Sarah Ferguson reflects on ‘dark places’ after cancer diagnosis

Sarah Ferguson talks about the impact two consecutive cancer diagnoses have had on her mental health.

“It was difficult. I’m generally a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,” said Sarah Ferguson, 65 The times in an interview published on Friday, January 17th. “One diagnosis is enough to cope, but I had two within a year. “I don’t mind admitting that my mind has wandered into dark places and pondered my own mortality.”

Ferguson announced in June 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She later underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Just six months later, in January 2024, the Duchess announced that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

“Her dermatologist requested that several moles be removed and analyzed while the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of them was identified as cancerous,” a representative for the royal family member said in a statement to Us weekly at the time.

While Ferguson recently joked about it The times As she renamed her reconstructed breast “Derek,” she also revealed that her back-to-back cancer diagnoses took a huge toll on her mental health. Luckily, she explained, she found ways to deal with it.

“I used meditation and mindfulness to stay positive and balanced,” she explained, adding that her family “was a tremendous support to me during this time.” (Ferguson shares daughters Princess Beatrice And Princess Eugenie with her ex-husband and the embattled king, Prince Andrew.)

In June 2024, in conversation with Hello!Ferguson updated royal fans on her health, saying she needs to have “regular checkups” and “put lotion on my face to prevent sun damage.”

“(It) means I have large blisters on my face, chest and hands for three weeks,” she explained at the time. “But I don’t do immunotherapy, I don’t take any medications or I don’t do chemotherapy, which I’m very grateful for.”

In the same profile interview, Ferguson once again praised her “most extraordinary family” and went on to say that she has “an exceptionally great team” and a “tremendous ability to embrace joy.”

“I have always pushed my girls to be so honest and open that they know that no matter how difficult it is, I will tell them straight up,” the Duchess continued.

In May 2024, during an appearance on an episode of UK This morningPrincess Beatrice revealed that her mother was “all clear”.

“She is such a phenomenal icon. She was amazing as a mother, she’s been through so much and her sense of purpose and resilience really keeps me going,” the royal said at the time. “At 64, she’s doing well; She’s been through so much, but I think she’s really coming into her own now.”