Liputan6.com, Jakarta Danielle Fishel is taking the time to enjoy every moment of her journey on 'Dancing with the Stars.'
In September 2025, Danielle Fishel has been declared cancer-free and is back with various projects.
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She is even set to captivate audiences on the 34th season of the popular show "Dancing with the Stars."
The 44-year-old Boy Meets World alum, who finally got to show off her dancing skills during the show's premiere on Tuesday, September 16, spoke to PEOPLE about what it's been like to receive support and encouragement from the audience throughout the experience.
“It was amazing,” Fishel says.
“Thinking about where I was last year in the middle of cancer treatment, and here a year later on a national stage performing a thing I've never done before, ballroom dancing, with my friends and family in the audience, it was very emotional.”
Danielle Fishel's Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Danielle Fishel was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024, revealed through a routine mammogram.
Her cancer was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer, often referred to as stage 0.
Although initially classified as stage 0, Fishel later revealed that her cancer was "high-grade DCIS with microinvasion."
According to breast surgeon Jill Oxley, MD, FACS, "microinvasion" means the cancer has penetrated the lining of the milk ducts.
In August 2024, she underwent a lumpectomy, followed by margin revision surgery in September 2024.
After both procedures, scans showed she was cancer-free, but she chose to continue with radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Fishel completed 20 rounds of radiation therapy in January 2025.
“It was so emotional, I had to truly just block it out for the length of the dance,” she said.
“I had to just lock into [my partner] and stay with him. And then afterward it was like that relief ... like, ‘Okay, now I can feel all the feels.’ ”
Back Fit and Excited on "Dancing with the Stars"
In September 2025, Danielle Fishel proudly announced that she was cancer-free and had fully recovered.
Despite this, she continues to prioritize her health, especially given the demanding schedule she faces as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."
Fishel is very focused on her physical recovery and maintaining her fitness.Her daily routine includes mandatory stretching every morning and night, as well as ensuring she stays well-hydrated.
She also tries to take cold showers whenever possible, in an effort to aid recovery from the often sore muscles caused by intense training.
Danielle Fishel's participation on "Dancing with the Stars" with her partner, Pasha Pashkov, is more than just a competition.
She sees it as a "dance of joy," a celebration of life after defeating breast cancer.
Danielle Fishel's Profile and Latest Projects
Danielle Fishel, born on May 5, 1981, is now 44 years old in 2025.
She is married to Jensen Karp and the mother of two sons, 6-year-old Adler and 4-year-old Keaton.
In addition to competing on "Dancing with the Stars," Fishel is also active in the podcast world.
She co-hosts the podcast "Pod Meets World" alongside her former "Boy Meets World" co-stars Rider Strong and Will Friedle.
On September 3, 2025, she launched a new podcast titled "Danielle With the Stars," where she interviews "Dancing with the Stars" contestants and professionals.
She has directed episodes for various popular TV series, including "Raven's Home," "Coop & Cami Ask the World," and "Lopez vs. Lopez."
Along with his 'Pod Meets World' colleagues, he is also working on a documentary about their experiences, although release details have not yet been announced.