Finding Strength Amid Multiple Sclerosis
- Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, 45, is reflecting on life with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition diagnosed in her 20s, saying her longtime “Sopranos” co-star Edie Falco serves as a key source of strength and inspiration.
- The two actresses, who portrayed mother and daughter on “The Sopranos,” both dealt with their own health struggles while acting on the hit HBO series.
- Sigler was diagnosed with MS in 2002 but didn’t publicly disclose her condition until 2016. She first noticed symptoms, including tingling in various parts of her body, in her 20s while filming The Sopranos.
- Falco was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and nearby abnormal tissue. She subsequently completed treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- MS is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer surrounding the body’s nerves. Managing a long-term illness like MS requires continuous adjustment and care.
Sigler and Falco, 62, starred together on HBO’s “The Sopranos” from 1999 to 2007, with Sigler portraying Meadow Soprano and Falco playing Carmela Soprano, her on-screen mother.
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Sigler continued, “She was an example always to me of pure class, professionalism, and grace. And she accepted what had happened.”
“She fought it as hard as she could, and she was successful, thank God. But she didn’t let it take away from her true joy, which was acting and being on the show.”
Further emphasizing that Falco has been an inspiration to her since the beginning and continues to be, Sigler said, “She is somebody who leads her life with such integrity and class.”
“I try to be like her all the time.”
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Sigler, a mom of two, added, “I was pretty closed off back then because I had so many secrets that I was holding. But Edie was actually the first person to read my book.”
“I emailed it to her, and she called me the next day, and she read it in one night … and told me that she just wished she could hug me and tell little me that I wasn’t alone and that she was just really proud of me.”
The book Sigler is referring to is her memoir titled “And So It Is… A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope,” which was published on May 5, 2026.
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Understanding MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an “immune-mediated condition” that causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, Dr. Lauren Krupp, a neurologist at NYU Langone in New York City, tells SurvivorNet.
“We’re not exactly sure why that happens, but it probably has to do with an exposure to a virus at some point in time. And in the effort to fight off that virus, the immune system turns against itself and specifically, a coating of the nerves called myelin,” Dr. Krupp explains.
“The myelin that it affects involves the central nervous system, and that’s the brain and the spinal cord.”
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Leading Neurologist Explains Symptoms & Diagnosis
Since it can involve different areas in the brain or spinal cord, Dr. Krupp explains, “the symptoms can vary in location.”
Symptoms might include:
- Numbness and tingling in the face
- Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs
- A sensation of vertigo or rooms spinning
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- Lack of coordination
Symptoms may affect one side of the body or, when the spinal cord is involved, both sides. In some cases, the numbness can spread and may also be accompanied by muscle weakness.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes MS as: “An unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, [MS] can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted.” Researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease.
Currently, there is no cure for MS, although some people treat the disease using chemotherapy, medications, or steroid drugs.
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Overcoming Adversity
Facing adversity can feel overwhelming. While some believe that repeating positive sayings or forcing a cheerful attitude will help, these approaches can sometimes leave people feeling even more discouraged. A more effective approach is to focus on practical steps that support real progress.
Start by setting a goal. Regardless of your circumstances, identify something meaningful to work toward.
For example, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness, a helpful goal might be to learn as much as you can about the condition and the available treatment options.
- Set a goal. No matter what the situation, create a new goal for yourself. If you have just been diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness, perhaps one goal would be to educate yourself about the disease and the possible treatments as much as possible.
- Make a plan. How will you achieve this goal? Your plan will help you focus on that goal. Dr. Siddhartha Ganguly refers to this determined, focused mindset as “the eye of the tiger,” which can help people dealing with health problems, such as lymphoma and other cancers. “You have to have the eye of the tiger to go through this grueling process that is necessary these days to get rid of these virulent and aggressive cancers,” Dr. Ganguly, a cancer specialist at Houston Methodist, told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview.
- Rely on others. Spend time with people who show you unconditional support and encouragement. They will alleviate your stress and help you remember that you’re not alone in this! Dr. Samantha Boardman, a psychiatrist and author, previously told SurvivorNet that one “coping strategy that can be productive is reaching out and talking to others. Having support we know is really critical in the healing process.”
- Use positive self-talk. Leave messages with affirmations in places you frequent. Put notes around your mirror or the computer screen that say “You got this! or “Keep going!” Cut out inspirational quotes from people you admire and surround yourself with their words. Dr. Boardman explained to SurvivorNet that “Positive emotions have unique benefits above and beyond managing negative emotions.”
Facing Cancer: How to Turn Stress into Strength
If you’ve been through a difficult health challenge or any type of adversity throughout your life, Dr. Boardman told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview that one way to get your mental health back in check after a diagnosis is to focus on your strengths.
“I sometimes will ask patients, tell me about yourself when you were at your best,” she explained. “Using that story, trying to figure out what strengths come to mind. Is it patience? Is it appreciation of beauty? Is it perseverance? [Then we can] use those strengths in constructive ways to navigate their cancer journey.”
Dr. Boardman says another way to harness the strength you already have is to tap into your values. This could be family, close friendships, spirituality, or commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Reminding yourself of your values and how you live accordingly is another way to unleash that inner strength.
Lastly, patients shouldn’t underestimate the value of simply opening up, Dr. Boardman says. This could mean speaking to a close family member or friend, or seeking support in other ways by finding a therapist who meets your needs or by looking into joining a support group.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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