Christina Applegate's 'a Trooper'

Christina Applegate has only just begun her battle against breast cancer, but friends say she's up to the fight.

Pals of the Broadway vet say they've been so blown away by her strength in the past that they're confident she can beat the illness.

One friend told OK! that when Christina, 36, injured her foot while starring in the musical Sweet Charity in 2005, her co-stars were stunned to see her dance right through the pain.

“She was a big trooper,” says a source close to the production during its run. “A month or so after she broke her foot, she returned to the show.

“Not completely healed, she danced on it, soaking it in ice in her dressing room after every performance.

"She never complained, was brilliant onstage and always a delight off-stage,” the source shares.

Actress-turned-theater-producer Amanda Watkins says she looks up to the Samantha Who? star as a role model.

“I learned more from Christina Applegate as Charity than I have from every leading lady I have ever worked with put together,” Amanda says.

“She is so talented, so gracious, so fun and most importantly, a spunky fighter.”

Amanda sends well wishes to her Broadway buddy. “Here is to her speedy recovery and if I am lucky enough, to sharing the stage again soon,” she declares.

Yesterday Christina's rep confirmed that she has recently been diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer.

It is said not to be life-threatening.

By Delaina Dixon