First Dates star Merlin Griffiths reveals he’s ‘cancer-free’ after year-long checkup as he shares gut health update
Merlin Griffiths has revealed he is “cancer free” as he shared a year-long update amid his battle with the disease.
The First Dates bartender, 48, was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2021 and regularly shares health updates on his social media.
And on Wednesday, Merlin shared some good news with his 138,000 Instagram followers when he revealed he is “cancer free.”
He explained that before his one-year colonoscopy he was checked for colon cancer and received a positive result that ‘no cancer had been seen’.
Merlin shared a picture of himself in his hospital gown and a picture of his test results as he spoke candidly about the difficult preparation for the procedure.
Positive: Merlin Griffiths has revealed he is ‘cancer-free’ as he shared a year-long update amid his battle with the disease
Cancer: The First Dates bartender, 48, was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2021 and regularly shares health updates on his social media
He also shared that because he is cancer-free, his next checkup will be in three years, followed by another in 2027.
Announcing his health news, he wrote, “Scroll through… 1-year colonoscopy checkup for #coloncancer; The preparation was so incredibly difficult this time.
Dirty the bed several times at night, resorted to adult diapers, got about 2 hours of sleep. Felt like hell.
‘First also with my newly plugged butt (without rectum), so I was a bit nervous. But together with my latest blood tests (clear), after a year of research, we’re clear! Relief.
Next 3 years (2025). Last at 5 years (2027).#bowelcancerawarenessmonth.
“Love to all fellow colon cancer peeps, keep it up!”
His latest update comes after Merlin admitted he’s still having “awkward” days after having his stoma removed while battling colon cancer.
Taking to Twitter in February, he said he still looks forward to a “normal” future as he spoke candidly about his health.
He wrote: ‘#bowel cancer It’s been over 8 hours since I last pooped. And I slept all night last night without waking to empty my bag; I don’t have a bag or a stoma right now.
“Some days are still difficult. But we live for the future. Some normal hope. #stoma #stomaversal #checked.’
In a follow-up post, Merlin continued, “I should add that it’s a really weird feeling to poop when you haven’t in almost a year. Seriously strange. Take some getting used to.’
The TV personality recently revealed that he was released from hospital after having his stoma removed.
Good news: On Wednesday, Merlin shared good news with his 138,000 Instagram followers when he revealed he is ‘cancer free’
Health update: He explained that he had been for his one-year colonoscopy for colon cancer checkup and got the positive results that ‘no cancer had been seen’
Recovery: His latest update comes after Merlin admitted he’s still having ‘awkward’ days after having his stoma removed while battling colon cancer
Merlin was first diagnosed with the disease last September and has previously undergone radiotherapy treatment on her way to recovery.
And when he took to Twitter in January, he gave fans a health update, noting that it’s been “a rough and fraught week” with the stoma removal.
To update his followers on her cancer journey, he wrote, “Phew. Released from hospital today.
“It has been a tough and fraught week. Recovery won’t be fast, but I’ll get there. And I have much better TP at home! Thanks @nhsuhcw, exemplary as always.’