The European 1500m champion added that the “beautiful” messages “gave her a lift” during the toughest days of her treatment so far.
Mageean has today posted an update of her cancer journey on social media and confirmed she completed the latest of her rounds of chemotherapy before Christmas.
“I’ve been pretty absent on here the last few months, so I thought I’d share a little life update,” she said.
“I finished my 12th round of chemo just before Christmas, which meant I had a lovely chemo-free Christmas with my family.
“The past few months have been a mixed bag of cuddling Sam, our wee springer spaniel, on the sofa, and spending time with my nearest and dearest when my energy returned. Without them, I would be lost.”
Photo: Instagram/Ciara Mageean
She thanked everyone who had sent her “such kind words of support over the past few months”.
“I’ve shed so many tears reading your beautiful messages; on those tough days, they really gave me a lift. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
“I still have a long road ahead, but for now I’m continuing to find the joy in every day,” she added.
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The Co Down native posted a couple of pictures of herself spending time with her family during Christmas, her fiancé Thomas Moran, and her dog Sam.
In July, the 33-year-old four-time European medallist revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a post on social media, the runner wrote at the time: “To everyone who’s been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer.”
“It’s been a lot to take in, but I’ve already started treatment. I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and close friends.
“Right now, my focus is on healing and taking things one day at a time. I kindly ask that you respect my privacy and that of my loved ones as we move through this together.
“Your understanding means more than I can say.”
Photo: Instagram/Ciara Mageean
Mageean won a gold medal at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome and also competed at the Olympics Games in Rio and Tokyo.
She was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics in 2024 due to an Achilles tendon issue before she had surgery last September in London.
The Portaferry native also won a silver European medal in 2022, two bronze European medals in 2016 and 2019, as well as a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Ciara Mageean with her dog Sam. Photo: Instagram/Ciara Mageean