Former Today correspondent Jenna Wolfe has never been shy about sharing her personal life on social media.
So it should come as no surprise that the mother of two revealed she recently underwent a preventative procedure after learning she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene.
The 49-year-old shared she had a hysterectomy and within the coming weeks she would have a second operation.
“I stared down my fears, took a deep breath and opted for two pretty big surgeries.”
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“You know, for a long time, my approach to life was always: if you stumble, make it part of the dance. And until recently, I managed to stumble/dance/stumble/dance my way through everything… network television, personal training, parenting. Then I hit a pretty bumpy stretch, the most recent of which I wanted to share with you,” Wolfe shared on Instagram.
About a month ago Wolfe learned she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene.
According to the National Cancer Institute, someone who tests positive for the gene has a higher risk of developing cancer, specifically breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
Wolfe said learning the results left her “little wiggle room to ‘mull over my choices,’ ” so the only logical option was to undergo surgery.
“My hysterectomy is the first. It’s not fun, not easy, not at all pleasant (I’m terrified of needles) but it’s something I need to do. The second surgery, the bigger one, will be in 2 weeks.”
She admitted she couldn’t help but wonder what the future would look like.
“Am I going to be ok? Will I heal? Will I ever have the drive I once had?”
“I mean, a big chunk of my life is based around fitness and wellness. . I know I make it all look ‘cute’ on social media… but we all know it’s usually far from cute. Especially with kids.”
Wolfe shares two daughters, Harper Estelle, 9, and Quinn Lily, 8, with Stephanie Gosk.
Although a quick look at her Instagram appears to show a happy family, Wolfe said the past two years have been “challenging” and calls the surgeries “just the latest.”
“But with anything in life, the only way is through. And I’m going through.”
It’s so important to get your regular checkups and stay on top of your health. I applaud Jenna Wolfe with her decision to go public with her personal health.
Please share to encourage others to visit their doctors before it’s too late.
