Sarah Ferguson Opening up about the impact of two back-to-back cancer diagnoses on her mental health.

“It was difficult. I'm usually a positive person but cancer explodes like a bomb in your life," Sarah Ferguson, 65, said. The Times In an interview published on Friday, January 17. “One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two within a year. I don't mind admitting that my mind has gone to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality."

Ferguson announced in June 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She later underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Just six months later, in January 2024, the Duchess announced that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

"Her dermatologist asked if the Duchess had several moles removed and analyzed at the same time she underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these was identified as cancerous," a representative for the royal said in a statement. our weekly in time

Ferguson has been having fun lately The Times While she named her reconstructed breast "Derek," she also revealed that her back-to-back cancer diagnoses have taken a toll on her mental health. Fortunately, he explained, he found ways to cope.

"I used meditation and mindfulness to help me stay positive and balanced," she explained, adding that her family "was a huge support for me during this time." (Ferguson shares the girls Princess Beatrice And Princess Eugenie With her ex-husband and royal battle, Prince Andrew.)

In June 2024, speaking time Hello!Ferguson gave a health update to Royal fans, saying he had "regular check-ups" and "putting cream on my face to get rid of the sun damage."

"(It) meant big blisters on my face, chest and hands for three weeks," he explained at the time. "But I'm not doing immunotherapy, taking any drugs or chemotherapy, which I'm very grateful for."

In the same profile interview, Ferguson again praised his "most exceptional family", saying that he has an "incredibly great team" and a "fantastic ability to turn into joy".

"I've always raised my girls to be so honest and open that they know I'm going to tell them straight, no matter how hard it is," the Duchess continued.

Time to appear in an episode in the UK, in May 2024 this morningPrincess Beatrice revealed her mother was "all clear".

"She's such an incredible icon. As a mother, she's been amazing, she's been through so much and her purpose and resilience really keeps me going," the royal said at the time. “He is thriving at 64; He's been through a lot, but I think he's really coming into his own now."