One of America’s favorite celebrities has revealed some saddening news. On September 2nd, Jane Fonda announced that she was diagnosed with cancer, and is now seeking treatment. She wrote about her diagnosis on Instagram, and explains why she actually “feels very lucky”. Jane explains why in the same post.
Feeling Lucky
On September 2nd, the 84-year-old actress and climate activist took to Instagram to tell the world her latest update. Unfortunately, it is not good news, as she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer. “So, my dear friends,” wrote Jane in the caption of her post. “I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments.“
Most people would be heartbroken to find out they have cancer, no matter how early they catch it. Jane Fonda, however, says she is hopeful because the type of cancer she has a high survival rate. Because of this, she feels “lucky”. “This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky,” she wrote.
The fact that her cancer is not terminal, or aggressive is not the only reason that she feels lucky. She went on to say that her medical financial circumstance means that she gets the best medical care and the most successful treatments. This is not something the average person gets, and it pains her to realize it. “I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments” said Jane. “I realize, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this.”
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“This is not right.“
This is not the first time Fonda has had to deal with cancer. Over 10 years ago, she was diagnosed with Breast cancer and was later considered cancer free after an operation in 2010.
Jane Fonda expressed her sadness over realizing that many people are not as fortunate as her. Her financial status in life allows her to get the best care available, but others have to make do with what the government can provide. “Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right.“
The Monster-in-Law actress said that she is expecting a six-month chemo treatment. Thankfully, she says she is coping with the effects of the radiation well, and is vowing that this will not affect her activism. “I’m doing chemo for 6 months and am handling the treatments quite well and, believe me,” she said reassuringly. “I will not let any of this interfere with my climate activism.“
“Cancer is a teacher”
Many have written about the revelations they’ve experienced when faced with a life-threatening disease. According to Jane Fonda, cancer taught her lessons in life that were deemed important for her later years of life. “Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me,” he wrote. “One thing it’s shown me already is the importance of community. Of growing and deepening one’s community so that we are not alone. And the cancer, along with my age –almost 85– definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities.
It seems that Jane is more motivated than ever when it comes to spreading the word about climate change, and finding ways in which to do good. “We’re living through the most consequential time in human history because what we do or don’t do right now will determine what kind of future there will be. I will not allow cancer to keep me from doing all I can, using every tool in my toolbox and that very much includes continuing to build this Fire Drill Fridays community and finding new ways to use our collective strength to make change.”
She concluded the post by saying: “The midterms are looming, and they are beyond consequential so you can count on me to be right there together with you as we grow our army of climate champions.“
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