Jenna Fischer on chemotherapy experience: 'I never had a big shave-your-head moment'
Actress Jenna Fischer, best known for her role as Pam Beesly in The Office, opened up about her decision to not shave her hair during chemotherapy.
During an interview with The TODAY Show, the actress recalled the first time she found out about her diagnosis and being concerned about losing hair.
When her doctor delivered the news of her diagnosis, Fischer said she was in "disbelief" upon hearing she was "triple-positive" and her oncologist recommended chemotherapy.
"That was when I really lost it,” she said. "When they told me I had to have chemo, the first thing I thought was, ‘I don’t want to throw up, and I don’t want to lose my hair.’”
The actress revealed that she started having a "big bald patch" on the side of her head, but it never crossed her mind to completely shave her head.
“I never had a big shave-your-head moment. I don’t know why,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh, should I cut it first? Should I shave it? What do I do?’ And I didn’t.”
Adapting to her changing appearance, Fischer initially relied on wigs and hats. Now, however, she says she’s ready to ditch the wigs and embrace her shorter hairstyle.
In the same interview, Fischer revealed she underwent a lumpectomy and radiation. Her recent screenings show she is cancer-free. However, she continues to take tamoxifen and Herceptin for the next year.
Reflecting on the past year, Fischer shared that she learned the power of human connection and compassion.
“So many people took care of me, and my family, and my children, and I am so grateful for it — in so many small ways,” she said. “And the thing is, is that everybody had the right way or the perfect way to do it.”
Since her battle with cancer, the actress has developed a greater sense of gratitude and now views minor annoyances with a positive outlook.
“Like, you know, just traffic. ‘Oh, look at you, cute traffic. Look at all the people just goin’ places,’” she said. “How great that I get to sit in traffic. How cool.”
On October 8, Fischer revealed that she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer.
“October is breast cancer awareness month. I never thought I’d be making an announcement like this but here we are. Last December, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. After completing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation I am now cancer-free,” her announcement, posted on Instagram, read.
The post included a photo of her sporting “patchy pixie” locks, followed by slides containing information about her chemotherapy journey and messages of thanks to those who have supported her throughout her treatment.
“It takes a village to fight cancer, and I have had an amazing village,” she noted, taking the opportunity to thank her team of doctors and nurses, friends and family, as well as the cancer survivors who served as “coaches” along her journey.
She also encouraged her followers to prioritize regular mammograms and to have conversations with their doctors about their personalized breast cancer risk.
“Michael was right. Get ‘em checked ladies. And know that should you get a breast cancer diagnosis, there is a village waiting to care for you,” the post read.