Vicky Phelan has been hailed an “inspiration” following her appearance on The Late Late Show on Friday night.
During her interview, the 47-year-old shared her plans to travel to America alone for a clinical trial that she hopes will prolong her life.
The Cervical Check campaigner will be away from her family for at least six months, including her two kids Amelia and Darragh, and admitted she fears she will never return to Ireland.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy, Vicky said: “I’m going on my own for a minimum of six months. It’s tough. Having to leave the kids is going to be big.”
“I’m going to stay in a hotel for the first week, on Tuesday and Wednesday I’ll have tests and scans.”
The Limerick native explained: “Even though I don’t want to be away from my kids, I’m torn. For me, the way I look at it is I’m very rational and scientific and that’s the way I have had to be and the way I cope with things.”
“I rationalise things by saying, ‘It’s short-term pain for long-term gain’. If this trial works, I get more time with my kids.”
“They understand it, I’ve been very open and honest with my kids from the very beginning.”
“d’ya know what I’m scared of most, is not coming back”
The incredible @phelanvicky speaks to Ryan about her fears about going to the US for treatment.#LateLate pic.twitter.com/ihLjmrNWiK
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 8, 2021
Vicky continued: “If it doesn’t work Ryan, I have no regrets. What I’m scared of most is not coming back or coming back in a coffin.”
“That’s why I’m getting upset about leaving because you don’t know if I’m going to come back, that is the worry.”
Following her appearance on the show, viewers confessed they were in tears watching Vicky’s interview, and hailed her an “inspiration”.
Crying here. The most incredible human being shining a bright light in the darkness.
The amazing @PhelanVicky. This lady deserves so much happiness. Wishing you Vicky in all that is incredible in your next chapter in America. 💕 #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/mt1C5TUP45— Bernadette Phillips (@BPhillipsWriter) January 8, 2021
That girl Vicky is so very brave. Inspirational lady, my heart breaks for her, wishing her all the best. #LateLateShow
— Davina Devine (@DavinaDevine) January 8, 2021
Vicky @PhelanVicky you break my heark and fill my heart with Pride, Hope, Courage, Change all at once. A true Irish legend and hero. All my prayers are with you and your family during your treatment. YOU GO GIRL 💝 #LateLateShow
— Judy Kelly (@JudyoBrienKelly) January 8, 2021
Utterly humbled listening to @PhelanVicky . You WILL be back Vicky and you will get your years with your children. We will all be with you in spirit. #LateLateShow
— Audrey Carville (@AudreyCarville) January 8, 2021
Honestly think Vicky Phelan is one of Ireland’s most remarkable & admirable women. #latelateshow
— Anthony Geoghegan Jr (@anthony7jr) January 8, 2021
Aren’t we so lucky to have gotten to see the strength of Vicky Phelan over these last number of years, she is phenomenal 👏🏼 An inspiration 🌟 #LateLateShow
— Kara Kelly (@karakelly93) January 8, 2021
Vicky Phelan , beautiful and brave ❤ #LateLateShow , https://t.co/zvS0ZwdZ0V pic.twitter.com/o5F3RYgzUY
— yvonnecrowe (@yvonnecrowe31) January 8, 2021
I’m not right after that.
Vicky Phelan’s resilience is inspirational. Her bravery is incredible. A whole country wishing her luck tonight x#LateLate
— JJ (@jayhartigan) January 8, 2021
Vicky is travelling to America for treatment, after finding out that she has developed a new tumour.
In November, the mum-of-two said a scan revealed a new 3mm tumour in her lung, in addition to growth in three separate tumours.