Former Home and Away actress Tessa James has shared an uplifting update on her journey with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, revealing that she is now cancer-free.
Tessa, best known for playing Nicole Franklin on the hit soap from 2008 to 2011, was diagnosed with the disease in 2014 at just 23 years old. A decade later, at 33, she took to Instagram on Tuesday to reflect on her battle and celebrate her recovery.
In a heartfelt post, Tessa shared a series of images documenting her fight against cancer, including a throwback photo of her head being shaved and another of her smiling while receiving chemotherapy.
Marking the milestone, she captioned the images with the joyous news:
“Ten years ago today, I underwent six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m cancer-free, with four beautiful, healthy kids. Grateful for this journey and everything that came with it.”
Her announcement was met with an outpouring of love from fans and friends, with many calling her an inspiration.
“You’re amazing and so strong!” one follower wrote, while another added, “Such a warrior! You fought with courage, bravery, and grace.”
Tessa is married to former NRL star Nate Myles, and the couple share four children: Saynt, six, Jaguar, three, London, two, and their newest addition, born in July 2024. The pair tied the knot in 2011 before welcoming their first child in December 2017.
Reflecting on her battle in a 2018 interview with Women’s Health Magazine, Tessa spoke about how cancer changed her perspective on life.
“Going through something like this strips you of who you are, not just physically but mentally,” she shared.
Despite the hardships, she credited her illness with bringing her family closer together.
“We were always a close family, but it brought us even closer. They’ve seen me in ways no one else has,” she said.
Tessa also expressed gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support, telling the Herald Sun in 2014:
“I have a wonderful husband who has been there for me every step of the way. I feel healthy and happy, and that makes all the difference.”
Now, a decade after her diagnosis, Tessa is embracing life with her family and celebrating her hard-fought victory over cancer.
