Finding Her Way Back to Joy
Presenter Dieuwertje Blok has spoken openly about her difficult road to recovery following her cancer diagnosis.
A Difficult Discovery and a Difficult Recovery
The journey began with the shocking discovery that she needed her nose amputated. It happened in April – a secret she kept for a week before publicly announcing her cancer diagnosis to the Dutch public. “That helped me a lot,” Blok explained, “Because the interview came after the procedure.”
Blok candidly described walking outside again with “a strange nose covered in plasters and stickers,” adding, “I had a miserable time.” She described the experience as “okay” now, but the journey was a challenging one.
Unexpected Turn
Unexpected news arrived — a metastasis had been uncovered in her neck. A second surgery followed in July, along with a series of radiation treatments. Through it all, she remained remarkably positive, saying, “I have a guarantee right to the door. But that applies to all of us.”
Looking Forward
December 16th marks a significant day. On that day, Blok will receive her permanent new nose— one with magnets that resemble her own nose as closely as possible. “I sometimes see people that make me think: you could use a different nose,” she said with a laugh.
Quite philosophically, she concluded, “There is life after the nose!”.
How has Dieuwertje Blok’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent absence from the Sinterklaasjournaal impacted viewers?
## Finding Her Way Back to Joy
**Interviewer:** Dieuwertje Blok has been bravely open about her journey since her cancer diagnosis, and while we all hope for her swift return to health, it seems she won’t be hosting the Sinterklaasjournaal this year. What are your thoughts on this news?
**Alex Reed:** It’s certainly sad news for fans of Dieuwertje and the Sinterklaasjournaal. She’s been such a warm and beloved presence for so many years. However, it’s completely understandable given her health. Recovering from nose cancer is a challenging journey. It’s important that she prioritizes her health and takes all the time she needs.
**Interviewer**: Absolutely. It takes immense courage to be so open about such a personal struggle. Do you think her honesty will resonate with others facing similar challenges?
**Alex Reed:** I think it’s incredibly valuable. When public figures open up about their health battles, it helps to destigmatize these issues and shows others that they aren’t alone. It takes courage to be vulnerable, and Dieuwertje’s willingness to share her experiences can be a source of strength and inspiration for others.
**Interviewer**: Merel Westrik will be stepping in to host this year. What do you think this means for the future of the Sinterklaasjournaal?
**Alex Reed**: Merel is a talented presenter, and I’m sure she’ll bring her own unique touch to the program.
This is a time of transition for the Sinterklaasjournaal, but I have no doubt the tradition will continue to delight children across the Netherlands. It’s great to see a new generation of presenters taking on the mantle, carrying the torch forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We wish Dieuwertje all the best in her recovery and look forward to seeing her back on our screens when she’s ready.
**Alex Reed:** Me too.
