All About Her Diagnosis and Treatment

Danielle Fishel’s recent diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial importance of regular health screenings and self-advocacy. Diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—a noninvasive stage-zero breast cancer—after a routine mammogram in July 2024, Fishel’s journey has been both challenging and inspiring.

### Understanding the Diagnosis

DCIS is a type of breast cancer that is confined to the milk ducts and has not spread to surrounding tissues. Early-stage detection, as in Fishel’s case, significantly increases the odds of successful treatment and recovery. Her experience underscores the necessity of annual check-ups. Fishel expressed that had she decided to forgo her yearly mammogram based on her previous clear results, the outcome could have been vastly different. She emphasized, “Had I said, ‘I did my mammogram last year, I was totally fine. What are the odds that in one year I’m going to have anything?’ it could have been much worse for me.”

### Journey Through Treatment

Upon her diagnosis, Fishel faced an important decision regarding her treatment. Initially contemplating a double mastectomy, her medical team eventually recommended a lumpectomy, supported by the early-stage diagnosis. This decision reflects a pivotal moment in her journey where she began to redefine her relationship with her body. Following her lumpectomy in August 2024, Fishel had to learn to view her healing body through a new lens—a process she described as both a blessing and a period of mourning for what she had lost.

She underwent an additional margin revision surgery, further emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring after initial treatment. In January 2025, after completing her 20 rounds of radiation therapy, Fishel received the encouraging news that her mammograms were clear, marking a significant milestone on her path to recovery.

### Emotional Support and Advocacy

Throughout her cancer journey, Fishel credited her husband, Jensen Karp, for his unwavering support. He accompanied her to every doctor’s appointment and provided emotional comfort during her meltdowns. Fishel stated, “He’s been there when I’ve had my emotional meltdowns and needed to cry.” Support systems are crucial during such challenging times; they not only help in managing the emotional burden but also serve as an invaluable resource for practical assistance and encouragement.

In sharing her experience publicly, Fishel aimed to use her platform to advocate for health awareness, particularly the significance of routine screenings. Her message to her audience was clear: “Finding time for health screenings is not always easy, but it’s kind of like one of our family values that we don’t put those things off.”

### Addressing Parental Concerns

Navigating the conversation about her diagnosis with her children was another consideration for Fishel. Following the loss of her mother-in-law to lung cancer, she was apprehensive about how to communicate her illness without instilling fear in her young sons. To manage this delicate balance, she opted for an age-appropriate explanation, referring to her condition as a “boo boo” that was surgically removed. This approach illustrates the emotional complexities of parenting while addressing serious health issues.

### Finding Joy Post-Recovery

Emerging from her cancer treatment, Fishel realized the importance of reconnecting with joy in her life. Feeling the need to inject fun into her routine, she agreed to participate in the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars.” She described it as the fastest she had ever said “yes” to an opportunity, signifying her newfound appreciation for life’s offerings post-cancer.

Her message to others battling similar journeys is profound: “I am thrilled to be alive, and I’m thrilled that my cancer was found early.” This sentiment of gratitude is pivotal to her narrative, reflecting a shift in perspective following her experience.

### The Importance of Awareness and Advocacy

Fishel’s journey emphasizes the critical role that awareness plays in detecting health issues early. Regular screenings and check-ups are vital tools in combating conditions like breast cancer. By sharing her story, Fishel encourages others to prioritize their health: “Being able to say to your friends and family, ‘I love you, your wellness matters’… actually makes a difference.”

### Conclusion

Danielle Fishel’s cancer diagnosis and treatment path serves as a powerful reminder of the life-altering impact of health awareness and timely intervention. Her story inspires individuals to engage actively in their health and encourage loved ones to do the same. By sharing her journey, Fishel not only illuminates the challenges of facing a cancer diagnosis but also underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of nurturing joy and connections in life’s journey. As we reflect on her experience, it becomes clear that regular health screenings are not just routine— they are essential steps in protecting our future well-being. Embracing the spirit of advocacy, let us prioritize our health and encourage those around us to do the same.

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