Beloved ABC presenter reveals cancer diagnosis
ABC radio listeners received some sobering news as James Valentine, the familiar voice behind the Afternoons show, revealed his battle with oesophageal cancer.
The announcement, made on Thursday, March 21, sent shockwaves through his audience, who have grown accustomed to his wit, humour and insightful commentary over the years.
Valentine's journey with cancer began approximately four months ago when he received the diagnosis. Since then, he has been thrust into a whirlwind of medical appointments and treatments. "Immediately it was meetings with oncologists, radiologists and surgeons," he recounted in a statement posted on the ABC website. In January, he embarked on a gruelling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for the upcoming surgery.
"Everyone's thinking it's an old man reflux kind of condition," Valentine said with his trademark candour. "I have a fun conversation with the anaesthetist about Taylor Swift and the next thing I know my eyes are opening and across the room I can see my wife, my son, my sister-in-law, and the gastro doctor."
"The doctor comes over."
"It's bad. You've got a 4-centimetre tumour where your oesophagus meets your stomach."
The forthcoming surgery looms large for Valentine, as it represents the primary treatment option for his condition. Describing the procedure, he explained, "The surgery will remove my entire oesophagus and then stretch my stomach up and attach it to my throat." It's a daunting prospect, compounded by the expectation of a challenging recovery period. "After that, I'm very likely to feel like absolute crap for quite some time," he candidly admitted.
Valentine's dedication to his audience is unwavering, but he recognises the necessity of stepping away from the microphone to focus on his health. His last radio show aired on Thursday, marking the beginning of a hiatus that could last up to three months. "I'm going to make sure I'm fully recovered and my stomach is going to stay attached to my neck before I attempt broadcasting again," he assured his listeners.
Despite the optimism about his long-term prognosis, Valentine acknowledges that this experience will change him. The road ahead is uncertain, but his resolve remains steadfast. With more than 27 years of service to the national broadcaster, he is no stranger to challenges. From his early days as a reporter on Sunrise and Good Morning Australia to his recent tenure as host of Afternoons, Valentine has left an indelible mark on Australian radio.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Valentine is also known for his musical talents, having toured with bands as a saxophonist. Even in the middle of his health battle, he continues to find solace in music, performing at gigs whenever possible.
Valentine's absence from the airwaves will undoubtedly be felt, but his resilience serves as an inspiration to all who admire him. Here's to a speedy recovery for one of Australia's most cherished radio personalities.
Image: Suddenly Senior