Facing her seventh surgery in a two-year breast cancer battle, TODAY contributor Jill Martin chose to pause and write herself a letter. She shared it on Instagram after successfully completing the procedure and returning home to recover.
A Letter of Gratitude and Strength
The night before her surgery, Martin posted that the operation “went well” and that she was “recovering at home.” In the letter, she acknowledged the toll cancer has taken on her body, mind, and spirit—and thanked herself for enduring.
“You’ve been through a lot—body, mind, spirit. But somehow… we’re still here. Still standing. Still fighting. Still finding joy,” she wrote.
She went on to thank her body and heart:
Body: “Thank you for coming through even when exhausted. Thank you for healing me in ways I never expected.”
Heart: “Thank you for staying strong, sharp, and kind even in the hardest moments.”
Hope: “Thank you to the part of me that always believed there was light at the end of the road. I may look different, and I may feel different—but I still feel amazing.”
A Message to Fellow Survivors
Martin closed her letter with an uplifting message for others facing cancer:
“To everyone who’s been through this—I know you. To everyone who’s survived—I’m with you. This road has been brutal, beautiful, and deeply moving. No matter how many steps we take, every step counts. To our resilience, our courage to be both gentle and strong. Whatever comes next—we can overcome it.”
Two-Year Cancer Journey
In 2023, Martin learned she had stage 2 breast cancer. Her risk was elevated by a BRCA2 gene mutation and a family history—both her mother and grandmother had the disease. She quickly underwent an ultrasound and MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis.
Her treatments have included:
Bilateral mastectomy with removal of 17 lymph nodes
Aggressive chemotherapy (including the “Red Devil,” known for its bright red color)
Radiation therapy for 16 consecutive weekdays
Ovarian and fallopian tube removal
Daily oral chemotherapy drugs
Advocating for Early Detection
Martin has been candid about her experience to encourage others to take action. In a personal essay for TODAY, she urged women to get checkups and consider genetic testing:
“I am telling this story now because I can’t bear to go through the months of surgery and begin the physical and mental recovery, and I have to speak up and tell everyone to see a doctor and see if genetic testing is appropriate.”
Through her honesty and resilience, Jill Martin continues to inspire fellow patients and survivors to prioritize their health and never lose hope.
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