TODAY Contributor Undergoes Breast Reconstruction, Arizona Rep. Finishes Cancer Treatment and More

Jill Martin, a TODAY contributor, recently underwent breast reconstruction.

TODAY contributor, Jill Martin, underwent breast reconstruction surgery.

Jill Martin, a lifestyle and commerce contributor on TODAY, underwent breast reconstruction, ushering her into the “next phase” of her cancer experience, she said.

Martin, now 48 years old, has a BRCA2 mutation and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer last year. She underwent a double mastectomy, which included the removal of 17 lymph nodes and then was treated with the chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, according to TODAY. After chemotherapy ended, she underwent 16 weeks of radiation and a preventative surgery that included the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes.

“This is the last (scheduled) surgery,” Jill said. “But cancer doesn’t like it when you say, ‘Oh this is the last thing.’ (So) I’m referring to it as the next phase.”

Senator Amy Kolbuchar set to receive precautionary radiation after calcification removal.

During a routine exam after having stage 1A breast cancer in 2021, Amy Kolbuchar recently had a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to remove a small calcification.

Kolbuchar emphasized that she is still cancer-free and will receive radiation as a precaution.

“[Screening] made a huge difference for me, and I know it can make a huge difference for so many others,” the senator said on X, formerly Twitter. “Our health is not something we can ever take for granted, and this is another reminder that each day is a gift.”

Arizona representative announced the end of his cancer treatment.

Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva recently revealed that he finished receiving treatment for cancer and is currently awaiting an OK from his doctors before traveling to Washington, D.C.

“Today, I’m happy to share that I’ve finished my cancer treatment for now and continue working to get physically stronger,” Grijalva wrote in a post on X.

Before Grijalva’s diagnosis, which he announced in early April, he experienced a persistent cough that led to a misdiagnosis of pneumonia. However, further testing and imaging determined that he showed signs of cancer, although the cancer type was not disclosed.

A breast cancer survivor won $5 million on a lottery scratch-off.

Dana Osborne, a 75-year-old woman who recently completed breast cancer treatment, won $5 million on a scratch-off ticket, according to CNN.

Osborne purchased the ticket after her flight to Florida was delayed multiple times, causing her to leave the airport and buy a Monopoly Own it All lottery ticket at a gas station in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

“I don’t know what I’d do with myself, I have to keep moving,” Osborne said, according to a press release from Pennsylvania Lottery officials. “I think I’ll invest some of the prize, sure, but then go to Alaska!”

California representative revealed his diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Rep. John Garamendi, 79, of California recently announced receiving a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

“When will you be back in California? You need to come in for a series of tests,” Garamendi said in a video posted on X. “Thus began my journey with multiple myeloma.”

Garamendi’s tests, he determined, confirmed that he has an early stage of the blood cancer. He also noted that he will be receiving chemoimmunotherapy and will be working while receiving treatment.

“With the benefit of early detection and excellent doctors, the love and support of [my wife] Patti and my entire family, the help of my extraordinary staff and colleagues in Congress,” Garamendi said, “I know that I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my extraordinary constituents and advance the American democracy.”

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