Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn Karwai Tang/WireImage
Olivia Munn recently had her fifth surgery in her fight against cancer. In a profile with Vogue on Sunday, May 12, the 43-year-old actress shared that she underwent a full hysterectomy last month. This surgery involved removing her uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Munn explained that while it was a difficult decision to make, it was the best choice for her as she wanted to prioritize being there for her family.
Munn publicly shared her battle with breast cancer in March 2023 after being diagnosed. During her treatment, doctors advised her to remove hormones from her body to prevent cancer recurrence. She faced a decision: either continue taking Lupron medication and be bedridden or remove the organs producing the hormones.
Reflecting on the situation, Munn shared her moment of panic with Vogue. She described feeling a real breakdown as she grappled with the idea of removing bodily organs that had been a part of her for her entire life. The sudden loss of bodily functions she had been so familiar with, like having her period and ovulating, left her feeling strange and unsettled.
Munn has a 2-year-old son named Malcolm, whom she shares with her partner John Mulaney. Unfortunately, undergoing a hysterectomy means that she won't be able to have more children in the future.
Munn shared her thoughts on the situation, saying that while some friends tried to comfort her by mentioning that Malcolm wouldn't remember this time, she couldn't help but feel sad about missing out on important moments. She believes that while it is Malcolm's childhood, it is also her journey as a mother, and she doesn't want to miss any part of it if she doesn't have to.
Munn decided to freeze her eggs before undergoing a hysterectomy. She shared with Vogue that her eggs frozen at 33 were successful, but those frozen at 39 did not work out as well. She explained how the quality of eggs can vary month to month, and unfortunately, the month she froze her eggs at 39 was not ideal.
After learning about my diagnosis, we decided to give one more shot at egg retrievals, hoping for a successful outcome. My husband, John, and I had many discussions about it because we felt that our family wasn't complete yet, although we were uncertain about the possibility of chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Fortunately, Munn and Mulaney were able to create two "healthy embryos" after the recent egg retrieval process.
Editor's P/S:
Olivia Munn's courageous battle with cancer and her decision to undergo a hysterectomy is a testament to her strength and resilience. Her story highlights the difficult choices that cancer patients often face, especially when it comes to their reproductive health. The removal of her uterus and ovaries is a significant loss, not only physically but also emotionally. Munn's decision to freeze her eggs before surgery demonstrates her hope for the future and her desire to still have a family.
Munn's experience also sheds light on the importance of education and support for cancer patients. Her openness about her diagnosis and treatment allows others to understand the challenges that cancer survivors face. By sharing her story, she can help reduce the stigma associated with cancer and encourage others to seek help when needed. Munn's journey serves as an inspiration for anyone facing adversity, reminding us that even in the most challenging of times, it is possible to maintain hope and find strength within ourselves and our loved ones.