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Glee star Brittany Parks has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer as she prepares for a 'difficult' year ahead.
The actress, 38, took to Instagram over the weekend as she shared she has stage 2 triple negative breast cancer and has been undergoing non-stop tests.
The star, who appeared as a dancer in Glee from 2009 until 2015, shared an array of snaps from her treatment in hospital as she thanked her family and friends for their support since her diagnosis in March.
Her Glee co-star Heather Morris has even gone as far as to set up a GoFundMe page to help fund Brittany's treatment.
So far the page has raised $37,369 out of a goal total of $50,000.
Brittany penned: 'You never think you’ll be the one sitting here trying to figure out the best way to tell the people you know and love that you have cancer…but here we are. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Glee star Brittany Parks, 38, has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis as her co-star sets up a GoFundMe page to pay for medical bills
The actress, 38, took to Instagram over the weekend as she shared she has stage 2 triple negative breast cancer and has been undergoing non-stop tests
'Since my diagnosis it has been non-stop tests, doctor’s appointments, and mental rollercoasters. However, working closely with my doctors I feel confident and at ease with the treatment plan I am currently undergoing.'
She continued: 'The next year is going to be difficult, and that’s to say the least.
'But knowing that I WILL be okay and will come out on the other side kicking cancers a** has me currently at peace and ready for the ride.
'I am beyond grateful for the love and strength my family, friends and community have shown me thus far.
' I don’t know where I would be without each and every one of you picking me up when at times I feel dragged down.
'But I know that I’ll get through this, and I am truly thankful for the overwhelming support and prayers coming my way!'
Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for the hormones oestrogen and progesterone or the protein HER2.
Treatment usually combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Her Glee co-star Heather Morris has even gone as far as to set up a GoFundMe page to help fund Brittany's treatment. So far the page has raised $37,369 out of a goal total of $50,000
Brittany pictured in Glee which she starred as a dancer in from 2009 until 2015
Brittany penned: 'You never think you’ll be the one sitting here trying to figure out the best way to tell the people you know and love that you have cancer…but here we are'
She continued: 'Since my diagnosis it has been non-stop tests, doctor’s appointments, and mental rollercoasters'
She added: 'The next year is going to be difficult, and that’s to say the least. 'But knowing that I WILL be okay and will come out on the other side kicking cancers a** has me currently at peace and ready for the ride'
WHAT IS TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER?
Triple negative breast cancer is a form of the disease that does not have receptors for the hormones oestrogen or progesterone, or the protein HER2.
This makes it trickier to treat due to the tumour not responding to these hormonal or protein therapies.
Triple negative breast cancer makes up around 10-to-20 per cent of all forms of the disease.
It tends to be more aggressive than other breast tumours, with patients having a worse prognosis.
The condition is more common in those under 40 and black women.
It is diagnosed via a sample of the cancerous cells.
Symptoms are similar to other forms of breast cancer.
These can include:
- Lump or thickening in the breast
- Change in the size, shape or feel of the breast
- Dimpling of the skin
- Change in the shape of the nipple
- Rash or blood-stained discharge coming from the nipple
- Swelling in the armpit
Treatment usually involves surgery, chemo and radiotherapy.
Chemo may be given first to shrink the tumour before a patient goes under the knife.
It may also be given after the operation to prevent the disease returning.
Taking to the comments to share her support, Heather penned: 'My queen. You’re the strongest b***h I know. Stronger than this diagnosis. I love you so deep it hurts and I got you like you had me at my toughest. Forever and beyond.'
Kevin McHale wrote: 'You are the strongest and most powerful among us. This is another, albeit hard, chapter of a long beautiful story. Love you so stupidly much it hurts. We got you.'
Alex Newell added: 'Every ounce of my love to the strongest, bravest , and purest heart and soul that is you!!!'
Setting up a GoFundMe page, Heather wrote: 'Brittany is a magnificent, lively, and loving person with an infectious laugh and spritely soul. On March 31st, Brittany received the news that she has triple negative breast cancer.
'As we all know, she travels the world teaching tap students and sharing her gift with hundreds of tap dancers. When she’s not teaching, she’s workshopping on major NYC Broadway shows like Shuffle Along and 42nd Street.
'Given that BP is now immune compromised, it makes it increasingly difficult for her to continue working and traveling as she did before.'
Urging people to donate, she continued: 'Brittany now needs your help as she embarks on her fight against triple negative breast cancer! Together, let us carry her through as she navigates the trials of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
'Help lift the financial burden she may feel during one of the toughest times yet. Brittany has been the backbone to many of our own hard times... now is the time to pay it forward.
'All funds raised will go directly to Brittany's rent, daily living expenses, food, and medical co-pays. Your support will give her the time and peace she needs to focus on healing and fighting her illness, without the added burden of financial worries.
'Please help her continue to spread her love and positivity to the world. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference in her journey.'
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