In September, Jane Fonda, the acclaimed actress from Grace and Frankie, revealed that she had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Since then, she has been open about her chemotherapy journey and the challenges she faced while undergoing treatment. Despite her cancer being in remission now, Fonda has candidly shared the emotional and physical toll the treatments took on her.
Fonda, 85, reflected on how chemotherapy “hit me hard” despite initially thinking it would be more manageable. She explained that while the early rounds of treatment weren’t too harsh, they grew more taxing as time passed. For Fonda, the experience of chemotherapy became a stark reminder of her own mortality, which she said she has thought about for the past three decades. “I believe it is beneficial,” she said. “It is difficult to live properly if one does not contemplate mortality. It’s a part of life.”
Contemplating Mortality and Living Fully
Fonda emphasized how thinking about her mortality has greatly improved her life. The diagnosis made her confront these thoughts more deeply, pushing her to ensure she was living a life without regrets. “A cancer diagnosis makes you feel about it even more, and you want to ensure you complete your goals so you don’t look back on your life with regret,” she remarked.
The actress noted that, unlike in Western culture, death is not as taboo in other parts of the world. In many societies, it is discussed more openly, which Fonda believes is a healthier approach. She has used her experience with cancer as a motivator to continue working toward her passions, such as advocating for climate change.
A Celebration of Remission
In December, Fonda shared an uplifting update on her health. She posted a photo from a climate protest in Washington, D.C., declaring that her cancer was in remission. Fonda expressed immense gratitude, stating, “Last week, I was notified by my physician that my cancer is in remission, and I may discontinue chemo. Right now, I feel extremely fortunate and blessed. I want to thank everyone who prayed for me and thought about me. In my perspective, it surely contributed to the wonderful news.”
While some parts of her treatment had been difficult, Fonda found strength in continuing to pursue her advocacy work. She traveled to Washington, D.C., despite having just completed a grueling two-week chemo session that left her exhausted. “My first four chemo sessions were rather simple for me; just a few days of exhaustion,” she explained. But the last session was painful, and she appreciated the opportunity to continue her activism once she felt better.
Using Cancer as a Catalyst for Activism
Fonda has always been a passionate activist, especially when it comes to climate change. Her diagnosis did not deter her from continuing her advocacy work, including her Fire Drill Fridays campaign. “I’m using every tool in my toolbox, and a large part of that is expanding the Fire Drill Fridays group and brainstorming new methods to use our collective power to influence change,” she said.
She also used her platform to raise awareness about the inequalities in healthcare, acknowledging her privilege to have access to top-tier treatment. “I won’t let cancer stop me from doing everything I can,” Fonda shared. She also used her condition to encourage others to take action, calling the current time “the most critical time in human history.”
A Supportive Community and a Positive Outlook
Fonda has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she received throughout her cancer treatment. On her blog, she wrote about how touched she was by the kindness of others during this challenging time. “I want to underline that this is a very treatable malignancy and that significant progress has been gained with the medicines patients are given,” she reassured her followers.
Her openness about her illness has not only raised awareness but also inspired others to reflect on their own lives. Fonda’s perspective on life, death, and legacy shows a remarkable strength and determination, reminding us all of the importance of living with intention and purpose.
