Jill Martin is opening up about how she's doing since undergoing a double mastectomy. The Today contributor returned to the platform for the first time in three weeks since she received a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis and underwent the surgery procedure.
She first shared news of her diagnosis on July 17, 2023. According to her doctors, they found an aggressive tumor during her surgery. It had spread into one of her lymph nodes, and they removed 18 lymph nodes total. The 47-year-old is sharing her journey to encourage others to take their health seriously and get tested.
“I will be on and off the air dealing with treatment for the next six months, but I thought it was important to share this journey with you in real time," she reposted to her Instagram regarding her mastectomy. "I have shared the happy, the sad and now the scary. We will get through this together.”
She continued with her message in an article posted to TODAY.com. "What an earth-shattering six weeks. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime since the last time I walked into Studio 1A. In the past six weeks, I learned I am positive for a BRCA2 mutation, had stage 2 breast cancer, then had a double mastectomy and learned that my life will soon look very different. Despite regular mammograms and sonograms, it wasn’t until genetic testing that I learned I have a gene mutation. A gene mutation that is the cause of my breast cancer."
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The New York Times bestselling author went on to share that after the surgery, she met her 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."
"I have to say this before I say anything else," she continued. "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." Jill noted she's received a lot of DMs, texts, emails, and calls, and even kind messages from strangers who wanted to pray for her or who were going to get tested because of her story.
"I am so touched, blown away and humbled. That really is what has helped me during this slow journey of healing. What I didn’t realize was almost everyone I have spoken with has either been through a version of this or watched someone go through it," she continued. "I personally think it is easier to go through it than watch your loved one suffer; at least, that has been my experience with my family. It hurts me the most watching them watch me go through this. It shakes a family and a household. The past three weeks have felt like a lifetime."
But through the pain, Jill is using her story as a way of encouraging others to get tested. "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. 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."
The next steps of treatment for her include undergoing a full hysterectomy, which will reduce her risk of ovarian cancer. She will also be taking an anti-hormonal drug for the next 5 years and finalizing whether or not she'll need chemotherapy.
Fans in the comments showered Jill with love and support. "Sending ❤️ to you, thank you for sharing your story," one person said. "You got this!!!" another comment read. "And you're educating and possible saving so many women by sharing your journey. God bless you my friend. ."
