John Farnham’s son goes public with his brave health battle

James Farnham has shared with details of the life-changing surgery to reverse his colostomy.

A colostomy and ileostomy are surgical procedures that create an opening, or stoma, from the intestines to the abdominal wall, according to Healthline.

James, who is the youngest son of singing legend John Farnham and wife Jill, shared a number of photos from his hospital bed as he praised the success of the operation.

“Wow, what a difference a year makes,” Farnham said. “Exactly 12 months ago today, I was going in for my third surgery, hoping to finally reverse my colostomy/ileostomy.

“It worked.”

Farnham said he “stayed quiet” about the surgery as he was worried it wouldn’t work, adding: “(I) was scared it would go wrong again. It always seemed to. But this time, I healed properly and there were no complications.”

Farnham said she has since been rebuilding “physically, mentally, emotionally.”

He added he has gone back to the gym, cleared his head as best he could and worked with musical artists.

In the past year, Farnham also became a father for the first time. He called it his biggest dream. James and partner Tessa Effendi welcomed their newborn son, Jett, in June this year.

The infant weighed just 3.176kg.

“Two years ago, I couldn’t imagine feeling this way,” Farnham said.

“I was angry, lost, didn’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. Life felt like a dead end. Today, I can finally say, I love my life. I’m genuinely happy.”

Sadly, James’ father, John Farnham, has also had significant health battles going through a 12-hour surgery for throat cancer in August 2022. The entertainer has fully recovered.

Farnham finished his post with an upbeat tone, adding: “If you’re struggling, just hang in there.

“Check in on your mates. Be kind to yourself. Life’s weird and unpredictable, but it can surprise you in the best ways.”

A number of Farnham’s followers shared their delight at him feeling better.

“Amazing mate. You should be bloody proud of yourself!” one fan said.

“Well done mate! Put that behind you and look forward to all the good s*** coming up with the fam!” another added.

Another wrote: “Amazing I’m so so happy for you. You should be proud of yourself coming so far. Onwards and upwards.”