Nicole Eggert, best known for her role as Summer Quinn on the hit show Baywatch, is currently facing one of the toughest battles of her life: breast cancer. At 52 years old, Eggert has been open about her diagnosis and treatment, providing more than just updates; she has shared her emotional turmoil with her followers. Recently, she shared her experience following radiation treatment on her Instagram, where she broke down over some unexpected changes to her body—in the form of small, permanent tattoos.
On November 20, Nicole posted a heartfelt video after undergoing what is known as CT scan mapping for her radiation therapy. The process involved getting tiny tattoos to help target the radiation beams accurately, which allow doctors to avoid damaging other sensitive parts of the body. "OK so I just got out of my CT scan, mapping — as they call it — for my radiation treatment and when they said they were gonna tattoo me, I didn’t realize it was actual, real tattoos, so I was tatted!" she exclaimed, emotion spilling over as she shared her surprise.
Despite the light-hearted tone, it was evident how much this small occurrence had weighed on her mind. "And it’s minor, it’s nothing but dots, but boy, every step of this process is never gonna let you forget it; there’s just always going to be a constant reminder," Eggert continued, her voice shaking as tears filled her eyes. She attempted to make light of the situation by quipping, "So yeah, I have tattoos; my mom’s going to be really proud of my neck tattoo, but that's okay!"
Eggert's sharing of this experience highlights the reality of her struggles and the emotional toll cancer can take beyond the physical effects. Each stage of treatment brings reminders of the illness, and the experience of getting these tattoos symbolizes far more than just the procedure—it's about the entire experience of dealing with cancer. "The people were wonderful, but I still am not looking forward to it whatsoever. But I got through this part, and the rest is gonna have to just be me working on myself and how I’m gonna get through it and ignore these new tattoos I have," she added, showcasing her resolve to cope with the changes and challenges she faces.
Nicole Eggert first announced her diagnosis back in December 2023. She was diagnosed with stage 2 cribriform carcinoma, which is often classified among less common forms of breast cancer. When she initially shared the news, Eggert revealed the symptoms she had been experiencing, such as significant weight gain and intense pain, which she had initially brushed off as typical menopause symptoms. It wasn't until she noticed swelling and felt a lump on her breast—a lump she described as something she couldn't ignore—that she visited her doctor.
Her diagnosis came after undergoing various tests, including mammograms and biopsies. Although Eggert's family has experienced cancer, with her father having skin cancer and her mother colon cancer, the fear of not being there for her children pushed Nicole to confront her illness head-on. She told People magazine, "I have no family. I have nothing. I immediately realized there’s just no succumbing to this. This is something I have to get through. This is something I have to beat. She needs me more than anything and anybody." Eggert is the caregiver for her 12-year-old daughter, Keegan, and she also has an older daughter, Dilyn, who is 26.
Her candidness about her struggles and emotional responses resonates deeply with many, especially as she showcases the reality of cancer treatments and their lasting impacts on one's body and life. Following her Instagram post, fans flooded her comments with words of encouragement, reinforcing the sense of community and support surrounding her recovery. Statements like, "You’re a warrior. Keep fighting," and others shared their personal experiences with radiation tattoos, created a bond of mutual support among people facing similar battles.
While notionally small, the impacts of these tattoos aren't just physical; they're reminders of what this process involves—the emotional and psychological weight can be just as heavy as the physical strains of cancer treatment. Eggert's tears act as both a symbol of loss and hope, encapsulating how people rally against life's adversities, finding strength even amid turmoil.
Despite facing such challenges, Nicole Eggert remains determined not to let cancer define her life. Her updates about her treatment process and the emotional struggles she faces provide insight for her followers and followers alike, demonstrating the power of vulnerability.
Another significant part of Eggert's battle has been her efforts to address the financial burden of her care. Recognizing the costly nature of cancer treatment, her friend Mindy Molinary started a GoFundMe campaign to support her. The campaign is still actively receiving contributions. Currently, it has raised over $65,000 toward its $100,000 goal, illustrating the impact of community support on her difficulty. Participants of the campaign expressed compassion and were driven to assist Eggert not just emotionally but also financially during this difficult chapter of her life.
Throughout this tribulation, Nicole Eggert has showcased resilience, humor, and strength. She has become not only relatable for individuals enduring similar situations but also serves as inspiration, proving the human spirit's ability to fight against unimaginable odds. Even amid moments of weakness, such as the emotional breakdown over her tattoos, there lies the resolve to continue on—a sentiment shared universally among those who battle cancer.