Farrah Fawcett stays strong

Apr 8, 2009, 11:25 GMT

(FILES) A file picture shows actress Farrah Fawcett The \'Charlie\'s Angels\' star - whose anal cancer has spread to her liver - has been praised by doctors for keeping her spirits high throughout her illness. EPA/JASON SZENES

Farrah Fawcett is battling cancer with her "humour".

The 'Charlie's Angels' star - whose anal cancer has spread to her liver - has been praised by doctors for keeping her spirits high throughout her illness.

Los Angeles cancer specialist Dr. Lawrence Piro said: "All people who face cancer are brave, but Farrah has been especially brave because she has had to battle two burdens at the same time. One is the burden of cancer. The other is the burden of going through the cancer in a very public way. "Throughout, Farrah has used something which is a masterful gift of hers, and that's her humour. And positive thinking."

The actress - who has been in hospital since last Thursday (02.04.09) after complications arose from a "minor procedure" - is expected to return home in the next few days.

Her close friend Alana Stewart - who has remained at Farrah's bedside throughout her hospital stay - admires Farrah's fighting spirit and the way she dealt with initial reports she is close to death.

Alana said: "I've never seen anyone fight for their life like this. Farrah is not in a coma and she's never been unconscious. It's unconscionable for these things to be put out. It's so tremendously hurtful to Farrah. It's put her in a panic. But Farrah's spirit is incredible."

The 62-year-old star was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2006 - originally thought to be colon cancer.

Although doctors believed it had been successfully treated, the illness returned in May 2007.

Meanwhile, Redmond O'Neal - Farrah's son with actor Ryan O'Neal - has been formally charged with possession of heroin.

The 24-year-old wild child remains in police custody following his arrest on Sunday morning (05.04.09).

Redmond was brought into a Los Angeles court yesterday (07.04.09) behind a large wire cage.

The case has been postponed until April 24 and the judge set his bail at $75,000.

Redmond is currently serving probation for a previous drug conviction in June 2008 and pleaded not guilty in court on other drugs charges less than two weeks ago.