The Office's Jenna Fisher reveals 'aggressive' breast cancer diagnosis
The Office actor Jenna Fischer has revealed that she was diagnosed with an “aggressive” breast cancer last year and is now cancer-free after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Fisher – who plays receptionist Pam Beasley on the US version of The Office – shared her experience on Instagram on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I never thought I'd make an announcement like this but here we are,” he wrote in the caption.
In a series of slides, Fisher detailed her diagnosis, which began last October when she posted a photo of herself preparing for a routine mammogram “with a funny reminder to 'take care of your ticking time bag' a la Michael Scott”.
After inconclusive results, an ultrasound revealed a mass in her left breast and she was diagnosed with stage one triple positive breast cancer in December.
His form of cancer, Fisher said, is “aggressive” but highly treatable. In January, she had a lumpectomy – a surgery to remove a section of breast tissue.
To make sure the cancer hadn't spread but wouldn't return, he underwent chemotherapy in February and then radiation in June, as well as ongoing “infusions of Hercetin and a daily dose of tamoxifen.”
“I'm happy to say I feel great,” he continued.
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Fisher said she's been able to keep the cancer under wraps until now thanks to “some great wigs and hair hats.”
She was making the diagnosis public, she explained, to “urge” others to book mammograms and take measures to catch cancer early.
“I'm serious, call your doctor right now,” he added. “My tumor was so small it couldn't be felt on physical exam. If I had waited six months, things could have gotten worse. It could have spread … Consider it a kick in your butt to get it done.”
Fisher also wrote that she is sharing her experience to support other women with a breast cancer diagnosis: “As anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer knows, your life changes immediately. It becomes about 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 him over the past year — including his Office co-star and Office Ladies podcast co-host Angela Kinsey, who “saved me did and supported me”.
“For a long time, he was the only person at my workplace who knew,” Fisher said. “When I lost my hair, he would wear the hat to our work meetings so I wouldn't be alone. When I needed a break, we took one.”
Fisher played Pam Beasley on The Office for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013 and won a Supporting Actress Emmy for her performance. Her most recent role was in this year's musical film adaptation of Mean Girls.
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