Jenna Fischer Reveals Celebrity She Called After Cancer Diagnosis

Jenna Fischer Reaches Out to Christina Applegate Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Jenna Fischer, known for her role in The Office, recently opened up about a challenging year battling breast cancer, revealing the first celebrity she turned to for support. In an exclusive interview on TODAY with Hoda Kotb, Fischer shared that she reached out to Christina Applegate, who herself faced a breast cancer diagnosis years ago.

During their conversation, Fischer recounted the moment she called Applegate, who immediately inquired about her diagnosis. “I said, ‘It’s breast cancer,’ and she responded, ‘I effing knew it,’” Fischer relayed. She affectionately described Applegate as having a “salty” demeanor, stating, “Salty language. I love her for it.”

Fischer and Applegate’s bond dates back to their collaboration in the 2011 film Hall Pass. Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, allowing her to empathize with Fischer’s journey and connect her with other survivors.

Fischer, who made her diagnosis public during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, explained how her journey began. After postponing a routine mammogram for some time, she discovered “a few spots” that were further investigated through an ultrasound and a biopsy, which ultimately indicated a “10% chance it’s cancerous.”

The news was confirmed dramatically while Fischer was out hiking: “I think the word that really got to me was when we found out that I was triple-positive and my oncologist said chemotherapy.” The diagnosis left her in disbelief.

At 50 years old, Fischer underwent a series of treatments, including radiation and a lumpectomy, along with chemotherapy that led to significant hair loss. She described the difficult conversation she had with her two children, Weston, 13, and Harper, 10. Fischer reassured them that any signs of illness they observed were side effects of the treatment and not a direct result of cancer, which comforted her kids during the process.

Fortunately, Fischer managed to catch the disease early, despite the delay in her mammogram from the previous year. Now cancer-free, she is committed to a regimen that includes tamoxifen and Herceptin for the next year.

Meanwhile, Applegate, now 52, has also faced her own health challenges, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021. The neurological condition can lead to various symptoms, complicating her journey further.

This continues to highlight the importance of support networks in tackling the trials of such serious health issues. Both actresses serve as a reminder of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.