Designer Camilla Franks, 43, talks her ‘hellish’ battle with stage-three breast cancer

‘Work was my escape’: Designer Camilla Franks, 43, talks her ‘hellish’ battle with stage-three breast cancer… and says this year she wants to focus on her family and ‘cherishing this life’

Australian designer Camilla Franks has spoken candidly about her ‘hellish’ battle with stage-three breast cancer. 

The 43-year-old told The Sun-Herald this week that ‘work was her escape’ during the height of the disease. 

Since recovering, the kaftan queen added that this year, she wants to focus on her family and ‘cherish this life.’ 

‘Work was my escape’: Designer Camilla Franks, 43, talked about her ‘hellish’ battle with stage-three breast cancer this week… and said that this year she wants to focus on her family and ‘cherishing this life’

‘Throughout my diagnosis and for the duration of my treatment, work was my escape,’ Camilla told the publication. 

‘I’d come straight from chemo into the office, feeling like hell and walk into our studio. Looking back, this space was my Narnia in many ways.’ 

Camilla had previously traveled internationally to gain inspiration for her designs.

But her new collection came primarily from exploring British folklore from home, as she was unable to travel while getting treatment.  

Struggles: Camilla had previously traveled internationally to gain inspiration for her designs. But her new collection came primarily from exploring British folklore from home, as she was unable to travel while getting treatment

Struggles: Camilla had previously traveled internationally to gain inspiration for her designs. But her new collection came primarily from exploring British folklore from home, as she was unable to travel while getting treatment

It comes after Camilla announced in November that she and partner JP Jones were trying for a second child after recovering from cancer.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph at the time, she said she was ready to try for another baby since her ovaries were ‘juicy and ripe’ again.

‘Since posting the news about my ovaries, my body has miraculously taken itself out of menopause and my oestrogen levels are back in full swing,’ she said, after previously saying that she was going to get her ovaries removed.

The designer was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2018, just three months after welcoming her first child Luna.

Baby news: It comes after Camilla announced in November that she and partner JP Jones were trying for a second child after recovering from cancer. The designer was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2018, just three months after welcoming her first child Luna

Baby news: It comes after Camilla announced in November that she and partner JP Jones were trying for a second child after recovering from cancer. The designer was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2018, just three months after welcoming her first child Luna

Honest: In an emotional Instagram post shared in October last year, Camilla said her battle with the disease left in the loneliest place 'she has ever been'

Honest: In an emotional Instagram post shared in October last year, Camilla said her battle with the disease left in the loneliest place ‘she has ever been’

In an emotional Instagram post shared in October last year, Camilla said her battle with the disease left in the loneliest place ‘she has ever been’.

‘This past year I have cried endless tears of fear, despair, confusion and helplessness,’ she wrote.

‘I have been robbed of things I will never know again. But at this milestone today, the tears I shed are of gratitude and pride.’

Camilla battled through six months of ‘intensive’ chemotherapy before having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after Luna’s birth.   

‘This time was without a doubt the most challenging time in my life – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,’ she said.

The renowned ‘Kaftan Queen’ was dealt another devastating blow at the beginning of 2019 when specialists recommended she removed her ovaries.

Thankfully, she now appears to have made a full recovery. 

Health battle: Camilla battled through six months of 'intensive' chemotherapy before having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after Luna's birth

Health battle: Camilla battled through six months of ‘intensive’ chemotherapy before having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after Luna’s birth

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk