Jill Martin, Today show contributor, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She learned of the diagnosis one week after testing positive for the BRCA gene.
A mutation in a BRCA gene significantly increases your chances of developing certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
“I am in shock, but at the same time I’m so grateful because it could be a very different story that we’re talking about,” Martin told People. “Of course I’m devastated. You hear the C-word and you think the worst. But after you hear the word and you absorb it, you then have to be your own best friend.”
In a personal essay shared with Today, Martin, 47, detailed the emotions she experienced upon learning of her diagnosis.
“June 26 at 3:30 p.m. I remember saying to myself, ‘My life is never going to be the same.’ It was the day I was told I had breast cancer,” she began.
Martin wrote she “always feared” the day would come, but “never really thought it would.”
Her grandmother passed away from breast cancer, and when she was in her 40s, her mother was diagnosed what’s commonly referred to as stage 0 breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and has remained negative since.
The lifestyle guru noted that since her mother tested negative for the BRCA gene mutations, Martin assumed she didn’t need to test for it. So other than keeping up with her regular screenings she paid no attention to her BRCA genes.
“I was wrong. Very. If you are not familiar with this test, the BRCA1 and 2 genes, which I now know are inherited from your mother and father.”
Due to her family history, Martin’s doctors advised her to get genetic testing.
“That suggestion saved my life.”
The testing revealed she was BRCA2 positive, which led her to a sonogram and MRI.
The results were devastating, but life-saving.
“I went in and I remember she said it’s cancer and I remember saying, ‘Is it treatable?’ And she said, ‘Yes, yes, you’re going to be okay,'” Martin recalled. “I’m not telling you I don’t break down and cry at some points, but I still felt—still feel lucky.”
Martin will undergo a double mastectomy this week followed by reconstruction surgery and a preventative hysterectomy.
While she has admitted to being scared of what lies ahead, Martin said she’s surrounded by a “incredible support system” who will undoubtedly help her through the battle.
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Jill Martin, we’re all praying for you.
