Actress Jenna Fischer took time off from her usually funny commentary on Instagram earlier today to announce she had been diagnosed with stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer last year.
Fischer played the beloved Pam Beesley in the American adaptation of “The Office” from 2007 until 2013. She and BFF and former co-star Angela Kinsey host an ‘Office’ rewatch podcast.
Article continues below advertisement
Jenna Fischer Urges Fans Not To ‘Skip’ Their Mammograms
Fischer shared an emotional note with her Instagram followers earlier today detailing her breast cancer treatment and journey last year.
“Last December, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. After completing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation I am now cancer free,” The “Mean Girls” actress tells fans in the caption of her post.
In her letter, Fischer tells followers she had received “inconclusive results” following a mammogram in October of last year and even posted a picture on Instagram of the experience. Fischer jokingly warned her followers to “take care of your ticking time bags.”
After finding something worrisome in her left breast, the actress underwent a biopsy. Afterward, she was diagnosed with stage 1 triple positive breast cancer, she began treatment.
Article continues below advertisement
‘The Office Ladies’ Podcast Host Reveals Her Cancer Was Found ‘Early’
After explaining a bit about Triple Positive Breast Cancer to her followers, the former “Splitting Up Together” star revealed her cancer had been found in its early stages.
Although it hadn’t spread through her body, she noted that she still needed to undergo chemotherapy treatment due to the aggressiveness of her cancer. Fischer underwent 12 rounds of chemo, followed by three rounds of radiation.
Fischer is now on daily doses of medication and undergoes regular infusions, she also reported. After all of her treatment, the actress assured fans she currently feels “great.”
Article continues below advertisement
Jenna Fischer’s Post Coincides With National Breast Cancer Month
The “Mysteries Of Laura” actress also revealed she had been wearing wigs after losing her hair due to chemo.
Shared community through Instagram helped Fischer organize all of the details regarding her mammogram scheduling – an important health aspect she “implores” her fans not ignore.
“I’m serious, call your doctor right now,” Fischer told her fans. She goes on to detail how her tumor had been “so small” that it hadn’t been possible to detect with an exam.
Article continues below advertisement
The Breast Cancer Survivor Built Community Over Her Diagnosis
The “Walk Hard: A Dewey Cox Story” actress stressed that she was posting her letter as a source of strength for any women who may be going through their own struggles with breast cancer.
“As anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis knows, your life changes immediately,” Fischer wrote. “It becomes about doctor’s appointments, test results, treatments, and recovering from treatments. Suddenly everything in your life is geared around one thing, fighting cancer.”
Fischer goes on to highlight the “village” of supporters she has had through her treatment, commending the “kindness” of doctors and nurses. She also said certain caregivers were “put into [her] path when [she] needed them the most.” The actress also fostered connections with fellow breast cancer survivors.
Article continues below advertisement
Jenna Fischer Wanted Her Recovery Celebration To Be A Family Affair
Fischer relied on her “village” of family throughout her treatment whether they were blood-related or ‘found family.’ Many of her friends offered to help with daily activities including caring for Fischer’s kids, and “dropping off food.”
She also detailed the simple gestures like offers to accompany her while shopping for wigs, or just to take simple walks. Those seemingly simple gestures weren’t missed by the actress.
One person in Fischer’s crew who played a gigantic role in supporting her throughout treatment was Angela Kinsey, who ‘Office’ fans know as the cranky Angela.
Kinsey was seemingly anything but cranky as she “advocated” for her friend in work situations and other spaces where few people knew about Fischer’s diagnosis. Fischer shared that Kinsey “wore hats” after Fischer lost her hair so she wouldn’t feel so alone.
Fischer thanked her husband Lee, who was commonly found by her side through all of her treatment components, including times when she just needed to “ugly cry.”
Once the tears dried, Fischer told her husband she wanted to incorporate her kids into her celebration. She details how she wanted to “ring a bell with the kids” in their backyard, while confetti was tossed in the air.
Fischer showed a snapshot of her family’s celebratory moment alongside her letter!
