First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has revealed that he has been released from hospital after having his stoma removed amid his battle with bowel cancer.
Merlin was first diagnosed with the disease in September last year and previously underwent radiotherapy treatment on his way to recovery.
And on Twitter on Sunday, the 47-year-old bartender and TV personality gave fans a health update, noting that it’s been “a difficult and tense week” with the stoma removal.
In recovery: First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has revealed he has been released from hospital after having his stoma removed amid his battle with bowel cancer
Keeping her followers informed about her cancer journey, she wrote: ‘Whew. Being discharged from the hospital today.
“It has been a tough and tense week. Recovery won’t be quick, but I’ll get there. And I have much better TP at home! Thanks @nhsuhcw, exemplary as always.’
Merlin’s update was greeted with a message of support from Adele Roberts, who has had her own battle with colon cancer, as she shared her joy that he was on the road to recovery.
She wrote: ‘Congratulations Merlin! Keep smashing it and so happy you’re getting better. Thank you very much for sharing your recovery xx.’
Tough: Merlin was first diagnosed with the disease in September of last year and previously underwent radiotherapy treatment on his way to recovery (pictured on First Dates)
To which Merlin replied: ‘Thank you Adele! Will you also get a rollback?
Former Big Brother star and radio personality Adele, 43, shared: ‘I hope one day! Although not at the moment. I can’t get a rollback at the moment… but we’re working on it.
‘The NHS is so amazing. It’s been great watching you thrive.
Good news: Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the 47-year-old bartender and TV personality gave fans a health update, noting that it’s been “a tough and tense week” with the stoma removal.
Offering his support in turn, Merlin added: ‘Let’s cross our fingers. If you ever want to discuss the pros and cons of rolling back in the future, write me. Happy to share my experiences.’
With Adele, who recently took her ‘first step’ in getting her colon working again, she added: ‘Thank you so much Merlin! It means a lot and will do xx.’
Several other supporters also commented with well wishes, writing: “Best of luck with your continued recovery, I hope you relax and feel more comfortable at home.”
Support: Merlin’s update received a message of support from Adele Roberts, who is also battling colon cancer, as she shared her joy that he was on the road to recovery.
Her own update: Radio personality Adele, 43, later shared: ‘Hopefully one day! Although not at the moment. I can’t get a rollback at the moment… but we’re working on it’
‘I’m so glad to see you on the road to recovery. Take one day at a time’, was the answer of a second.
With another fan adding: “I wish you the best recovery at home, always the best place.”
Last week, Merlin revealed that his stoma was removed after nine months during a five-night stay in hospital.
Sharing a snap in her post-op hospital gown, she wrote in an update: ‘God it’s so weird knowing my whole inside is actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma.
Moving Forward: Last week, Merlin revealed that he had his stoma removed after nine months during a five-night hospital stay.
‘Next step, farts. Then the food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery.’
In another tweet, he said: ‘My plumbing works so. OMG. This will take some training and getting used to. Thank goodness for Kegel exercises! Essential!!
‘Lift up the unfolded diaper for safety. I need a cookie. #Reversal of #Stoma #Cancer.’
A stoma is an opening surgically made in the abdomen to divert waste from the body into a colostomy bag.
Update: In another tweet, he said: ‘My plumbing works so. OMG. This will take some training and getting used to. Thank goodness for Kegel exercises! Essential!!’
Merlin received his grim diagnosis from doctors at Northampton General Hospital, saying at the time that he was trying to maintain a “positive outlook”.
Ahead of his recent operation, Merlin told MailOnline he “feels in good health” and can finally “see the light at the end of the tunnel” after he was first diagnosed with the disease in September last year.
‘Now I’m coming out of the really deep parts, I’ve got one more operation to do,’ said Merlin.
Sharing his journey: before recounting how he was going to be in hospital for five days for his last operation
Terrifying: Merlin received his grim diagnosis from doctors at Northampton General Hospital, saying at the time that he was trying to maintain a “positive outlook”
I can see that light at the end of the tunnel that is often so hard to see right after you are diagnosed and undergo treatment. Getting back to health…or anything that makes you feel normal again is great, whether it’s diet or walking,” she said.
“Overall I feel in good health, I’m still not as active as I’d like to be, but little by little I’m getting there, relaxing on my bike…it’s also about getting a little bit more fit and ready.” for a final operation.
“I have a few more scans and if they all go well and produce the correct results, my surgeon will reverse my stoma and reattach the tubing,” he said.
Upside: Ahead of his recent operation, Merlin told MailOnline he “feels in good health” and can finally “see that light at the end of the tunnel.”