Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would ‘lose her identity’ along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

As a compassionate observer, I find myself deeply moved by the courage and resilience of Ali, a woman who, in the face of adversity, continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Her journey, marked by unexpected challenges and profound moments of self-discovery, serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit.


In an open conversation, actress Ali Bastian, previously known for her role on Hollyoaks, shared her experiences with hair loss as part of her ongoing battle against breast cancer.

In June of this year, it was revealed to the actress, now 42 years old, that she has been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She gained fame for her portrayal of Becca Dean on a Channel 4 soap opera from 2001 to 2007.

Recently, Ali, who is preparing for further treatments like mastectomy and radiotherapy following her chemotherapy, has revealed an emotional experience – the act of shaving off her hair.

Currently, Ali has confessed that she was worried about losing her sense of self or individuality, in addition to her hair, following the act of shaving her head.

In her interview with The Sun’s Fabulous magazine, she shared: “At home, I often walk around without any hair. However, I was worried that losing my hair due to chemotherapy meant I was ‘becoming’ a cancer patient, and that would be the only aspect people noticed.

‘I thought it would be like losing my identity.’

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

However, when Ali removed her wig for the first time, it seemed significant for just a fleeting moment.

She remarked: “Afterward, it seemed fine, and eventually, it became routine. I’m feeling warm, and my bare scalp could use some breeze!

Ali additionally acknowledged that the very same breasts which provided nourishment to her daughters, now pose a threat to her own life.

At first, showing kindness towards my breasts was quite challenging for me: ‘Initially, I’ve struggled a lot to cultivate self-compassion for my breasts, which in turn has been tough on me.’

I’ve been absolutely thrilled and on edge since I saw Ali’s emotional Instagram post where she shared the poignant moment she chopped off her long locks a month ago. Now, my excitement has reached new heights as news of an update arrives!

In the tune of “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, Ali conveyed that enduring whatever it takes was a minimal cost compared to the opportunity to regain her health. She then confessed that she would undergo a transformation that would last forever.

Under the skilled scissor-work of her spouse, David O’Mahony, the actress confidently flashed a smile at the camera moments before having her hair shaved off.

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle
Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle
Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

Later on, she unveiled her fresh appearance, and in a spontaneous photograph, she affectionately hugged her youngest child, Isla, who was four at the time.

‘Every month feels like Breast Cancer Awareness Month for her, as she shared in her caption.’

She went on saying, “The more immersed I become in my therapy, the clearer it becomes that it mirrors how exposed and authentic it feels at this moment. Furthermore, I choose to reveal this part of me, not as a return to who I was before, but as a step forward into my future. To present myself honestly, just as I am today.

I want to say this to all the brave warriors fighting breast cancer: You are never alone. #BreastCancerAwareness

“Ali, you’re simply fantastic! Wishing you a truckload of love and power, dear friend.” and “You always radiate beauty, Ali.

‘You are so beautiful So brave and a truly amazing human! Sending you so much love’.

‘Sending you much love xxxxxx all my prayers are with you’ and’ ‘Thinking of you Ali’.

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle
Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

In unison with renowned figures, enthusiasts, fellow warriors enduring their own courageous struggles, I extended heartfelt encouragement through my words.

“Oh, Ali, you’re just stunning, whether it’s with or without!” (For the first sentence)

‘love to you Ali ❤️ brave and beautiful xxx’

I admire you, Ali, so deeply. You show incredible resilience even in tough times. Keeping you close to my thoughts and sending you a heap of love. Can’t wait to chat again soon!

Ali, currently residing in Ireland with her spouse and two little girls, shared her diagnosis news with OK! Magazine. In her own words, she expressed: ‘It came as a complete surprise. There are mornings when I wake up and I can’t recall… and then it hits me. I’m still working to understand and accept it.’

While nursing her 19-month-old daughter Isabella (their youngest child with husband David O’Mahony), Ali discovered a lump.

The mother of two, who is also raising Isla, age four, alongside her husband, mentioned: “I hadn’t been nursing Izzy at night, but when David went back to London for work, all of a sudden she was feeding excessively. I thought, ‘Perhaps she’s experiencing a growth spurt or something.’

Consequently, they felt tender, and the following morning, I awoke with discomfort, realizing, ‘Oh, that’s painful.’ It was then that I detected a lump.

Ali believed she had a clogged milk duct and received a prescription for antibiotics from her doctor, but it didn’t improve as expected, so, upon her physician’s recommendation, she visited a specialized breast clinic instead.

She continued: ‘It was a bank holiday in Ireland, so I went straight to the emergency doctor.

It appeared as though I might have had mastitis, given the circumstances, since I was in the process of night-weaning Izzy prior to that. Our suspicion was that it could have been a case of a milk duct becoming clogged.

Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian feared she would 'lose her identity' along with her hair as she opens up on shaving her head amid breast cancer battle

The physician prescribed antibiotics for me, mentioning that if it doesn’t improve within a few days, I should visit the specialized breast clinic instead.

However, it didn’t seem as though things were improving, and the sensation grew stronger, leading me to think that this might be something beyond a simple blockage in the duct.

I visited my general practitioner and asked, ‘Could I go to the clinic today instead?’, and she was quite encouraging about it.

Ali learned the unexpected news over the phone, but was comforted when informed that they had a plan for recovery or healing for her.

She is scheduled for a simple mastectomy and is yet to receive advice on whether it would be more beneficial to perform a double one as a preventive measure.

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2024-11-16 05:26

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