Actress and Vogue columnist Olivia Munn opens up about her journey with cancer, her decision for a hysterectomy, and her aspirations to expand her family through surrogacy.
Olivia Munn has taken to the pages of Vogue to share her raw and inspiring account of her recent health journey, which has been marked by a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, and a newfound determination to embrace the future with the help of surrogacy.
Munn, 43, revealed that her decision to undergo a hysterectomy was a difficult but necessary one, as it was part of an "aggressive" approach to her aggressive cancer. The hysterectomy involved the removal of her uterus and cervix, leaving her unable to carry another child herself.
Prior to the surgery, Munn faced debilitating exhaustion from medication meant to suppress estrogen, a hormone that could potentially trigger cancer recurrence. The actress candidly shared that the decision to have a hysterectomy was driven by her desire to be present and active for her family, including her son Malcolm with partner John Mulaney.
"It was a big decision to make, but it was the best decision for me because I needed to be present for my family," Munn said.
The surgery took an emotional toll on Munn, who described a "real breakdown" as she grappled with the physical and psychological changes it brought. "It's just so strange when you've been with this body your entire life, had your period for so long, feel when you're ovulating, and all of a sudden it's gone," she explained.
Despite the challenges, Munn remains optimistic and determined to expand her family with Mulaney. She has frozen her eggs in anticipation of her treatment and is now considering surrogacy as an option.
"After my diagnosis, we decided to try one more round of egg retrievals and hoped it was a good month. John and I talked about it a lot, and we don't feel like we're done growing our family, but [we] didn't know if I would have to do chemotherapy or radiation," Munn said.
Fortuitously, after just one attempt, Munn and Mulaney were able to create two healthy embryos, reducing the risk to her health and giving them hope for a larger family.
"John and I just started crying. It was just so exciting because not only did we get it in one retrieval, but it also meant that I didn't have to keep putting myself at risk. It was just amazing."
Munn expressed her gratitude for having these options available to her, recognizing that many people facing cancer do not have the same opportunities.
"I don’t have the ability to carry a baby anymore, so if we want to build our family, this is our option. This journey has made me realize how grateful I am to have options for not only fighting cancer but also having more children if we want, because I know a lot of people don’t have those options."
Munn's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of those navigating the challenges of cancer. Her decision to share her experiences is a testament to her strength and a source of inspiration for others facing similar journeys.
