Olivia Munn’s recent cover story with People Magazine offers an intimate glimpse into her journey battling breast cancer, a topic she bravely confronts with candor and vulnerability. At 43, the actress shares her struggles, triumphs, and the unwavering support of her partner, John Mulaney, and their 2-year-old son, Malcolm.
Reflecting on life post-diagnosis, Munn admits that motherhood has profoundly altered her perspective. “I was not someone who obsessed over death or was afraid of it in any way,” she reveals, “but having a little baby at home made everything much more terrifying.” The arrival of Malcolm added a layer of urgency and determination to her fight against cancer.
Facing the harsh reality of her diagnosis, Munn acknowledges the indiscriminate nature of the disease. “You realize cancer doesn’t care who you are,” she asserts. “It comes at you, and you have no choice but to face it head-on.” This unflinching attitude propelled her through four surgeries, including a lymph node dissection, a nipple delay procedure, and a double mastectomy.
Navigating through the complexities of treatment, Munn grappled with difficult decisions and emotional challenges. Despite having clear mammogram results just three months prior to her diagnosis, she found herself thrust into a whirlwind of life-altering choices. “I really tried to be prepared,” she reflects, “but nothing could prepare me for what I would feel like, what it would look like, and how I would handle it emotionally.”
Choosing to keep her battle private initially, Munn found solace in the absence of external pressures. “Keeping it private allowed me time to fight without any outside noise,” she shares, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of inner peace amidst adversity.
Amidst reconstruction surgeries and hormone suppression therapy to mitigate future risks, Munn leaned heavily on the unwavering support of her partner, Mulaney. Describing him as her rock during the tumultuous journey, she acknowledges his tireless dedication as a father and caregiver. “It would’ve felt like climbing an iceberg without him,” she muses, grateful for his unwavering presence and love.
In the midst of physical and emotional upheaval, Munn made a bold decision regarding her reconstruction surgery, advocating for her own preferences even as anesthesia began to take effect. “Please go smaller,” she implored, emphasizing the importance of asserting one’s desires, no matter the circumstances.
As she navigates the challenges of medically induced menopause and continues her journey towards healing, Munn remains resilient and determined. Her story serves as a testament to the power of courage, love, and the human spirit in overcoming life’s most daunting obstacles.
