John Farnham’s son James opens up about life-changing surgery

The youngest son of Australian music legend John Farnham has revealed he was secretly suffering from his own serious health battle as his dad recovered from throat cancer.

The youngest son of Australian music legend John Farnham has revealed he was secretly suffering from his own serious health battle as his dad recovered from oral cancer.

James Farnham on Wednesday shared on social media that he had, one year ago, endured a third and final surgery to reverse a colostomy after privately fighting severe diverticulitis, which causes inflammation of, and bulging pouches in, the wall of the large intestine.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen, connecting it to the colon and can be necessary after bowel cancer, injury or inflammation.

“I stayed quiet about it all year because, to be honest, I was scared it would go wrong again – it always seemed to,” James said on Instagram.

“But this time I healed properly and there were no complications. Since then I have been rebuilding physically, mentally, emotionally.”

James’ colostomy surgery involved the removal of 60cm of his large intestine, 7News reported.

“I was in hospital for a while, while he (John Farnham) was in hospital, so it sort of sucked, us both being in hospital,” he said.

“Mum held our family together a lot.”

James Farnham in hospital. Picture: Instagram

James, 37, said having a stoma bag was “very confronting, unexpected and life-changing” and took months of adjustment, adding his eating patterns and the way he had to drink all changed.

So too did the way he showered and slept.

“It’s a lot to get used to overnight,” James said.

James, who has just became a dad to son Jett with partner Dr Tessa Effendi, says he is finally feeling his best.

“Wow, what a difference a year makes,” he said.

James Farnham shows his colostomy bag. Picture: Instagram

James Farnham after surgery. Picture: Instagram

“I started moving again, got back into the gym, cleared my head the best I could. I even got to work with one of my favourite music artists from my teenage years.”

James, who has a brother Rob, called becoming a father his biggest dream.

Jett was born on June 18.

James Farnham with partner Dr Tessa Effendi. Picture: Instagram

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

John Farnham has also had significant health battles going through a 12-hour surgery on his mouth for oral cancer in August 2022, which he has recovered from.

James finished his post with a positive message. “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.”

Originally published as John Farnham’s son James opens up about life-changing surgery