John Farnham's youngest son James reveals his secret health battle after his famous father's cancer scare
In a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, the 36-year-old revealed he's finally 'loving life' after having multiple surgeries to reverse his colostomy - a procedure that reroutes the colon (part of the large intestine) to an opening in the abdominal wall.
He posted a series of graphic photos taken from the hospital and wrote: 'Wow, what a difference a year makes.
'Exactly 12 months ago today, I was going in for my third surgery, hoping to finally reverse my colostomy/ileostomy. It worked.
'I stayed quiet about it all year because, to be honest, I was scared it would go wrong again. It always seemed to. But this time, I healed properly and there were no complications.'
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James said he's rebuilt himself 'physically, mentally and emotionally' since his procedure and has returned to the gym.
'I even got to work with one of my favourite music artists from my teenage years. And most importantly… I became a dad. My biggest dream,' he continued.
'Two years ago, I couldn't imagine feeling this way. I was angry, lost, didn't want to go anywhere or see anyone. Life felt like a dead end.
'Today, I can finally say, I love my life. I'm genuinely happy. If you're struggling, just hang in there.
'Check in on your mates. Be kind to yourself. Life's weird and unpredictable, but it can surprise you in the best ways.'
James' health battle comes after his father John was recovering from his own surgery to treat his oral cancer and remove a mouth tumour.
Last August, John revealed he was cancer-free 12 months after having mouth surgery.
In his first personal statement since the procedure, the music superstar said he was finally in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loving family and felt like 'the luckiest man I know'.
'It's been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I've lost count as to how many other procedures there's been since then,' he said.
'I'm sure someone's kept track of them all - let's just say, there's been a few.'
'But, I'm home now and I'm a very grateful and happy man. I'm sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund.'
The You're The Voice singer thanked his fans for the well-wishes and support and said he was looking forward to his first celebratory meal - a pizza.
'It's only now that I can start to appreciate and comprehend, for myself, how many messages of love and support have been sent to me over the past year,' he added.
'I don't know what to say, other than thank you so very much.
'It honestly means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send a message.'
'Today is a special day. And I'm going to mark it by having a pizza - because I can! I can't wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024.'
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