'Be strong': Internet prays for 'Baywatch' star Nicole Eggert after she is diagnosed with breast cancer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former 'Baywatch' star Nicole Eggert, 51, has shared with PEOPLE that she has been diagnosed with stage 2 cribriform carcinoma breast cancer.
The actress, who noticed symptoms such as weight gain and pain in her left breast, initially thought it might be related to menopause.
After finding a lump during a self-exam, she sought medical attention, but due to scheduling issues, had to wait until the end of November for a mammogram. Following biopsies, the pathology reports confirmed breast cancer.
'Baywatch' actress diagnosed with breast cancer
“It really was throbbing and hurting,” she told PEOPLE. “I immediately went to my general practitioner and she told me I had to immediately go get it looked at. But the problem was I just couldn't get an appointment. Everything was booked. So I had to wait until the end of November to get it done.”
Eggert's pathology reports came back positive for cancer after a discovery mammogram and three biopsies.
“This journey's been rough for me. This hasn't been a breezy sale through life,” she admitted, noting her attempts to stay positive. “I always read inspirational quotes and corny stuff, but it gets me through.”
Eggert is now preparing for surgery to remove the cancer, with decisions pending on whether chemotherapy and radiation will be necessary.
Having a family history of cancer, her biggest fear is not being there for her children, especially her 12-year-old daughter, Keegan.
“I can definitely feel it,” she said of the lump in her breast. “It's there. It needs to be taken out. So it's just a matter of do I have to do treatment before the surgery or can they perform the surgery and then I do the treatment after. I have panics where I'm like, just get this out of me,” she added.
“You sit there and it's in you and you're like, every second that passes and it's inside of me. It's growing, and you're just like, you just want it out.”
Outpouring of support for Nicole Eggert after breast cancer diagnosis
As news broke about Nicole Eggert's breast cancer diagnosis, well-wishes and messages of support flooded in from fans and followers. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of compassion and encouragement for the former 'Baywatch' star facing this health challenge.
One user expressed empathy, saying, "Sorry to hear this! Hope she will be okay and get some relief with the pain." Another user, a breast cancer survivor, offered prayers and shared their own experience, stating, "Prayers for healing! I am a 6-year breast cancer survivor! It's a scary journey for sure! Stay positive and put God first! He is with you."
A third user extended heartfelt sentiments, "I am praying for you Nicole!" And another user encouraged strength, "Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, Nicole. You can fight this, be strong, don't let the cancer win."
