Healthy Living

Rosie O'Donnell, the famous comedian, actress, and television personality who staunchly advocates for LGBT rights just got some shocking and devastating news - her partner of over a year, Michelle Rounds, who she calls "Mish," has been diagnosed with a cancer-like disease.

Rosie took to her blog today to announce that Rounds has been experiencing chest pain since May of 2012. The pain, Rosie explained, grew worse and worse - no one could ascertain or give Rounds a proper diagnosis.

Carefully, the couple navigated the medical mystery tour until a diagnosis was made: desmoid tumors.

Rosie's announcement brings up many questions, but most clearly: what are desmoid tumors?

Desmoid tumors - also known as aggressive fibromatosis - are a soft-tissue growth that generally develop in the legs, arms, chests, or abdomen. While desmoid tumors rarely spread, they can cause excruciating pain for people who have these tumors. Desmoid tumors are rare enough that only about 900 people in the US are diagnosed with them each year.

Treatment for desmoid tumors often includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy as well as other medications. A combination of these treatments is suggested to offer the best chance at successful treatment.

On her blog, Rosie stated that, "she is recovering from surgery in June, getting stronger every day," which suggests that Rounds is doing well in her treatment plan.

Rosie is now raising awareness and money toward funding research for this rare type of tumor.

I applaud Rosie and Michelle for bringing the darkness into the light during this terribly frightening time.

Keep up the good fight.

Have you ever heard of this?

Image via Frenkieb/Flickr