Christy Carlson Romano tearfully admitted that she recently tested positive for cancer screening.
On Wednesday, the Disney Channel alum told fans on her Instagram that she and husband Brendan Rooney both got tested “the other day” to check on their health.
“My husband’s (test result) was completely negative. Mine was not negative,” Romano, 41, said, getting emotional.
“The next step is to get a PET scan, but we’re fighting with companies to cover that.”
Romano explained that her family has a history of illness, with both her parents diagnosed with cancer over the years.
Romano said her mother “didn’t win” in the end, but her father “didn’t win in the end.” Her maternal grandmother also died of lung cancer.
After revealing the results, the “Even Stevens” star went on to talk about fellow actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away last week at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.
The podcaster explained that he knew her because the “Dawson’s Creek” actor and his wife, Kimberly, also lived in Texas with their six children.
“I live in Austin and I got to meet James Van Der Beek a lot. His family is amazing. He’s a pillar of our community in Texas,” Romano shared. “They were always raising money for great charities, but he’s no longer with us. Cancer exists everywhere. That’s why I took this test.”
The mother of two said she was “unbelievable” about her results and had hoped to “not think about it too much”.
Instead, she told fans she would focus her energy on filming her upcoming memoir and film.
“[This is]a very vulnerable time for me,” Romano revealed. “It’s been about 367 days since I got shot in the face.”
The “Cadet Kelly” alum was referring to an incident in February last year when she was “shot in the face” while shooting clay pigeons for her husband’s birthday.
At the time, she said she was “grateful to be alive” after the accident.
Despite her recent trials and tribulations, Romano, who shares daughters Isabella, nine, and Sophia, seven, with Rooney, maintains a positive outlook on life.
“It’s time to have a strong faith and know that most of it is in God’s hands. People are convinced that I’m overreacting, but I’m not, because the cancer is pretty serious and I have two little girls,” Romano expressed in an IG video on Tuesday.
“When you’re like me, you have to take it one day at a time. You have to really appreciate all the great things around you. So I always try to tell jokes and try to be funny. It’s not just because I want to be liked or stay connected to the world.”
Romano further admitted in the post’s caption that she was “nervous and a little scared” to even share the news publicly for fear of being seen as “unpleasant.”
“I’m scheduled for a PET scan later this week and I hope the treatment is easy 🤞,” she added. “Let’s keep the good vibes going. As soon as we have more information, we’ll let you all know.”
The actress’ husband later expressed his support in the comments section.
“You got my beautiful wife,” Rooney, 43, wrote. “We will solve this and destroy all the problems that befall you. I love you more than words can express.”
Romano has always been open with his followers on social media, especially after an incident last winter in which he was accidentally “shot in the eye.”
Fortunately, the “Kim Possible” alum’s vision was not affected, but she explained on Instagram at the time that undergoing surgery to remove the fragments was “too risky.”
“When I think about everything that’s happened, all I can think about is how grateful I am to be alive,” she said.
“I love my daughters, husband, family, and friends so much. As you watch your life flash before your eyes, I want to tell you to hug everyone around you as much as you can. Life can change in an instant. 🙏”
