Sarah Ferguson says to be aware of ‘dark places’ after cancer diagnosis

Sarah Ferguson is speaking out about the impact two back-to-back cancer diagnoses have had on her mental health.

“It’s hard. I’m usually 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 17. I don’t mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.

Ferguson announced in June 2023 that she was 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.

A representative for the royal said in a statement: “The Duchess is undergoing reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy and her dermatologist has requested the removal and analysis of several moles, one of which has been confirmed to be cancerous. us weekly then.

Although Ferguson recently joked the times She renamed her reconstructed breasts “Derek” and revealed that successive cancer diagnoses had a huge impact on her mental health. She explained that thankfully, she found ways to cope.

“I use meditation and mindfulness to help stay positive and balanced,” she explains, adding that her family has been “a huge support during this time.” (Ferguson has two daughters princess beatrice and princess eugenie With her ex-husband and the embattled royal family, prince andrew.)

In June 2024, in conjunction with Hello!Ferguson updated royal fans on her health, saying she had to have “regular check-ups” and had to “put cream on her face to protect her from sun damage.”

“(This) meant I would have big blisters on my face, chest and hands for three weeks,” she explained at the time. “But I’m not on immunotherapy, taking any medications or doing chemotherapy, and I’m very grateful for that.”

In the same profile interview, Ferguson once again praised her “most amazing family” and said she has “a really great team” and “a huge ability to have fun.”

“I have always asked my daughters to be honest and forthright, and they know I will tell them directly, no matter how difficult it is,” the duchess continued.

May 2024, appearing in an episode of UK this morningPrincess Beatrice revealed that her mother is currently “doing fine.”

“She’s an extraordinary icon. She’s amazing as a mother, she’s been through a lot and her sense of purpose and resilience really keeps me going,” the royal said at the time. “At 64, she’s thriving; she’s been through a lot, but I think now she’s really back to normal.