The 84-year-old Oscar winner also used the post to express her optimism. “This is a very treatable cancer. Eighty percent of people survive, so I feel very lucky,” Fonda wrote. “I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments. I realize, and it’s painful, that I’m privileged in that.” Fonda went on to say that she has been undergoing chemotherapy for six months and is handling the treatments well, adding that she will not let this interfere with her climate activism. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells and affects parts of the body’s immune system.
Fonda describes diagnosis as ‘teacher’
She described her cancer as a “teacher” and said she pays attention to the lessons it teaches her. “One thing he’s already shown me is the importance of community,” Fonda said. “Growing and deepening your community so we’re not alone. And cancer, along with my age…definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities.” Fonda’s latest film Moving On, starring former Grace and Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin, is making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. Fonda is not expected to attend the red carpet.
