Rita’s Second Act

After beating cancer, Rita Wilson is making the most of her second career

 

Rita Wilson is a woman of many talents. As an actress, she’s been featured in films like Sleepless in Seattle and That Thing You Do, written and directed by her husband, Tom Hanks. As a producer, she helped bring the highly successful independent film My Big Fat Greek Wedding to the screen. Then, 10 years ago, Rita decided to embark on a new career as a singer/songwriter with the release of her first album AM/FM. Unfortunately, that second act was interrupted in 2015 when Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recently spoke to My Hometown Health about her battle with cancer, the importance of getting a second opinion, the healing power of music and her future plans.

In 2015, you were diagnosed with breast cancer. What was that like?
No one ever wants to hear “you have cancer.” I was able to get excellent care from my doctors in New York City, where I received treatment because I was there doing a play on Broadway with Larry David. You take things one day at a time and for me, having faith in God made things easier.

What was the underlying condition that put you at greater risk for breast cancer?
I had been diagnosed many years earlier with LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma in Situ). I managed that by having regular yearly mammograms and breast MRIs. The LCIS turned into PLCIS (Pleomorphic Carcinoma In Situ), which can be associated with some forms of breast cancer. I then had my first of two surgical biopsies to confirm cancer.

The initial pathology report said you did not have cancer. Why did you decide to get a second opinion?
My gut was telling me that something didn’t feel right. My instincts were nagging at me. A friend of mine who had gone through breast cancer twice suggested getting a second opinion on the pathology, which I did. It came back that I had cancer. I then got a third opinion, and it, too, came back that I had cancer.

What helped you deal with the stress after your diagnosis?
Music, meditation, walking, prayer, laughter, comedies. You cannot underestimate the power of entertainment when you are trying to ease your mind. I also had a lot of friends who had breast cancer or other illnesses, and they helped me navigate the fears and anxieties that go along with a diagnosis that can be scary.

You have also mentioned that music has been a source of healing. Tell us about that.
I wrote a lot in the months after my diagnosis. In fact, one of my favorite songs, “Throw Me A Party,” came from a writing session after I told my husband I wanted to have a big party, a celebration, if I should go before him. It was a way to confront my fears and to soothe myself at the same time. I have been so honored to hear from many people who have used the song for a loved one’s celebration of life. It’s amazing how so many people have the same desires for how they would like to be remembered after they’re gone.

What inspired you to become a singer/songwriter?
I have always wished I could play an instrument. I believed all song writers have a musical talent with an instrument. I didn’t know that you could be a songwriter and have no experience with an instrument until I met Kara Dioguardi. She told me she didn’t play an instrument either, and asked me a very fateful question about songwriting: “Do you have something you want to say?” The answer was a resounding “YES!” and Kara wrote my first two songs with me, along with Jason Reeves. That was my beginning. I am so grateful to Kara for that.

What’s your next music project?
I have a new album coming out this fall, with singles being released this summer. You will be hearing more about it soon. I am very excited about this project!

How are you feeling today? Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
I feel balanced. I feel centered. Even if things are not ideal at times, I have an awareness and a faith that “this too shall pass.” I feel enormous gratitude every day for just waking up, for having been blessed with incredible parents, because so much starts there. My own family members all have good health and are thriving. Every day is a gift.