Cassandra Thorburn, the former wife of television host Karl Stefanovic, has delivered an emotional and heartfelt message to her supporters following her recent diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. The 54-year-old journalist and former Dancing With The Stars contestant posted a video on Instagram, expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from fans and followers during this challenging period.
A Message of Gratitude and Resilience
In her Instagram clip, Cassandra began by thanking everyone for their kind words and encouragement. 'Thank you everyone so much for your words of support. I think that for anyone going through cancer at the moment, those messages were also for you,' she said, extending her thoughts to others battling the disease. She highlighted the importance of community and shared experiences in facing such a difficult health journey.
Navigating Treatment and Staying Active
Cassandra revealed that she is currently in the second week of her chemotherapy treatment, emphasizing her commitment to staying active and positive. 'Week Two of chemo for me today. Walking, walking, walking, because while I can get some exercise, I should,' she explained. She also took a moment to acknowledge the dedication of healthcare professionals, stating, 'A shout out to all the nurses and staff that turn up every day for people like me at chemo care centres anywhere across Australia. You really do make a difference.'
Overwhelming Support from Followers
The comments section of her post was flooded with messages of love and encouragement from her followers. One person wrote, 'Thoughts are with you and your family. You are a wonderful person and will win this fight,' while another added, 'Thinking of you and sending you love strength and healing.' A third supporter chimed in with, 'You got this. One day at a time. Keep smiling,' reflecting the widespread support for her during this time.
Revealing the Diagnosis and Personal Control
Cassandra initially shared her devastating health news in a previous Instagram video, where she discussed her decision to shave her head. She explained that this act was about taking control over the aspects of her treatment and diagnosis that she could manage. 'Most of it is controlling the only part of my treatment and diagnosis that I can. That's the part about when the hair comes off and when you tell people,' she said. She emphasized her desire to be open and honest, particularly for her three adult children, stating, 'For my adult children and myself, I'm not interested in hiding, that's because I'm not alone. I'm not walking a path that is not well travelled by many women before me. I will not be the last.'
Statistics and Praise for Healthcare System
In her video, Cassandra noted that breast cancer affects one in seven women in New South Wales, where she resides. She revealed that she was that one in seven during her recent mammogram. She praised the Australian health system, specifically NSW Breast Screen, for detecting her triple-negative occult breast cancer. 'My shout-out today is for NSW Breast Screen, who picked up my triple negative occult breast cancer, which is no small feat if you know what occult breast cancer is. I didn't until now,' she shared. She urged others to act promptly when receiving mammogram reminders, saying, 'And when your mammogram reminder arrives in the mail, don't dilly dally. Do as I did, book it straight away.'
Understanding Triple-Negative Occult Breast Cancer
Triple-negative occult breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of the disease where no tumor is found in the breast, but cancer cells, typically discovered in the lymph nodes, are identified as originating from the breast. This type of cancer is classified as 'triple-negative' because it lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. As a result, it cannot be treated with hormone or HER2-targeted therapies and is usually managed with chemotherapy and other systemic treatments, making early detection and proactive care crucial.
Ending with Optimism and Determination
Cassandra concluded her video on a hopeful note, refusing to dwell on self-pity. 'It may have flipped my world in days, but there's no "why me?" There's no "poor me" here. Just a desire to stop this,' she declared, showcasing her resilience and determination to fight the disease. Her positive outlook serves as an inspiration to many facing similar health challenges.
Background and Personal Life
Cassandra Thorburn was married to Today host Karl Stefanovic for 21 years before their acrimonious split in 2016. Together, they share three children: Jackson, 25, Ava, 19, and River, 18. Since their divorce, Karl has moved on with former model Jasmine Yarbrough, whom he married in 2018, and they have a daughter named Harper. Cassandra began her career as a media personality and television journalist but put her professional aspirations on hold to focus on raising her children. Her recent public sharing of her cancer journey highlights her strength and openness in the face of adversity.
