Jillian Cardarelli describes herself as the "Energizer Bunny." With her busy schedule, the "Country Side" singer and star of Crossroad Springs is always moving non-stop.
Videos by Wide Open Country
But recently, during a photo shoot, Cardarelli knew something was slowing her down. She had five outfit changes, but after the third, she felt like she needed a nap. Around that time, she felt a lump in her breast.
"It was in an area of very dense tissue, and I remember thinking, 'Maybe I'm in my head a little bit,'" she said. "But something in my gut was like, 'This feels a little bit different to me.' That's when I went, and I got checked out, and I found out that it was a malignant tumor."
Jillian Cardarelli Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
As reported by PEOPLE, Cardarelli was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma on May 21. Since then, the 33-year-old singer has faced a difficult struggle.
"I don't even know what day it is anymore," she said. "One minute you're focused on filming schedules, scripts, music, and everything. And the next thing is doctors, scans, pathology reports, and words I'd never even... I feel like I'm learning a new language."
Despite a healthy routine, Cardarelli says the diagnosis wasn't a complete surprise. Her mother has been battling colon cancer for over a decade.
"The fact that my mother, who has had stage 4 cancer for the last 12 years, has to now help her daughter navigate, this is very unfair," she shared.
Cardarelli Isn't Slowing Down
Cardarelli is still moving forward. She has continued with her acting and musical commitments and was hanging out with fans at CMA Fest. Her latest single, "Leave Me Tennessee," is scheduled to be released next month.
The singer, who recently celebrated her five-year wedding anniversary with Brian Parker, says she is ready to beat the disease. She will be treated by the same oncologist who has helped her mother, and she also has a team of family and close friends by her side.
"Brian has been by my side through everything," Cardarelli said. "He's been my rock through this whole thing. Every tough conversation, every doctor's appointment, he's right there helping me. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect man to help me through this season. Even though this whole thing has been a nightmare, I feel like the luckiest girl alive in a lot of ways."
