Beth Chapman, who is married to Duane Chapman from Dog the Bounty Hunter, has throat cancer again.
The 51-year-old underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in her throat last year, but unfortunately it appears the surgery was not a permanent solution.
Beth was rushed to Cedars-Senai Medical Center in Los Angeles yesterday morning (November 27) after she struggled to breathe during the night.
Doctors at the hospital discovered a large, life-threatening mass in her throat, and consequently decided to put her under anaesthesia and perform an emergency surgery.
According to TMZ, staff who performed the surgery discovered her throat cancer had returned. It is serious, but too early to give a prognosis.
Duane and Beth’s attorney Andrew Brettler told Entertainment Tonight:
I can confirm that Beth was hospitalised today and underwent surgery to remove a mass in her throat, which was determined to be a reoccurrence of the cancer.
I understand that the situation is very serious. We are all concerned for her and the well-being of the Chapman family.
The Bounty Hunter star shared the news of his wife’s diagnosis on Facebook, asking for prayers and showing how he was standing by his wife by adding ‘Team Dog’.
He shared a similar post when she was first diagnosed in 2017, when he wrote ‘Thank you for your healing prayers and love for Beth during this difficult time’.
The pair got married in 2006 after dating for 16 years. They have two children together, Bonnie Joanne Chapman and Garry Chapman, as well as Beth’s daughter Cecily, who Duane has adopted.
At the start of this year, Beth shared an Instagram post in which she spoke about her experience with cancer, explaining how she would love to forget about the diagnosis.
She wrote:
Embracing the unembracable. Prior to my surgery I had no lines no wrinkles a perfect neck if you will. It has been very hard to look at this in the mirror, it serves as a constant reminder of something I’d love to forget.
However some life lessons you should never forget only learn from them and learn to embrace them so today I reveal my worst battle scar and know that things will get better in #2018
Speaking to Radar Online after her initial diagnosis in 2017, Beth explained how she wouldn’t let herself be a victim of cancer, saying:
I’ve stared down the devil more than once in my life but I’ve never faced a real life or death decision. My life has never been easy, and I surely don’t expect it to start now. Still, I’ve never been a victim and I won’t let cancer beat me.
Duane is said to be by Beth’s side in hospital, while more family are thought to be on their way to see her.
Our thoughts are with Beth and her family at this difficult time.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm).
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.