Jenna Fischer’s Surprising First Call After Cancer Diagnosis

When Jenna Fischer, known for her role in "The Office, " recently revealed her year-long battle with breast cancer, she also shared an interesting detail: the first celebrity she called after receiving the news. In an exclusive interview with Hoda Kotb on the "TODAY" show, Fischer recounted her experience and the support she received from her friend Christina Applegate. "I called Christina Applegate, and she already knew what I would say, " Fischer said. "She picked up the phone and asked, 'Which one is it? ' I replied, 'Breast cancer, ' and she said, 'I knew it. '" Applegate, who had her own battle with breast cancer in 2008, used her experience to help Fischer navigate her journey.

Fischer's diagnosis came after a routine mammogram she had been delaying. The mammogram showed some spots, leading to further tests. She was confirmed to have Stage 1 ductal carcinoma while on a hike. The actor was shocked when her oncologist mentioned chemotherapy, which led to a tough conversation with her children. "I wanted them to know that any ways I seemed sick were due to treatments, not the cancer itself, " Fischer explained. Her children, Weston Lee, 13, and Harper Marie, 10, were comforted by this distinction. Fischer underwent both radiation and a lumpectomy in addition to chemotherapy, which caused hair loss. Despite catching the disease early, Fischer continues to take medication for another year. Applegate, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, has also been there for Fischer throughout her cancer journey.

Actions