Office’s Jenna Fischer reveals ‘aggressive’ breast cancer diagnosis | TV

Office actress Jenna Fischer has revealed she was diagnosed with “aggressive” breast cancer last year and is now cancer-free after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Fischer – who played receptionist Pam Beesly on the US version of “The Office” – shared her experience on Instagram on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I never thought I would make an announcement like this, but here we are,” she wrote in the caption.

In a series of slides, Fischer detailed her diagnosis, which began last October when she posted a photo of herself preparing for a routine mammogram, “with a joking reminder, à la Michael Scott’s, of the ticking ones.” “To watch your time bags'”.

After inconclusive results, an ultrasound revealed a mass in her left breast, and in December she was diagnosed with stage one triple-positive breast cancer.

Her type of cancer, Fischer said, was “aggressive” but also easily treatable. In January, she had a lumpectomy – a surgery to remove part of the breast tissue.

The cancer hadn’t spread, but to ensure it didn’t return, she underwent chemotherapy in February and radiation in June, as well as receiving ongoing “Herceptin infusions and a daily dose of tamoxifen.”

“I’m happy to say I’m doing great,” she continued.

Fischer said she has been able to keep the cancer to herself so far thanks to “some great wigs and hats with hair.”

She made the diagnosis public, she explained, to “beg” others to book mammograms and take steps to catch cancer early.

“I’m serious, call your doctor immediately,” she added. “My tumor was so small that it couldn’t be felt during a physical exam. If I had waited six months longer, things could have been much worse. It could have spread…Consider this your kick in the butt to get it done.”

Fischer also wrote that she was sharing her experience to support other women with a breast cancer diagnosis: “As anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis knows, life changes instantly.” It’s all about doctor’s appointments, test results, treatments and recovery the treatments. Suddenly everything in your life revolves around one thing: fighting cancer.”

The actress thanked the “wonderful village” of medical professionals, friends, family and other cancer survivors who helped her over the past year – including her Office co-star and Office Ladies podcast co-host Angela Kinsey, who “protected me and stood up for me.” For me.”

“For a long time, she was the only person in my line of work who knew,” Fischer said. “When I lost my hair, she wore hats to our work meetings so I wasn’t the only one. When I needed a break, we took one.”

Fischer played Pam Beesly on “The Office” for all 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 adaptation of “Mean Girls.”