Actress Kate Micucci, 44, known for her role on the TV sitcom “Big Bang Theory,” gave fans a sneak peek of an upcoming project in which she’s singing.
What makes the actress’ gift of voice more remarkable is she is just a few months removed from undergoing lung cancer surgery, which can come with lingering pain and can even affect the patient’s voice for weeks to months afterward.
Treating lung cancer depends on the cancer’s location and how advanced it is. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of any of these treatments.
Micucci underwent surgery to treat her cancer. She shared how grateful she was that the cancer was caught in its early stages.
“Big Bang Theory” actress Kate Micucci’s recovery from lung cancer took a major leap forward when she released a clip of herself in a recording studio singing a song dedicated to a special dog named “Brandy.”
What makes Micucci’s ability to sing so well even more remarkable is it comes just a few months after undergoing lung cancer surgery, which can leave patients with lingering side effects lasting for months. Lung cancer surgery is also known to be painful and can also affect the patient’s voice.
Micucci, an Emmy-nominated actress, portrays “Lucy” on the Big Bang Theory television series. She’s also given life to “Scooby Doo” character Velma in recent years.
While details behind the project remain unclear, Micucci’s talents extend far beyond acting.
“Our live in-studio video from our magical morning,” the Orchid Quartet wrote in an Instagram post. The video clip shows Micucci singing with the Orchid Quartet, beautifully playing violin and cellos.
Supportive fans chimed in with positive comments. “So beautiful and heartfelt, Miss Kate. Thank You,” Instagram user Frederick Watts wrote.
Earlier this year, Micucci revealed she had been diagnosed with lung cancer despite having never smoked – a leading risk factor for lung cancer.
“I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, so it was a surprise,” Micucci said on her TikTok video.
She says she’s grateful her cancer was caught in its early stages, which is rare considering lung cancer’s subtle symptoms make it difficult to detect during its early stages when it is easier to treat.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: Kate Micucci attends Showtime’s “I Love That For You” premiere at Pacific Design Center on April 27, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
She underwent surgery for treatment. Research published in the open-access journal Cancer Medicine notes patients who undergo lung cancer surgery “often suffer pain after discharge.”
“Managing pain after surgery is difficult once you get home,” thoracic surgery nurse Melissa Jane Culligantells SurvivorNet.
While recovering from surgery, patients may have trouble sleeping.
“It’s important that you stay connected and, as things change that maybe don’t feel right, that you connect with your care team and make sure that either they do something to make you feel better or that they reassure you that this is to be expected because your pain will change in location and nature,” Culligan said.
Culligan says patients may experience a little more pain after surgery as they become more active. However, that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. She says it means you may need to take a little bit more pain medicine as your body continues to recuperate.
Understanding Lung Cancer
Lung cancer forms when cancer cells develop in the tissues of the lung. It is the second most common form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the U.S., SurvivorNet experts say.
It’s “completely asymptomatic,” says thoracic surgeon-in-chief at Temple University Health System Dr. Joseph Friedberg.
“It causes no issues until it has spread somewhere. So, if it spreads to the bones, it may cause pain. If it spreads to the brain, it may cause something not subtle, like a seizure,” Dr. Friedberg adds.
WATCH: Detecting lung cancer in the absence of symptoms.
Scans such as X-rays can help doctors determine if a shadow appears, which can prompt further testing for lung cancer.
There are two main types of lung cancer, which doctors group together based on how they act and how they’re treated:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type and makes up about 85% of cases. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common, but it tends to grow faster than NSCLC and is treated very differently.
While lung cancer often doesn’t present symptoms until it has spread, some people may experience signs like:
A cough that doesn’t go away, that gets worse, or that brings up bloody phlegm
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Chest pain
Hoarse voice
Appetite loss
Weight loss
If you are experiencing these kinds of symptoms consistently, contact your doctor for further tests.
WATCH: Understanding the treatment options for lung cancer.
Treatment options for lung cancer depend on its type, its location, and its staging. In general, treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of any of these treatments.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you find yourself diagnosed with lung cancer and are concerned about the long-term impacts, here are some questions you can ask your doctor.
Has my cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Based on my cancer stage, what are my treatment options?
What are the side effects of my recommended treatment?
Are there ways to help minimize the effects of treatment?
How long will I be unable to work or carry out my daily activities?
What financial resources are available to get the treatments I need?
