Cassandra Thorburn Shares Candid Update on Rare Breast Cancer Battle
Cassandra Thorburn, the mother of three and former wife of television personality Karl Stefanovic, has bravely shared a detailed update on her ongoing battle with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Having publicly announced her diagnosis on February 25th, Thorburn is now halfway through her initial 12-week treatment cycle and is offering insights into her journey, encouraging other women to prioritise their health.
Thorburn recently took to Instagram to describe the emotional and physical challenges she’s facing. “Feeling the best I have all week the day before treatment, only to turn up for another dose, is a big part of the battle for me currently,” she posted, highlighting the cyclical nature of her treatment. She also expressed a shift in her mindset, stating, “I have less anxiety around loss of control and am more focused on managing the side effects.”
For those seeking support and complementary therapies to aid them alongside chemotherapy, Thorburn pointed to the Cancer Council’s Look Good Feel Better website (lgfb.org.au), which offers workshops and virtual classes.
Her daughter, 20-year-old Willow, whom she shares with Stefanovic, has returned to Australia from London, where she studies fashion journalism. Willow had originally planned a trip around the UK with her mother to celebrate her 21st birthday. However, in light of Cassandra’s health difficulties, she made the decision to come home and spend valuable time with her mother. An insider revealed to Woman’s Day, “With the help of both Karl and Cass, Willow made the decision that instead she would fly home and spend quality time with her mum.”
Cassandra’s three adult children – Willow, Jackson (26), and River (19) – have reportedly rallied around her following her diagnosis, offering unwavering support during this challenging period.
Unveiling the Diagnosis: A Quiet Beginning
Thorburn first hinted at her health news on Tuesday, February 24th, with an Instagram post featuring a photo of her with freshly shorn hair. Her caption, “Life really is like a box of chocolates. And this chapter is giving my praline or truffle vibes,” alluded to a significant life change. She also expressed gratitude to the Toni & Guy hair salon in Mosman, NSW, for their “pink scissors program” and “kick arse clipper treatment,” adding a hopeful note that her hair “will grow back.”
The post quickly garnered numerous comments from concerned followers, with some noticing a medical port peeking from her singlet, suggesting a medical treatment was underway.
The following day, Cassandra confirmed her diagnosis in another Instagram post, shared from her garden. “On my walk this morning I thought of all the reasons why I made that post yesterday,” she explained. “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 emphasised her desire to be open about her journey, stating that she and her children are not interested in “hiding” as she is “not alone.” Thorburn acknowledged the widespread impact of breast cancer, noting, “I am not walking a path that is not well travelled by many women before me and I will not be the last. Breast cancer affects one in seven women in New South Wales, which is where I live.”
Reflecting on her own experience, she added, “I read that sitting waiting for my mammogram not long ago – and I was the one in seven that day.”
Thorburn expressed profound gratitude to the New South Wales Breast Screen service, crediting them with detecting her “triple negative occult breast cancer.” She explained, “which is no small feat if you know what occult breast cancer is. I didn’t – until now. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
Understanding Triple Negative Occult Breast Cancer
According to medical resources like ScienceDirect.com, the specific type of cancer Cassandra Thorburn has been diagnosed with is described as very rare and aggressive.
- Triple Negative Occult Breast Cancer is characterised by the presence of axillary lymph node metastasis without a detectable primary tumour in the breast through imaging or clinical examination.
- This type of cancer lacks oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 receptors, necessitating treatment with systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The Pink Scissors Program: Support in Hair Loss
In her initial post, Thorburn gave a special mention to Toni & Guy’s Pink Scissors Program, a community initiative designed to support individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment.
- The program offers complimentary, personalised salon services.
- These services are provided by specially trained stylists who understand the practical and emotional aspects of treatment-related hair changes.
- Clients receive comprehensive guidance before, during, and after hair loss in a private and compassionate environment, aiming to enhance their sense of preparedness and support throughout their treatment journey.
A Powerful Message to Women
Cassandra Thorburn concluded her statement with a strong call to action, urging women everywhere to prioritise their health and not delay their mammograms. “When your mammogram reminder arrives in the mail, don’t dilly dally. Do as I did – book it straight away,” she advised.
She shared her personal philosophy on facing this challenge: “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 in its tracks. I don’t need this freeloader. Have a great day.”
