Bravo star Michelle Saniei has opened up about the death of her mother, who had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer just a number of months before she died
A reality star has revealed her mum initially thought she had food poisoning but was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Michelle Saniei, who stars on The Valley, opened up about her mother’s death during the latest episode of the show.
Her mum had visited the GP with symptoms she initially believed were caused by food poisoning, but in a heartbreaking twist, she later discovered she had cancer. The episode, which airs on Bravo, was filmed in the summer of 2024, with her mum sadly dying just months later in November.
During a conversation with her co-star, Lala Kent, Michelle said she doesn’t speak about her mum’s diagnosis “a lot.” Speaking to Lala, she said: “My mom got sick about a year ago when I was going through everything with Jesse [Lally].
“She thought she had food poisoning and had to go to the doctor, and she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.” In an emotional admission, she went on to add: “She did her first treatment of chemo, and it did not work.
“So then now she’s in her second treatment, but the problem is it’s kind of everywhere now. She’s just like by day, it’s killing her from the inside out. I don’t think I have much longer with her. It’s been very hard for me because my mom is my best friend and the one who supports me the most,” before she started to tear up.”
The NHS states that bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer people in the UK are diagnosed with. Most people who are diagnosed tend to be over the age of 60. Symptoms include changes in poo – such as softer poo, constipation or diarrhoea, needing to poo more or less often, blood in poo, tummy pains, bloating or losing weight without trying.
While it is not known what causes the cancer, people are more likely to be diagnosed if they are over 50, smoke, are overweight or have inflammatory bowel disease, as well as small growths on the bowel. Treatment varies depending on the size of the cancer, whether it is in the colon or rectum, if it has spread and age.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted medicines are used to treat the disease. Michelle’s mum sadly died on November 5, 2024, just months after her diagnosis. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday to honour her mum as the episode aired, Michelle shared a series of images of herself with her mum.
Captioning her post, she wrote: “Sharing my heart with you tonight. This was the first time I spoke on camera about my mom’s battle with cancer. She’s no longer with us, but her love and strength are with me every day.
“I miss her deeply, and I’m grateful to share a little piece of her with you. Tonight is for you, Mom. I miss you every day.” Her upload was flooded with messages of support, with Nia Sanchez replying: “Sending you extra love tonight.”
Scheana Shay added: “I love you soooo much! Your mama is so proud of you and always watching over you! You look so much like her in the second pic!” Aaron Nosler gushed: “It was an honour to get to know her, and so special that she saw our relationship take shape and become full of love. She surrounds you still and shows you signs.”
Vivian Tesler said: “I lost my mother to cancer 2 years ago. We are about the same age as you and I. There is not one day I don’t think about her. How I understand your words and heart. Sending you strength. We are in this together.” One fan commented: “Right now im watching the new episode & thanks for sharing her with us, those pictures are really beautiful, your mom will always be watching over you & your daughter Isabella.”
The emotional episode also gave fans an insight into Michelle’s life as she continues to navigate her life following her divorce from Jesse Lally, which aired in the second season.
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
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