Reality TV star Jonnie Irwin, 50, celebrates the New Year with his family, whom he was unsure he’d be around to see three years into his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. Supportive fans commented on how “good” he looks, but sometimes drawing attention to body changes to cancer warriors can be mind-numbing.
A major health challenge, such as battling cancer, can impact your body physically and emotionally, causing noticeable changes to your appearance. Coping with these changes, such as weight gain or loss, hair loss, or infertility, is all possible amid cancer treatment.
Dr. Marianna Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the parts (or parts) of their bodies mostly impacted by cancer treatment. She says although they may represent “fear and pain,” they may also represent “strength and courage.”
When you’re dealing with stage 4 lung cancer, efforts shift from seeking a cure to learning how to live with your disease and managing your symptoms.
“Escape to the Country” star Jonnie Irwin, 50, is grateful to spend another cherished holiday season with his family despite being three years into his stage 4 lung cancer journey. In an Instagram post, he gave supportive fans insight into how he rang in the new year.
“A kids’ disco and a fake countdown followed by a quiet dinner at home with friends is as rock n roll as it got,” Irwin said in a social media post.
Fans closely following Irwin’s cancer journey were quick to chime in with comments. Many of them noted how well he looked as he donned his signature hat and button-up shirt.
“You’re looking really good. All the best,” Instagram user Jackie Johnson wrote.
“Miracles do happen. You’ve been living proof of that for the last two years, Jonnie. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. Wish you well throughout 2024,” Instagram user Suzanne Fowler commented.
Instagram user Janete Andrews punctuated a flood of compliments towards Irwin’s appearance.
Jonnie Irwin teases TV return amid stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. (Photo: Instagram/JonnieIrwintv)
“Happy New Year to you and your family. You are amazing, and you look so much better now,” Andrews wrote.
While these words of body positivity often mean well and come from a good place, for cancer patients, drawing attention to changes in their bodies can be mind-numbing.
Cancer Treatment Can Affect Body Image and Damage Self-Confidence
Several months ago, SurvivorNet noted a growing number of Irwin’s fans pointing out that he’s lost weight amid cancer treatment. Many cancer patients will attest to the impact of cancer, and its necessary treatment can bring about visible and invisible changes to their bodies.
“Changes to your body may be temporary or permanent. They include changes that can be seen by others, such as hair loss or weight gain,” MacMillan Cancer Support says, noting physical changes.
“Changes that are not obviously visible to others, such as infertility, can also affect your body image and make you feel vulnerable about your body,” MacMillian Cancer Support added.
One way you can prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand changes are possible but also temporary. It also helps to build up your self-confidence. Your support group filled with loved ones can help you during this stage of your journey.
“If you have visible changes to your appearance, you may find that some people look at you for longer. Usually, this is because they are curious and not because they want to upset you,” MacMillan Cancer Support explains.
“Learning how to cope in advance with social situations will build up your confidence. This will help you gradually get back to things you did before, such as work, sports, or hobbies.”
How to Cope with Your New Body After Cancer
Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shares with SurvivorNet some additional tips cancer warriors can explore to help manage the emotional toll body changes can have during treatment.
Dr. Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body mostly impacted by cancer treatment. She says although they may represent “fear and pain,” they also represent “strength and courage.”
“Research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with, which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like for you to first spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, give them time, honor them, and then thank them,” Dr. Strongin said.
Dr. Strongin then suggests looking at the part or parts of your body impacted by the cancer or cancer treatment. She recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image because it helps you accept your cancer journey emotionally and physically.
“As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time, you can begin honoring and thanking your new body.
If you are able, try managing your physical fitness, weight management, and focusing on your mental health to help you cope with body changes during treatment.
Breast cancer survivor Jaclyn Kaczynski previously told SurvivorNet that her confidence “was destroyed” following her diagnosis.
“I was always vain about my appearance and my weight, let alone losing a breast or both,” Kaczynski added.
After undergoing a reconstruction surgery, she began to regain her confidence.
“I just had my reconstructive surgery … my favorite doctor was able to make it happen for me. It’s amazing how much more confidence I have … my hair is growing back, for real.” Jaclyn says she’s feeling so good about herself that she’s even starting to date again – “I’m keeping my options open.”
Jonnie Irwin’s Cancer Battle
Jonnie Irwin’s cancer journey began when symptoms arrived in August 2020. His first symptom occurred during a filming trip when his vision blurred while driving. After he returned home, he was told he had metastatic lung cancer that had spread to his brain.
Jonnie Irwin spends Father’s Day with his family. (Photo: Instagram/jonnieirwintv)
We should note that we do not know the exact type of lung cancer Irwin has. But there are two main types of lung cancer, which doctors group together based on how they act and how they’re treated:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type and makes up about 85% of cases.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common, but it tends to grow faster than NSCLC and is treated very differently.
“Lung cancer kills more patients than prostate, colon, breast, and pancreas combined. And the reason is it’s completely asymptomatic. It causes no issues until it has spread somewhere,” thoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Friedberg tells SurvivorNet.
A chest X-ray that shows something unusual can be the beginning of a lung cancer diagnosis once doctors further examine the anomaly.
WATCH: Diagnosing lung cancer.
Irwin has taken chemotherapy and other cancer drugs to help prolong his life, but he knows his disease does not technically have a cure. Still, he focuses on the positive and is determined to make as many memories as possible with his wife, Jessica Holmes, and their three toddler-age boys.
Irwin’s been reluctant to share details about his health with his young sons. Instead, he’s chosen to focus more energy on creating positive memories with his family.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are in the middle of a cancer journey and are looking to improve your emotional health, consider what you’re grateful for. To begin, ask yourself the following questions to kickstart your journey to achieve gratitude.
What can I do if I’m struggling to be thankful for what I have in my life?
Are there local resources for people wishing to improve their mental health?
What else can I do to help reduce my stress level during my cancer journey?
Kavontae Smalls is a writer and reporter for SurvivorNet. Read More
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