“Home and Away” actress Alea O’Shea, 25, is offering fans an unfiltered look into her battle with brain cancer, documenting the physical and emotional toll of treatment through candid social media updates. Now undergoing radiotherapy, O’Shea has been open about the side effects she is facing, including fatigue and hair loss, as she continues her fight against a glioma.
In a recent post, O’Shea filmed herself brushing her hair as strands fell away, admitting she felt exhausted but comforted by the moment. “Honestly, I’m so tired, and this is so relaxing,” she told followers. She also pointed out the markings on her hand used to guide her radiation sessions, calling the process “really cool” despite its intensity.
O’Shea revealed her diagnosis in late 2025 after undergoing a biopsy on her birthday and spending weeks waiting for clarity. Since then, she has undergone brain surgery, chemotherapy, and now radiotherapy. “I want to live my life as normally as possible while I’m fighting this,” she said, promising transparency as she navigates treatment.
Radiation therapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of gliomas, a type of tumor that arises from the brain’s glial cells. While highly effective, experts note that radiation can also affect healthy brain tissue. “Radiation is a very effective treatment for glioma,” said Dr. Nicolas Gonzalez Castro, a neuro-oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “But it’s also associated with neurotoxicity, affecting healthy brain cells that receive high doses of radiation.”
Dr. Iyad Alnahhas, a neuro-oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, emphasized the critical role of radiation in care. “It is the treatment that tends to work fastest, and it’s a really essential paradigm for the treatment of these diseases,” he said.
O’Shea’s care has also included awake brain surgery, a technique used to minimize neurological damage when tumors are located near critical brain areas. Neurosurgeon Dr. Jacob Young of the University of California, San Francisco, explained that patients are kept comfortable with a combination of intravenous and local medications and are awakened during key moments to participate in language or cognitive tasks. “We can have patients awake and participating in tasks to help guide us,” he said, “to let us know if we’re starting to get close to critical areas.”
Early warning signs—an uneven smile and persistent migraines—prompted O’Shea to seek medical attention. Despite ongoing symptoms, including migraines and facial weakness, she continues to find moments of joy. “My first day being disabled and in pain, and I couldn’t stay awake, but I laughed to tears four times,” she wrote. “I still did things I loved in between. I also had the world’s best nap.”
She credits her support system for helping her remain grounded. “Surround yourself with the right people and work to your limits,” she advised.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), brain tumors account for 85–90% of all primary central nervous system tumors. They may be benign or malignant, with symptoms and treatment varying based on size, type, and location. Common warning signs include headaches, memory loss, confusion, balance issues, vision changes, and shifts in mood or personality.
Radiation therapy for gliomas is typically delivered five days a week for several weeks, with each session lasting about 10 to 20 minutes. Patients undergo a specialized CT scan to map treatment, and a custom-fitted mask is used to keep the head still and ensure precise delivery. Side effects may include fatigue, hair loss in the treatment area, scalp irritation, headaches, nausea, and temporary symptom flare-ups from swelling. Long-term risks can include cognitive changes, hormonal disruption, or, rarely, radiation necrosis.
Experts also stress the importance of genetic and molecular testing in modern glioma care. “There has been a lot discovered about how different mutations affect tumor behavior,” said Dr. David Peereboom of the Cleveland Clinic. Identifying biomarkers, such as IDH mutations, can help guide targeted therapies like Vorasidenib, an FDA-approved drug shown to significantly slow disease progression in certain glioma patients.
While O’Shea’s journey is still unfolding, her openness has resonated with many, shedding light on the realities of brain cancer treatment and the resilience required to endure it. As she continues radiotherapy, she remains committed to living as fully as possible—and to sharing her story in the hope it may help others facing similar battles.
