The 52-year-old actress Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2015. When the cancer first appeared, Doherty wanted to keep it private by just telling her immediate family, and she did so for the first year after her diagnosis.
What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other regions of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Unlike early-stage breast cancer, which is usually treated and cured, metastatic breast cancer is further advanced and rarely curable. Treatments, however, can help manage the condition and enhance quality of life.
Shannen Doherty’s Reaction
In an interview with ABC News‘ Amy Robach, Doherty talked about how she felt about her diagnosis. She said, “I don’t think I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways. There are definitely days where I say ‘why me’ and then I go ‘well, why not me. Who else?’ You know. Who else besides me deserves this? None of us do! And I would say that my first reaction is always concerned about how I’m going to tell my mom, and my husband.”
Shannen Doherty’s Experience
Doherty continued to work despite her diagnosis. She has been in popular television shows such as 90210 and Charmed, among many more. Luke Perry died around the time Doherty was first diagnosed with cancer. She wondered why she hadn’t died, given that she had been diagnosed with stage IV cancer.
However, someone who appeared to be in good health, like Luke Perry, passed away first. She was stunned, and the least she could do to honor Perry was to continue working.
While keeping her diagnosis a secret from the public, Doherty continued to work knowing that eventually the news of it would make its way online. Despite having incurable cancer, she worked so hard—16 hours a day—that when the news of her diagnosis broke, people would know how hard she had worked.
“Then people can look at that and say, oh my God yeah, she can work and other people with stage IV cancer can work too. You know, our lives don’t end the minute we get that diagnosis. We still have some living to do,” Doherty added in the interview.
Shannen Doherty’s Treatment Plan
The actress Shannen Doherty, who starred in the television series “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” provided an encouraging health report while battling stage 4 breast cancer. In her podcast with her oncologist, she talked about a new “miracle” cancer infusion treatment. The blood-brain barrier is the goal of this treatment since it is essential to the health of the brain and nervous system.
Takeaway
In this story, Doherty highlighted the value of keeping a happy mindset while battling cancer, emphasizing the beneficial effects of positivity. She has had setbacks, such as the disease spreading to her bones and brain, but she is resolute and is continuing her treatment and looking for clinical trials.
