Jenna Fischer talks about cancer, Christina Applegate supports “Today”

Jenna Fischer spoke about her decision to move forward with it Office ladies Podcast as she keeps her breast cancer diagnosis a secret, as well as the advice she received from fellow survivor Christina Applegate in a new interview on Today.

The conversation with Hoda Kotb (also a breast cancer survivor) is Fischer's first major conversation since she announced earlier this month that she was diagnosed with stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer. While Fischer is now cancer free last year The office Star underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Despite all this, Fischer kept up with her Office Podcast recap with friend/co-star Angela Kinsey. “From the beginning, (Kinsey said, 'Whatever you need, tell me.' “I’m here,” Fischer recalled. “And I said I want to keep working and I don’t want anyone at work to know. At work I want this to be a space where we go and where we laugh, and I'm not a cancer patient. I need that.”

Not only did Kinsey agree, she also found other ways to support and help Fischer. When Fischer started losing her hair during chemotherapy, she wore hats with wigs attached. Kinsey, Fischer said, “started wearing hats to work so I wouldn't be the only person in a work meeting wearing a hat.”

Fischer also spoke about another key figure in her support system, Applegate, who helped connect Fischer with other survivors. Recalling the first conversation she had with Applegate about her diagnosis, Fischer said, “I called her and she answered the phone and said, 'Which one is it?' And I said, “It's breast cancer.” And she said, “I fucking knew it.” She's salty. This is salty language. I love her for that.”

Elsewhere, Fischer discussed her grueling chemotherapy treatments, the difficulty of losing her hair and learning to accept her new short haircut. After coming through treatment cancer-free, Fischer also shared how the experience changed her outlook on life.

“I think the world is a beautiful place in all its peculiarities,” said Fischer. “Even things that used to irritate me, I now sometimes find charming. You know, just traffic. For example: “Oh, look at that sweet traffic!” Look at all the people just walking somewhere. Oh, that guy is crazy!'”