Dame Deborah James in 'limbo land' as she lives longer than doctors thought

Dame Deborah James has said she feels like she’s in 'limbo land' after living longer than doctors predicted.

In an emotional goodbye message the cancer campaigner, 40, told fans in May that she had moved to hospice care for end of life care after battling bowel cancer since 2016.

Updating her fans on Instagram this week, she said at that time she had been given days, or maybe a week, to live.

Read more: Deborah James says husband is her 'rock' as she leaves house for first time in 10 days

“I find myself living in limbo land, not really knowing what the future holds and for how long," she said alongside snaps of her at Ascot.

"It’s a very stressful uncertain place to be because when I was discharge from hospital over a month ago I was given days, maybe a week to live. And I felt like it."

She went on: "But as we all know life doesn’t go according to plan, so I’m just greatful (sic) for whatever extra time, the powers that be have decided to grant me.

"So despite the unnerving tears, I look at the sunshine, smile, and think, wow, life is a funny thing isn’t it!! Better enjoy it!”

The star — who has raised millions for charity in the last few weeks and was recently made a Dame — has been enjoying trips to special places such as Glyndebourne and Ascot.

She told her fans: “Yesterday was really special as with a lot of effort and help I actually made it to @ascotracecourse once again.

"I honestly have to pinch myself that I’ve been well enough each day to do something like this. Another favourite I’d had in mind and a fab milestone to say 'ain’t dead yet!' Obviously like most haven’t been for a while due to COVID, but so nice to be back and thank you to @ascotracecourse for making the whole experience for me and my brother just seamless and achievable for me.

"Memories made, but most importantly I got 3 wins in a row and am still bouncing off the ceiling from them still!!!”

The mum-of-two’s last TV appearance, in Embarrassing Bodies, also aired this week.

Dame Deborah previously filmed the episode and had said she wanted it to go ahead even if she died.

Read more: Lorraine pays tribute to cancer campaigner Deborah James who is in hospice care

In the show, she spoke of getting rid of the taboos around bowel movements as becoming familiar with - and talking about - bowel cancer symptoms could help to save lives.

Dame Deborah rose to fame as one of the hosts of the You, Me & The Big C podcast, which she presented with Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland, who died in 2018 at the age of 40 after battling breast cancer.

Watch: Dame Deborah James: I'm still alive and kicking