Rita Wilson Shares What She Asked Tom Hanks After Her Cancer Diagnosis

Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks have been married for ages, making them one of the most stable couples in Hollywood. They’ve faced all sorts of challenges together, and when Rita was diagnosed with cancer, it really freaked them out. But, instead of tearing them apart, it actually brought them closer than ever.

The news came crashing in and shattered their peace

Back in early 2015, Rita Wilson received the heavy blow of a breast cancer diagnosis, bringing along fear and the realization of how quickly everything can slip away. Like anyone going through such a situation, she sought solace and assistance from her partner, Tom Hanks, ensuring he knew how to lend a helping hand.

Wilson was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that originates in the breast’s milk-producing glands and has the potential to spread.

Wilson wasted no time seeking all the necessary assistance to prevent the cancer from spreading and worsening. She shared at the time, “Last week, with my husband by my side and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma. I am recovering and, most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caught this early, have excellent doctors, and because I got a second opinion.”

She held her ground, driven by the love for her husband and family

“I feel blessed to have a loving, supportive husband, family, friends, and doctors and that I am the beneficiary of advances in the field of breast cancer and reconstruction. I am getting better every day and look forward to renewed health.”

Their support became her anchor, empowering her to face the challenges head-on with unwavering determination and a resilient spirit. Meanwhile, Hanks took on the role of delivering the uplifting news to the press in 2017, joyfully proclaiming that his wife was now completely free of cancer.

“You just clear the decks, and you circle the wagons­, and you hunker down. It’s not that hard to do. It’s like when there’s a big rainstorm outside, you bust out the hot cocoa and make sure everyone is comfortable.”

What she told to Tom

Four years after discovering her breast cancer, Rita Wilson opened up about what crossed her mind shortly after getting the diagnosis. In an Instagram post, she shared that right after hearing the life-changing news, she had a heartfelt conversation with her husband, Tom Hanks, about her wishes in case she’d not make it.

“Four years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had so many different thoughts. You’re scared and anxious, you think about your own mortality. ”

And then she continues, “So I had a serious discussion with my husband that if anything happens, I wanted him to be super sad for a very long time, and I’d also like a party, a celebration.” Even in those tough times, the actress’s humor and positive spirit prevailed over the sadness in her mind.

As for Hanks, Wilson revealed they became even closer as they navigated those difficult times. Rita had his strong support to lean on, which made all the difference in overcoming her tough challenge.

“You never know how your spouse is going to react in a situation like this,” she said. “I was so amazed, so blown away by the care my husband gave me. It was such a normal, intimate time.”

Rita and Tom have a bond that withstands everything, and even when Rita faced criticism about her body, Tom proved to be her biggest advocate.