Mary Murphy has announced she is cancer free.
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Murphy was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her thyroid about three years ago, but after undergoing surgery and treatment in December, the judge has learned she is officially in remission, Life & Style reported.
"I had a tumor in my throat for three years. I know I should have taken care of it earlier, but in my heart I didn't think it was cancer. They didn't really think it was anything until I finally started losing my voice," Murphy told the Fresno Bee last month. "I went to the doctor when it started pressing on my voice box. I was really afraid that I would never be able to talk again."
However, the surgery was a success and the 52-year-old says she's very thankful to have survived, especially since she reportedly partially put off her road to recovery because she had been so preoccupied with So You Think You Can Dance -- which will feature Murphy returning as a regular member of the reality dance competition series' judging panel for this summer's eighth season.
"I'm very grateful because I'm so upset at myself that I didn't go in earlier," Murphy told Life & Style. "They told me that the tumor had to come out and there's a chance I might not be able to talk again. Outside of the word 'cancer,' I really couldn't imagine my life without hearing myself laugh."
Murphy has proved taking an optimistic approach to a difficult situation can help, while she said she appreciates so much more in life now.
"I've always had a pretty good attitude, but now I don't take things for granted as much," Murphy explained. "I've had a major roller coaster of a life, for sure. But my roller coaster keeps going up and down. I just want to thank all my friends and family and my fans."
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
