Country singer Jillian Cardarelli is taking her breast cancer journey “one day at a time” as she begins treatment.
The 33-year-old shared an update with fans on Instagram on June 26 after recently revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. Cardarelli posted several photos from the hospital, calling the procedure the “first big step” in her treatment and thanking supporters for their love and encouragement.
Cardarelli wrote, “The first big step is behind me 💪🏼
Now it’s time to heal while we wait for the next step in my treatment plan.
Thank you to the incredible team at Dana-Farber for your kindness, compassion, and support throughout such a challenging and stressful process. I’m truly so grateful to be in your care.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, checked in, and lifted me up. One day at a time.
As always… #CheckYourGirls 💖 “
In an interview with People published on June 10, Cardarelli revealed she was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in May. She said the diagnosis quickly turned her life upside down, forcing her to make major changes to her daily routine.
“One minute you’re focused on filming schedules, scripts, music and everything,” she said. “And the next thing is doctors, scans, pathology reports and words I’d never even … I feel like I’m learning a new language.”
According to Breastcancer.org, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It begins in the milk ducts and spreads into the surrounding breast tissue.
IDC often causes no symptoms in its early stages and is frequently detected during a routine mammogram. When symptoms do occur, they may include a lump in the breast or underarm, swelling, breast or nipple pain, skin dimpling that resembles an orange peel, redness or thickening of the skin, a nipple that turns inward, or unusual nipple discharge. Early detection is important because treatment is often more effective before the cancer spreads further.
Cardarelli told People that she first noticed something was wrong when she began feeling unusually tired and sensed that “something was a little different.” After discovering a lump in her breast, she underwent testing and was diagnosed with breast cancer.
At the time, she said her treatment would begin with surgery and shared that her doctors were optimistic the cancer could be successfully treated. Cardarelli said she hopes to go on to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
Jillian Cardarelli is an American country music singer-songwriter known for blending traditional country sounds with modern influences. Raised in a musical family, she developed a passion for country music at a young age and later moved to Nashville to pursue her career.
Cardarelli has released a number of independent singles and EPs, earning recognition for songs such as Rerun, Waiting on the Sunrise, If I Could Talk to Elvis, and Country Side. Her music often celebrates small-town life, faith, family, and classic country traditions. She has shared the stage with artists including Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Trace Adkins, and Ronnie Dunn.
