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Just a week after Target=”_blank”>Jenna Fischer decided to make breast cancer her new co-star—publicly sharing her diagnosis like an unexpected plot twist in season 10 of your favorite sitcom—the former “The Office” star is now spilling the tea on her not-so-hilarious journey through the health care gauntlet.
On October 8, the 50-year-old Fischer took a break from binge-watching life to post an Target=”_blank”>Instagram revelation just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She informed us that she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer last December. After a glamorous trilogy of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, she’s now enjoying the illustrious title of “cancer-free.” Bravo, Jenna!
In a riveting one-on-one with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb that aired on October 21, Fischer made it clear she hopes her story will comfort other women who suddenly find themselves googling “What is triple-positive breast cancer, and why does it sound like a bad cocktail?”
The Diagnosis: Ladies, Don’t Skip Your Mammogram
Fischer revealed to Kotb that she finally mustered the courage to schedule her routine mammogram that had been dodging her for months like an ex at a party. “Three weeks later, my doctor coyly suggested a second mammogram, maybe followed by a breast ultrasound,” she recounted, sounding a bit like she was caught in a particularly long-winded game of ‘hot potato.’ “I was like, ‘Great, just what I needed—another appointment that is clearly going to take a while!'”
Despite her unshakable optimism, she said she felt “no level of concern” during her ultrasound—until they decided to throw in a biopsy for some dramatic flair. “There’s a 10% chance it’s cancerous,” they told her, which, let’s be real, sounds like the odds of winning a scratch-off lottery ticket.
Fischer was blissfully hiking solo (the real life drama was saved for later) when the fateful news dropped via her patient portal. “I saw words like ‘invasive,’ ‘ductal,’ ‘carcinoma,’ ‘malignant’—and I thought, ‘Those really sound like cancer words.’” Good detective work, Jenna.
In disbelief, she called her husband. Here’s a fun fact: It’s generally not the phone call you want to make while contemplating that second cupcake at a birthday party.
The Glamorous Treatment
Fischer shared her hair-raising experiences during chemotherapy—literally. “At first, I just had this unfortunate bald patch,” she joked, “which required some serious comb-over skills.” Turns out, a wig and a fierce hat collection became essential to her new look—who knew battling cancer could come with a side of fashion runway?
Support System: The Real MVPs
Talking about her support crew, Fischer revealed one of the first people she called was her friend Christina Applegate, who immediately responded with, “Which one is it?” Because, you know, in Hollywood a diagnosis is practically an endorsement deal. “I told her it was breast cancer, and she said, ‘I effing knew it.’” Fischer could always count on her salty language. Isn’t friendship just the best?
Fischer also sat down with her kids, in the most “honest” way possible. “We didn’t want to sugarcoat it—after all, they’d see me looking like a potato during treatment.” A solid approach, right? Their biggest takeaway? Mom’s treatment would make her a bit under the weather, but it was just temporary—like that weird sofa in the living room.
The Bright Side
With a montage of chemotherapy, a cute lumpectomy, and a dash of radiation, Fischer has emerged the victor. She proudly announced she’s now extending her time on the cancer-free red carpet while also taking tamoxifen and Herceptin—because why not make it a two-for-one deal?
Channeling her inner philosopher, she explained the power of humor during all this chaos. “I made it a point to live my life during this process,” she said. “Some days it was just walking in circles in my living room—and hey, it counted!” Count those steps towards accessing the hidden victory of gratitude! Who knew everyday traffic could go from “frustrating” to “look at all these charmingly stalled cars”?
Her closing lesson? “Ladies, for the love of all that is holy, don’t skip your mammogram. Get all those extra screenings your doctor suggests.” Why risk being the punchline to someone’s cancer awareness campaign when you could just show up for that annoying appointment instead? “If I’d waited six more months, it might’ve been a different story.” Cue the dramatic music.
In conclusion, Fischer’s tumor was “so tiny, it could play hide and seek,” she reflected. “Seriously, a self-exam wouldn’t have caught it. It was all about that routine mammogram that saved the day, and I’m ridiculously grateful that I went!”
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