Current:Home > Invest'Today' show's Jill Martin says she likely is cancer-free, but may undergo chemo-InfoLens
'Today' show's Jill Martin says she likely is cancer-free, but may undergo chemo
View Date:2024-12-23 15:59:11
"Today" show contributor Jill Martin reveals there is a "good chance" she is now cancer-free, though she may need to undergo chemotherapy, as she continues to chronicle a breast cancer journey that began in June when she was diagnosed with a BRCA gene mutation.
"What an earth-shattering six weeks. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime since the last time I walked into Studio 1A," she wrote in her latest update on the "Today" site Monday.
"The surgery was three weeks ago," she wrote. "Honestly, physically, I am doing OK. (Emotionally is a different story; it's been a roller coaster.) My double mastectomy was successful. A week after my surgery, my 45-minute meeting with my oncologist, Dr. Joseph Sparano at Mount Sinai in New York City, started with the news that there is a good chance I am cancer-free, but I need further treatment to help ensure that."
Martin said that the messages of support and encouragement from fans have been critical to her well-being. She also stressed that despite the understandable fear associated with being tested for genetic mutations, the potential life-saving benefits make it worthwhile.
"I have gotten word from so many of you that you got tested for gene mutations and have gotten your results back," Martin said. "Most of you have received good news, and some of you have tested positive and are now deciding what to do. After going through this first part of my treatment, I understand it is such a personal choice because everyone’s circumstances, diagnosis and outlook are very different. But again, it should be your choice.
"The most important message from me? Many dear friends, viewers and family have said, 'I am afraid to have any kind of genetic testing, as I am afraid of what I will find out.' I totally understand that sentiment and reasoning. But let me be very clear: Any preventative measures you can take, although not easy, are easier than battling cancer."
Martin, who has a family history of breast cancer, took an at-home genetic test for the BRCA test and had forgotten about it by the time the results came in, she said. BRCA gene mutations can indicate a patient has a higher risk of developing cancers like breast cancer or ovarian cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"My grandmother passed away from breast cancer. And my beautiful mother — who is healthy now — had a double mastectomy in her late 40s after being diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, often referred to as stage 0 breast cancer," Martin wrote in a previous posting about her cancer journey.
'Today' show's Jill Martinopens up about breast cancer diagnosis, will undergo mastectomy
Her mother tested negative for BRCA gene mutations. But BRCA mutations can be carried paternally, too. As a result, Martin's doctors suggested she take the test, which she said "saved my life." The test revealed she has a BRCA2 gene mutation, which her father also has.
Martin still has an arduous path ahead of her.
"I do already know for sure I will need to have another surgery, preventatively, to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes to decrease my risk of ovarian cancer," she wrote. "In my case, I will need a full hysterectomy, as I have had fibroid issues in the past. I will also need to take anti-hormonal drugs for 5 years. And I will most likely need chemotherapy because of the aggressiveness of the tumor. That is the part that hit me the hardest — the idea of chemo."
Martin said she'll likely be on and off the air for the next six months, but will continue to share written updates.
Contributing: Morgan Hines
veryGood! (7514)
Related
- Halle Berry Rocks Sheer Dress She Wore to 2002 Oscars 22 Years Later
- Miranda Lambert Responds to Fan's Shoot Tequila, Not Selfies T-Shirt at Concert
- Oppenheimer's Cillian Murphy Underwent a Drastic Transformation—& So Did These Movie Stars
- NASA's mission to purposely collide with asteroid sent 'swarm of boulders' into space
- Vikings' Camryn Bynum celebrates game-winning interception with Raygun dance
- You'll Buzz Over Samuel L. Jackson's Gift to Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds for Their 2008 Wedding
- This Sweat-Wicking Top Will Keep You Cool and Comfortable on the Hottest Days
- Project Runway All Stars' Designer Anna Zhou Talks Hard Work, Her Avant-Garde Aesthetic & More
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, 4G
- The Nutribullet Blender I’m Obsessed With Is on Sale for Just $79
Ranking
- After entire police force resigns in small Oklahoma town, chief blames leaders, budget cuts
- Everything to Know About Carlee Russell's Faked Disappearance
- Your Chilling First Look at Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts & Cara Delevingne in AHS: Delicate Teaser
- True Thompson and Chicago West Mischievously Pay Tribute to Moms Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian
- Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
- Kim Kardashian and Tristan Thompson Party in Miami After Watching Lionel Messi's MLS Debut
- Camila Cabello’s NSFW Vacation Photos Will Have You Saying My Oh My
- Jamie Foxx Shares New Update From Las Vegas 3 Months After Medical Emergency
Recommendation
-
Travis Kelce's and Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Houses Burglarized
-
Kate Gosselin Says Son Collin Has “Multiple Psychiatric Diagnoses” in Response to Estrangement Allegation
-
You'll Flip Over How Shawn Johnson's Daughter Drew Reacted to Mom's Pregnancy
-
Vanderpump Rules' Scheana Shay Claps Back at Claim She's Forgiven Tom Sandoval for Cheating
-
Republican David Schweikert wins reelection in affluent Arizona congressional district
-
Scorching temperatures to persist in the West for another week
-
You'll Flip Over How Shawn Johnson's Daughter Drew Reacted to Mom's Pregnancy
-
Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $300 Tote Bag for Just $83