“American Horror Story” actress Gabourey Sidibe’s husband, Brandon Frankel, bravely revealed in a detailed statement that he was diagnosed with stage 1 papillary thyroid cancer and has undergone life-saving surgery.
In an emotional Instagram post from Frankel shared on Friday, Feb. 20, he shared a 10-photo carousel with images of his post-op scars, as well as several adorable snaps with him and Sidide’s twin children, Cooper and Maya.
His caption provided an intimate insight into his gratitude for early detection and the importance of advocating for yourself when faced with barriers amid a life-threatening health scare.
Brandon Frankel Opens Up About His Cancer Diagnosis
“Things I never thought l’d have to post: I was diagnosed with Stage I Papillary Thyroid cancer,” Frankel wrote. “I found it very early because I pushed for an ultrasound my doctor didn’t think I needed. I refused to ‘wait and see.’ I refused to come back in 6-9 months. I made the calls. I leveraged connections. I chased cancellations. I made a LOT of noise. It worked.”
Frankel continued by explaining his surgery was a success, noting that he still has an uncertain road ahead after a “more aggressive cell type” was detected.
“Surgery went well. I’m okay for now. Pathology showed a more aggressive cell type (tall cell), so there’s more monitoring ahead,” he shared. “But we caught it early. I’m extremely proactive so I can be around for my family. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Early detection didn’t just possibly save my life. Access and advocating for myself did.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, stage 1 papillary thyroid cancer “begins in the follicular cells in your thyroid that produce thyroglobulin (a protein).” If left untreated, it has the potential to metastasize into the lymph nodes of the neck as well as other vital areas in the body.
Brandon Frankel Thanks Wife Gabourey Sidibe for Her Support
As his statement went on, Frankel put emphasis on common health care system obstacles, even with having reliable insurance. “I had insurance. I had time. I had people who could help move things faster. Too many don’t,” he explained. “Healthcare shouldn’t reward the loudest, the most connected, or the most financially secure. It shouldn’t require strategy, privilege, and stamina just to feel safe.”
Frankel went on to thank his wife for being by his side and taking care of not only him but also their two children while he regains his strength.
“My wife carried our family through all of this — holding everything down while I handled appointments, surgery, and recovery,” he said of Sidibe. “I don’t know how anyone does this without that kind of love and support. I’m grateful. I’m lucky. But luck and means shouldn’t be a healthcare plan,” he said before reiterating that had he not advocated for himself and been proactive about his diagnosis, things could have gone a lot differently for him down the road.
I am glad that he pushed for more test and had a doctor that listened. Unfortunately, my daughter-in-law pushed for more test, and by the time she fou d a doctor that listened, it was too late! Aggressive stage 4 took her life leaving behind 2 young sons (at the time). Blessings to your family.