Jenna Fischer revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
On October 8, the 50-year-old actress took to Instagram to share a health update in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Back in October 2023, I posted a photo of myself on Instagram preparing for my routine mammogram with a humorous reminder to ‘take care of my ticking weather bags’ a la Michael Scott. After inconclusive mammogram results due to dense breast tissue, the doctor ordered a breast ultrasound,” she began. “They found something in my left breast. A biopsy was ordered. Then on December 1, 2023, I found out I had stage 1 triple positive breast cancer.”
Fishcher said she had a lumpectomy in January to remove the tumor, which luckily was caught early and did not spread. However, due to the “aggressive nature” of her cancer, chemotherapy and radiation were required.
Office alum underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy starting in February and three weeks of radiation starting in June. Since then, she has been treated with infusions of two other drugs.
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“I’m happy to say that I feel great,” she continued. “I lost my hair during chemotherapy, but thanks to some great wigs and hair hats (affectionately called Wigats by my family) I was able to wait until now to discover everything that was going on for me.”
“I’m making this announcement for several reasons,” Fisher explained. “First, I’m ready to ditch the wigs. Second, to implore you to get your annual mammogram. You can also ask your doctor to calculate your breast cancer risk score and get any additional tests you need. I’m serious, call the doctors now.”
“If I had waited six months longer, things could have been much worse,” she said. “It could have expanded. When I saw women posting photos of their mammogram appointments on Instagram, I had to make my own (which I was late for). I’m so glad I did. Consider this your kick in the ass to do so…. Suddenly everything in your life is focused on one thing: fighting cancer.”
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Jenna Fischer/Instagram
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Fischer added that she hopes that sharing her journey with breast cancer will be a source of support for all women going through the same thing.
The actress emphasized that “it takes a whole village to fight cancer” and is proud of the support she received during her treatment. She thanked her team of doctors and nurses, as well as her friends, family and fellow cancer survivors for helping her through the difficult times.
“After my last chemotherapy and radiation treatment, [husband] Lee asked me if I wanted to do anything to celebrate. I said I just wanted to ring the bell, with the kids, in our yard, and have everyone throw confetti. So we made it,” she said, sharing a sweet photo of the moment.
“I’m happy to say that I recently had a follow-up and the treatments are working. I am cancer free. I will continue to be treated and monitored to help keep me that way,” Fischer said. “Again, don’t skip a mammogram…. And know that if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a village waiting for you.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education