Shannen Doherty, known for her role as Brenda Walsh in the TV series “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has been bravely fighting breast cancer for the past eight years. In a recent Instagram post, she shared an update on her health, captioning it, “Early morning doctors visit for scans. With bleary eyes. My hair was a mess, but the fresh bandage wraps brightened my day!” Along with the post, she used the hashtag “#cancerslayer.”
In 2015, Doherty discovered a lump in her breast and received the heartbreaking news of her breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent hormone treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a single mastectomy to combat the disease. After a period of remission in 2017, stage IV breast cancer returned in February 2020, affecting other areas of her body as well.
Breast cancer is classified into stages based on its severity, ranging from 0 to IV. The higher the stage number, the more invasive or advanced the cancer is. Stage 0 breast cancer refers to noninvasive or confined cancer within the milk ducts. On the other hand, stage IV, also known as metastatic breast cancer, indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Sadly, this is the stage Doherty is currently facing. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 150,000 breast cancer survivors in the US who are living with metastatic disease.
While metastatic breast cancer is often considered incurable, advancements in medical technology have significantly increased the life expectancy of those diagnosed with the condition. Research and treatment options continue to progress, providing hope and support to individuals fighting this disease.
Throughout her cancer journey, Doherty has relied on her passion for acting as a source of strength. Last year, she starred in two TV movies titled “List of a Lifetime” and “Dying to Belong,” demonstrating her resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Her use of social media has allowed her to share various aspects of her cancer battle, including her firsthand experiences with chemotherapy.
In an article published in October of last year, Doherty candidly shared, “I experienced multiple nose bleeds from the treatment…I was also burned out. I put on some hilarious pajamas that my friend Kristy had given me to help me feel better.” Through this challenging time, she found solace in laughter, embracing the ability to laugh at herself and find moments of joy amidst the impossible.
Shannen Doherty’s resilience and positive outlook serve as an inspiration to all. Her unwavering spirit and willingness to share her journey remind us that even in the face of immense challenges, laughter and hope can help us find the strength to navigate life’s toughest battle
