It hasn’t been an easy journey for Shannen Doherty as she battles breast cancer for the past eight years. Recently, she shared an update on her health through an Instagram post, saying, “Early morning doctors visit for scans.”
With tired eyes and messy hair, she brightened her day with fresh bandage wraps. She even added the hashtag #cancerslayer.
In 2015, Doherty discovered a lump in her breast and received the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent hormone treatment, radiation, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy.
After a period of remission in 2017, the cancer returned in February 2020, reaching stage IV and affecting other parts of her body.
Breast cancer is categorized into stages, ranging from 0 to IV, with higher numbers indicating a more invasive and spreading form of the disease. Stage IV, also known as metastatic breast cancer, means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Facing metastatic breast cancer can be incredibly challenging, but thanks to advancements in medical technology, the lives of those diagnosed with the condition have improved significantly. In the United States alone, there are over 150,000 breast cancer survivors living with metastatic disease.
Even throughout her difficult battle, Doherty continued to pursue her passion for acting, participating in two TV movies last year: “List of a Lifetime” and “Dying to Belong.”
Through social media, Doherty has shared various aspects of her cancer journey, including her experiences with chemotherapy. In an article from October of last year, she mentioned that she experienced multiple nosebleeds as a side effect of treatment.
To maintain a positive outlook, Doherty often relied on humor, even poking fun at herself by wearing silly pajamas given to her by a friend, Kristy. She found that laughter helped her conquer the seemingly impossible.
Shannen Doherty’s strength and determination in the face of adversity have inspired many. As she bids farewell to her loved ones, her journey serves as a reminder that even in the toughest times, laughter and a positive mindset can make a world of difference.
