Sophie Kinsella, the talented English writer behind the beloved "Shopaholic" book series that inspired a popular American romantic comedy, revealed on Wednesday that she has been undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer for more than a year.
Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, shared this personal update through a heartfelt social media post, where she detailed her treatment journey and explained her decision to keep her battle private until now. The author disclosed that she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor known for its challenging prognosis due to its rapid progression. Despite this, Kinsella reassured her followers that she is "feeling generally very well" and her current condition is stable, all thanks to the dedicated medical team at University College Hospital in London who have been caring for her.
"I chose not to share this earlier because I wanted to ensure that my children had the space to process and understand the news in private and adjust to our 'new normal,'" Kinsella expressed in her post. The author is a mother to five children.
Following her diagnosis, Kinsella shared that she has undergone a successful surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which she continues to receive. The first line of treatment for glioblastoma usually involves surgery to remove as much of the brain tumor as possible, followed by long-term cancer therapy, as stated by the Mayo Clinic.
On Wednesday, Kinsella expressed her gratitude to her medical team and readers who supported her during her challenging time after the release of her novel, "The Burnout," in October 2023.
"I am incredibly thankful to my family, close friends, doctors, and nurses who have provided me with tremendous support. I also want to thank my readers for their unwavering support," she said. "To all those battling cancer, my thoughts and best wishes are with you, along with those who stand by your side. Facing a tough diagnosis can be isolating and frightening, and the care and support from those around you are invaluable."
Kinsella is renowned for her popular "Shopaholic" book series, which chronicles the challenges of a financial journalist struggling with her spending habits. The series gained global acclaim, especially after the first two books were adapted into the 2009 romantic-comedy film, "Confessions of a Shopaholic," starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Grant.
