Nicole Eggert Says She Has Breast Cancer, 'Panics' Over Spread Uncertainty

Former Baywatch and Charles in Charge star Nicole Eggert said Monday she has breast cancer, and has been overwhelmed by panics over whether it has already spread elsewhere.

Eggert told People she was diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer in early December after rapid weight gain and pain in her left breast dating back to October.

She told the magazine she detected a lump in a self-check, but appointment delays slowed the process before she had a mammogram and biopsies in November. A pathology report confirmed the cancer.

Eggert, 51, said the journeys been rough and is comforted somewhat by reading inspirational corny quotes amid the uncertainty.

She said shell need to have the cancer removed surgically and is awaiting word on when chemo and radiation will start. Meanwhile, she doesnt know if the cancer has metastasized. 

I have panics where Im like, just get this out of me, she said. You sit there and its in you ... every second that passes ... its inside of me. Its growing ... you just want it out.

Eggert starred in the 1980s sitcom, Charles in Charge, with lead Scott Baio, whom she later accused of sexually abusing her as a minor during the shows run. (Baio denied the claims.) Charges were not filed  reportedly because the statute of limitations had passed.

From 1992 to 94, Eggert played lifeguard Summer Quinn on Baywatch.

Eggert said she has a 25-year-old daughter, Dilyn, but remains the sole caregiver at home for 12-year-old daughter Keegan, whose face reflected horror when Eggert told her the bad news.

It immediately made me realize, theres just no succumbing to this, she told People. This is something I have to get through. This is something that I have to beat. She needs me more than anything and anybody.