‘The Office’ actor Jenna Fischer revealed that she was diagnosed with “advanced” breast cancer last year and is now cancer-free after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Fisher, who played receptionist Pam Beasley on the US version of The Office, shared her story on Instagram on Tuesday to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I never thought I’d be making an announcement like this, but here we are,” she wrote in the caption.
Fisher detailed her diagnosis in a series of slides. Details of her diagnosis include: In October last year, she posted a photo of herself preparing for a routine mammogram, “jokingly saying, “Michael Scott style, “Watch out for the ticking time bag.”” It started with that.
Although the final results were not available, an ultrasound revealed a lump in her left breast, and she was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer in December.
Although her form of cancer is “aggressive,” it is also highly treatable, Fisher said. In January, she underwent a lumpectomy (surgery to remove some breast tissue).
The cancer had not spread, but to make sure it didn’t come back, she underwent chemotherapy in February, radiation in June, and continued “Herceptin infusions and daily tamoxifen.” I received it.
“I’m happy to say I’m feeling good,” she continued.
Ms Fisher said she had been able to keep her cancer a secret until now thanks to “amazing wigs and hats with hair”.
She explained that she went public with her diagnosis to “implore” others to schedule mammograms and take steps to catch cancer early.
“I’m serious. Call your doctor now,” she added. “My tumor was so small that I couldn’t feel it during the physical exam. If I had waited another six months, things could have been much worse. It could have spread… We need to make this a success. Consider this your shot.”
Ms Fisher also wrote that she was sharing her experience to support other women diagnosed with breast cancer. It all comes down to doctor appointments, test results, treatment, and recovery from treatment. Suddenly, everything in your life revolves around one thing: fighting cancer. ”
The actor thanked the “amazing village” of medical professionals, friends, family and other cancer survivors who have helped her over the past year. That included her Office co-star and co-host of the podcast Office Ladies, Angela Kinsey, who she said “protected me and defended me.” For me.”
“For a long time, she was the only person I knew at work,” Fisher said. “When I lost my hair, she wore a hat to work meetings so I wasn’t alone. When I needed a break, she took a break.”
Fisher played Pam Beesly on The Office for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013, and was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. Her most recent role was in Mean Girls, which was made into a musical film earlier this year.
This article was modified on October 9, 2024. A previous version listed Jenna Fischer as winning an Emmy for her role on The Office. She was actually nominated for that award.