Jane Fonda Felt ‘So Blessed, So Fortunate’ After Cancer Remission News

Dec 16, 2022

An actress, author, fitness expert, feminist and activist, Jane Fonda is a true multi-hyphenate. Known for being one of the most beautiful women in the world, Fonda is not only gorgeous but extremely talented and intelligent to boot. Now 84 years old, the actress is still actively working in Hollywood.

The daughter of actor Henry Fonda and socialite Frances Ford Seymour, Jane Seymour Fonda was born on Dec. 21, 1937, in New York City. Named after Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, she was actually distantly related to her on her mom's side.

Fonda first lit up the big screen in the 1960s. Her fans were thrilled by her performances in movies like "Fun With Dick And Jane," "A Doll's House," “They Shoot Horses Don’t They?” and, of course, the classics "Barbarella" and "Klute." Fonda left Hollywood a few times over the years, but she always returned to thrill fans once more. In the 1980s, Fonda also gained immense popularity with women for her aerobics workout videos.

The icon boasts seven Oscar nominations and two wins for “Coming Home” and “Klute,” as well as five Emmy nominations and one win for “The Dollmaker.” In recent years, she has appeared in films such as “Monster-In-Law,” “Georgia Rule” and “This Is Where I Leave You,” and TV shows including “Grace and Frankie,” which wrapped up its 7th and final season in April 2022, and “The Newsroom.” 

Alongside her career, Fonda is also an impassioned and committed activist, advocating for causes close to her heart, such as animal rights and the environment. However, a lot of her work had to take a back seat over the years as she struggled through some major health issues.

In a 2019 interview with Vogue, Fonda opened up about some of the many health scares she's endured in her later years. From a breast cancer diagnosis and a lumpectomy she underwent in November 2010, to osteoporosis, she spoke of a powerful sentiment that provides some insight into how she manages to keep on going at her age. She said:

“I’ve had a lot of cancer. I was a sun-worshipper. When I have a day off, I frequently go to my skin doctor and have things cut off me by a surgeon.”

She added nothing about life in her twilight years appeared very straightforward, as she said: “I didn’t think I’d ever live this long — or feel that I’m whole or getting whole. I feel very intentional about realizing that it’s up to me how this last part of my life goes.”

In September 2022, she revealed she had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and had started chemotherapy to treat it. “This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments. I realize, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this. Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving and this is not right.”

Despite the challenge, Fonda was determined not to let it get her down. “Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me.” Now, Fonda’s patience has paid off as she shared some good news ahead of her 85th birthday.

On Dec. 15, 2022, Fonda shared her joy in discovering after six months of chemotherapy, her cancer was now in remission, calling it the “BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!” 

“Last week I was told by my oncologist that my cancer is in remission and I can discontinue chemo. I am feeling so blessed, so fortunate. I thank all of you who prayed and sent good thoughts my way. I am confident that it played a role in the good news,” Fonda wrote in an emotional message on her blog.

She added: “I’m especially happy because while my first 4 chemo treatments were rather easy for me, only a few days of being tired, the last chemo session was rough and lasted 2 weeks making it hard to accomplish much of anything.” By “anything,” Fonda was referring to her advocacy activities, on which she has never wavered, despite her health issues. After explaining the effects of the treatments wore off just as she was heading to Washington D.C. for a Fire Drill Fridays rally, she urged her followers to engage their local leaders to help in the fight against climate change. She then thanked everyone for their love and support during her health crisis.

“Thanks for doing that and thanks for sending good wishes my way. I wish everyone a joyful, healthy holiday,” she wrote.

Her courage in sharing her health journey has been an inspiration to her fans, who remarked on how much they appreciated her candor. “Thanks for your courage and sharing your story. As a 15-year survivor, I believe sharing our struggles with others gives them hope and encouragement,” one fan wrote, while musician Lenny Kravitz described Fonda in the most succinct manner: “You are a warrior.”

How inspiring do you find Jane Fonda’s strength in the face of such adversity? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to pass this along to all the warriors you know as well.