In an essay published by USA TODAY on September 27, Wiles described how cancer treatment affected her daily life while she continued performing one of Washington’s most demanding political jobs.

Wiles said she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in March. Despite the diagnosis, she decided to remain in her position and continue working while undergoing treatment.

The diagnosis became public six months ago, when Trump announced that Wiles had breast cancer and said doctors had detected the disease at an early stage.

Wiles has now provided a more personal account, explaining that the disease occupied her thoughts from the moment she woke up and sometimes remained present while she slept.

She described cancer treatment as physically and emotionally demanding, saying there were days when simply getting out of bed, getting dressed and going to work required considerable effort.

Chemotherapy affected her stamina, mobility and concentration, according to Wiles. She acknowledged that she could not always be everywhere she wanted to be while carrying out White House responsibilities.

The chief of staff said work nevertheless provided a sense of purpose during treatment. Remaining involved in White House duties helped her maintain an identity beyond medical appointments and cancer-related concerns.

Wiles also emphasized that continuing to work during treatment was her personal decision and should not be interpreted as something every cancer patient should or could do.

Her account describes the challenge of balancing treatment with responsibilities that require constant coordination among senior officials, advisers and other members of the administration.

Wiles credited colleagues, family members, friends and her medical team with helping her manage the months of treatment while she continued performing her duties at the White House.

She has also publicly thanked Trump for supporting her during the illness. After announcing her diagnosis, Wiles said she intended to remain focused on her responsibilities despite the treatment.

Trump had praised Wiles earlier in the year, describing her prognosis as highly favorable after doctors discovered the cancer at an early stage.

On September 16, Wiles announced that pathology results following a medical appointment at the Mayo Clinic showed no evidence of remaining cancer. She publicly described herself as cancer-free.

The announcement followed months in which Wiles continued appearing at the White House and accompanying Trump on some official activities despite undergoing treatment.

CBS News reported that Wiles underwent a medical procedure connected to her diagnosis at the Mayo Clinic before pathology results from a biopsy came back clear.

Wiles has served as Trump’s chief of staff since the beginning of his second presidential term, making her responsible for managing White House operations and coordinating the president’s senior advisers.

Before joining the White House, Wiles played a major role in Trump’s political campaigns, including serving as co-campaign manager for his 2024 presidential campaign.

In her latest account, Wiles said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for her purpose in life, while acknowledging the lasting physical and emotional effects of treatment.

She said cancer could make a person’s world smaller, but she was determined not to allow the illness to completely define her daily life or professional identity.

Wiles’ account offers a firsthand perspective on managing serious illness while holding a senior government position, while her September medical update indicates that doctors found no remaining cancer after treatment.