Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesIt was only hours ago that Giuliana Rancic announced that she will undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction in her ongoing battle against breast cancer. But it took just moments for the Twitterverse to explode in a flurry of support.
Along with thousands of well-wishes and messages of courage, support and inspiration directed at the E! News anchor and Fashion Police host, Rancic's colleagues, friends and even husband Bill Rancic tweeted out words of encouragement and compassion.
On the Today show this morning, Giuliana revealed her new fight, announcing with Bill at her side, "Last time we were here I told you I was getting a double lumpectomy and radiation.
"Unfortunately, the one breast, they were not able to clear the margins and get all the cancer out, so we were faced with a decision to make.
"If I had chosen to do another lumpectomy and radiation and anti-estrogen therapy, that basically puts me into early menopause, then I would have to put off having a baby for several years. But to be honest, at the end all it came down to was choosing to live and not looking over my shoulder the rest of my life."
She told Ann Curry that with a double mastectomy, she has less than a 1 percent chance of the cancer returning, whereas with another round of lumpectomy, radiation and medication, her chances would be closer to 30 or 40 percent.
"For me it just wasn't worth it. Bill said to me—this got me—I just need you around for the next 50 years, kid. I don't care what you look like, I don't care about the physical portion of this, I just need you around for the next 50 years. So let's just get you healthy."
Needless to say, E! News cohost Ryan Seacrest was speaking for everyone when he said, "Her positivity throughout this ordeal is a true inspiration."
"Thank you for ur love," Giuliana tweeted earlier today after revealing her news on the Today show. "Thank u all!"
Bill echoed her sentiments, tweeting out, "Thank you for the outpouring of prayers for Giuliana!"
In addition to those prayers and her massive fan outpouring, Giuliana's E! family offered support to the star.
"Giuliana's strength continues to amazes us and we admire her courage and are proud to stand by her side through every step on her path to full recovery," the network said in a statement.
As for the rest, here's a sampling of what was tweeted by her friends and colleagues:
Denise Richards: "@GiulianaRancic @billrancic sending you both lots of prayers and love!!!!"
Erin Andrews: "Sending prayers and love to @GiulianaRancic. Thank u for being so strong and fearless."
Trista Sutter: "@GiulianaRancic I haven't experienced ur struggle, but immensely respect u sharing it w/those who need 2 know that they aren't alone. Prayers."
Yvette Nicole Brown: "Praying for you!"
Teresa Giudice: "@GiulianaRancic My prayers are with you sweetie. You're an inspiration to women everywhere for sharing your story. Love you! xx"
Jenna Morasca: "That a girl! Loud and proud! F canzer."
Niecy Nash: "@GiulianaRancic God bless u. Praying He adds years to your life and life to your years…"
Dule Hill: "Definitely RT @yvettenbrown: Praying for you!"
Phillip Bloch: "@GiulianaRancic my prayers go 2 u and ur fam! I know you'll get thru dis!"