Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield announces cancer diagnosis as she undergoes treatment
Maxi has shared a new update across social media confirming the cause of her throat swelling
By Callum Wells
Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield has shared a cancer diagnosis with fans, announcing she is undergoing treatment.
Season one contestant Maxi, 51, who was hospitalised during this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe, had been due to star with Art Simone in Fountain Lakes in Lockdown: A Drag Parody Play, a camp send-up of Kath & Kim.
But she was forced to cancel after doctors discovered swelling in her throat. At the time, she explained the issue was caused by a gland pressing on blood vessels.
“This little swollen thing on the side of my throat is cancer” – Maxi sharing her diagnosis with fans
This week, Maxi – real name Kristopher Elliot – shared a new update across social media confirming the cause and that she will be treated with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
“I had tests yesterday, and [saw] specialists today,” she told followers on yesterday (2 September). “This little swollen thing on the side of my throat is cancer.”
The Sydney-based performer explained that immediate treatment is being planned. “They’re working out a plan for me at this stage, I’m going to the hospital this afternoon, I’m going to have lots of steroids, so hopefully they work.
“They’re just worried that my throat is swelling, so hopefully we’ll get that down as well the size of the tumour down a little bit.
“The love is incredible. Thank you so much” – Maxi on support from her followers
“And then I’m going to go on chemotherapy for three weeks, and then a mixture of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for seven weeks.”
Although candid about the seriousness of her condition, Maxi kept her trademark humour as she added: “A little bit crazy, but there’s 80% chance that this is all going to be fantastic and I’m going to be high kicking and back flipping like I never used to do.
“The love is incredible. Thank you so much.” In her caption, Maxi called herself “a tough old bird that will get through this like many are now and before me.”
Fans and fellow queens have flooded her with support, while a fundraiser set up to help cover costs has already topped $20,000.
Fountain Lakes in Lockdown is scheduled to return later this year, beginning at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee before heading to Melbourne for a festive edition.