Baywatch star Nicole Eggert shared an update on August 21 as she continued her battle with stage 2 cribriform carcinoma breast cancer. The 53-year-old actress, who was diagnosed in December 2023, underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She posted on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the support she received from fans and former co-stars, including comments from Erika Eleniak, Gena Lee Nolin, and Brande Roderick. Eggert also mentioned the complexities of her treatment, including the physical and emotional challenges of her surgeries.
Eggert first revealed her diagnosis during a January 2024 interview with People magazine. She initially felt pain in her left breast and gained 25 pounds within three months, believing it to be symptoms of menopause. She was surprised to discover a lump during a self-exam in October, leading to her diagnosis of stage 2 cribriform carcinoma breast cancer in early December 2023.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most cribriform carcinoma breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor-positive, occurring when high levels of estrogen in breast cancer cells help cancer grow and spread. After receiving her diagnosis, Eggert underwent her first mastectomy and lymph node removal. The actress completed chemotherapy in July 2024 and received radiation therapy.
During a December 2024 interview with Fox News Digital, Eggert explained that she would undergo a second mastectomy and breast reconstruction as the next steps in her treatment plan. Following those surgeries, she said she would either undergo a hysterectomy or begin hormone therapy, which would require a monthly estrogen-blocker injection for the next ten years, in addition to the two oral medications she will need to take for the next five years.
Eggert described the challenges of her treatment, including the physical and emotional toll of the procedures. She mentioned that the mastectomy was more complex than she anticipated, involving the removal of nerves and a significant adjustment to her body’s sensations. The lymph node removal was also more painful and complicated than she expected, requiring her to seek solutions that worked for her body.
Later on Wednesday, Eggert reshared a video about grief that was posted by grief educator and coach P. Paula Griffith. In the caption, she included a quote by first lady Martha Washington, which said, “The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.” This quote underscored her resilience and determination to face the challenges of her illness.