not to get your pretty wings burnt. You’ll like it better there, I promise.
“Farewell and thank you, I am taking a bow. Until we meet again may all that is good and decent be yours.”
