A Reason to Celebrate
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that his wife, Casey DeSantis, is cancer-free after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
- Casey began chemotherapy treatment shortly after her diagnosis, and in January, the governor and first lady announced that she had finished treatment.
- It’s important for patients to have a strong support system when going through what is most likely one of the hardest times of their lives, and just being there can do wonders. This is something Casey can attest to when it comes to her husband's support Gov. DeSantis has been there for his wife every step of the way.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in October that his wife, 41, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He and Casey both spoke about her diagnosis during the following months, and both remained hopeful she would one day be deemed cancer-free.
Read MoreExcited to share this update about First Lady @FLCaseyDeSantis' health: pic.twitter.com/HsMjWwPHIv
Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 3, 2022
"After going through both treatment and surgery for breast cancer, she is now considered cancer-free," the governor said.
"For all the women out there who are going through breast cancer right now: you can overcome this," he continued. "I know it's very difficult, but my wife is proof positive. If you wound back six or seven months, this is exactly the type of news that we had hoped for."
"She still has more to do, but I'm confident she's going to make a full recovery."
Casey also shared her thoughts about being cancer-free: “There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful and humbled I am to hear the words cancer free,” she posted to Twitter. “To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith and stay strong.”
There are no words to express how truly blessed, grateful and humbled I am to hear the words cancer free. To those who are in the fight, know there is hope. Have faith and stay strong. https://t.co/lAwy7w0Qb9
Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) March 3, 2022
Casey DeSantis' Breast Cancer Battle
In December, Casey DeSantis spoke publicly for the first time about her diagnosis, revealing some new details about the timeline of her diagnosis. The stage and type of her breast cancer remains unknown to the public.
She told a crowd gathered at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., that she did not experience any symptoms initially, but a vague sense of uneasiness drove her to schedule a visit with her OB-GYN.
Her doctor did not see any cause for concern, but Casey could not shake her suspicion. One month later, she called again to request a mammogram. This time, her concerns were confirmed she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Casey DeSantis began chemotherapy treatment shortly after, and in January, the governor and first lady announced that she had finished her breast cancer treatment. In his announcement today, Gov. DeSantis said his wife already had surgery for her breast cancer, however, it's unclear when she had the surgery or what type of procedure she had.
Should I Have a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?
Common breast cancer surgeries include either a ​​lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
A ​​lumpectomy is surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from the breast, while a mastectomy is breast cancer surgery that removes the entire breast. Sometimes, women will undergo a double mastectomy, which is when both breasts are removed. Women can then opt to go through additional reconstruction surgery.
When the One You Love is Sick
It is incredibly important for patients to have a strong support system when going through what is most likely one of the hardest times of their lives, and just being there can do wonders. This is something Casey DeSantis can surely attest to when it comes to her husband's support.
Gov. DeSantis has been there for his wife every step of the way. In fact, in January, he fired back at critics who accused him of missing public appearances, disclosing that he accompanied his wife as she received chemotherapy treatment.
"When people try to say that that's a vacation I think anyone that's gone through those (cancer) treatments would not agree that chemotherapy is a vacation," the governor said on Hannity.
Illness, including cancer, is also an experience that can surely take an emotional toll on both the patient and the spouse, as well as their relationship.
Jill Kargman on Relationships and Cancer
This is something actress and melanoma survivor Jill Kargman can also attest to as cancer was a true test of her relationship's strength. In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Kargman said the disease "is a great way to find out if you're with the love of your life or a shithead."
"I think it presses the fast-forward button on getting to the bottom of that answer, because a lot of people in middle age are kind of at a crossroads, waiting for their kids to fly the coop," Kargman said. "I think if you're with someone who is not supportive and kind of emotionally checked out or doesn't tell you you're still beautiful with that, this might not be your person."
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