Barry Du Bois Cancer shock
Six years after he was given i the all clear, The Living Room star is fighting cancer again
I’m going into this battle with the love, support and encouragement of my friends and family, and all of you,” much-loved host and resident handyman Barry Du Bois vowed, as he revealed the heartbreaking news the cancer he fought off six years ago had returned.
“It seems my cancer has come back reasonably aggressive. Now I have what is regarded as multiple myeloma. I’ve got a cancer, which has created several tumours right through my body,” a visibly shaken Barry, 57, said on air. “In the medical world, I’m on the exit off the freeway, there’s no doubt about that!”
Comforted by his co-hosts and close friends Amanda Keller, Dr Chris Brown and Miguel Maestre, the father-of-two – who was first diagnosed with plasmacytoma myeloma in 2010, a cancer of the immune system that attacks bone marrow – revealed his treatment plan for the coming months.
“I’ve had two cycles of chemo now. And if goes well, touch wood, at the end of my third cycle I’m going to do a stem cell and bone marrow retrieval, and prepare for a transplant,” he explained.
“At Christmas time when we’re on holidays, I’m going to be in an isolation ward with the great people at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, under the care of some amazing people, and I’m going to be given a very strong dose of medicine.”
His co-stars applauded him for his bravery. “So much love and respect for you tonight. The very real and honest way you opened up about the fight you face will stay with me forever,” Dr Chris wrote on Instagram. And Amanda echoed his thoughts, “I know no stronger person, inside and out, than Barry Du Bois. We’re with you every step of the way Baz.”
It’s not the first time Barry’s family has been touched by cancer. In 2004, Barry lost his mother to the disease and then, just over a year later, his wife Leonie miscarried twins after 13 rounds of IVF. The doctors then discovered she had cervical cancer, but thankfully her treatment was successful and the couple went on to have five-yearold twins Arabella and Bennett through the help of a surrogate.
Despite the shocking news, Barry remains optimistic he’ll beat his battle with the disease once again. “This is just another fight for me. I’m quite comfortable I’m gonna win,” he bravely vowed.