Today star updates on 'earth shattering' health battle after double mastectomy
Today show contributor Jill Martin recently opened up on her health following a breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing a "successful" double mastectomy, a journey she described as "earth-shattering."
The presenter explained in a “Today” essay published Monday the difficultly she endured both physically and emotionally as she had to get an aggressive canceorus tumor removed. In the update, the 47-year-old media personality ensured fans that there is a "good chance" that she is now cancer-free, but her doctor, Dr. Joseph Sparano at Mount Sinai, said that she will need undergo additional treatment in order to ensure that.
Martin said that this has been the hardest weeks of her life, but it has been incredible the outpour of love and support she has received from family, friends, and strangers has made all the difference. She wrote: "I have to say this before I say anything else: I cannot tell you how helpful, inspiring, heartwarming, and life-changing it was to get all of your messages of strength and prayer after I shared the news of my breast cancer diagnosis."
The fashion expert explained that even though she had regularly gone to get sonograms and mammograms she didn't discover that she had a gene mutation that was the cause of her breast cancer until she went for genetic testing.
She said that after going through this difficult experience, the most important message she could give to her friends, viewers, and family is to get genetic testing done - even if you fear the outcome.
Mum with terminal cancer wants to see son 'write his first word' before she diesThe sports commentator added that she understands the sentiment of being afraid, but wrote: "Let me be very clear: Any preventative measures you can take, although not easy, are easier than battling cancer. This entire process is life-changing, but adding cancer to the mix is a different kind of battle — one I do not wish on anyone."
Jill is an Emmy Award–winning TV personality, fashion expert, and co-author of the book Fashion for Dummies. She is most well-known on NBC's Today Show was a contributor, and for her popular segments Ambush Makeover and Steals and Deals. Jill is also a reporter for the New York Knicks and has previously led interviews during halftime.