Shannen Doherty, acclaimed for her role in “Beverly Hills 90210,” has been courageously battling breast cancer since 2015.
She has openly shared her experiences and challenges through social media and her podcast, Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty. Her journey encapsulates a range of emotions, from the initial diagnosis to remission, and the subsequent return of the disease, offering an unfiltered view into the life of someone battling cancer.
The 2015 Diagnosis Amidst Legal Battle
Doherty’s battle began in 2015 when she announced her breast cancer diagnosis. This revelation was entwined with a legal dispute with her former business manager, whom she sued for allegedly not paying her insurance premiums, as reported by CNN.
She claimed that this delayed her cancer diagnosis, asserting, “If the cancer had been caught earlier, she wouldn’t have had to undergo chemotherapy and a mastectomy.” Entertainment Tonight reports that her former manager denied these allegations in a statement that read “the claim that Tanner Mainstain caused her to be uninsured, prevented her from seeking medical care, or somehow contributed to her cancer is patently false,” but the lawsuit, settled in 2016, was a significant event in her health journey.
Sharing the Struggle on Social Media
Women’s Health reveals that after her diagnosis, Doherty actively used Instagram to document her treatment journey.
This included sharing impactful moments like shaving her head in 2016 during chemotherapy. These posts offered a raw and honest glimpse into the day-to-day reality of cancer treatment and its emotional impact.
Cancer’s Spread and Facing Uncertainty
In 2016, Doherty revealed that the cancer had metastasized to her lymph nodes, per information from Women’s Health.
She expressed her fears to ET, saying, “The unknown is always the scariest part. Is the chemo going to work? Is the radiation going to work? Am I going to have to go through this again, or am I going to get secondary cancer?”
Remission Achieved in 2017
People notes that April 28, 2017, marked a significant moment for Doherty when she entered remission.
In a reflective Instagram post, she shared, “Today was and is a moment. What does remission mean? I heard that word and have no idea how to react. Good news? YES. Overwhelming. YES. Now more waiting.”
Breast Reconstruction Post-Mastectomy
Two and a half years after her mastectomy, Doherty underwent breast reconstruction, according to Women’s Health.
Sharing the experience on Instagram, she joked, “Happy Mother’s Day mom. I only bring you to the best places…..hospital food..yum. I love you. Thank you for always being there.”
Confronting Stage 4 Cancer in 2020
Women’s Health reports that in 2020, court documents revealed that Doherty was “dying of stage 4 terminal cancer.” Doherty then confirmed the harrowing news of her stage 4 cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America.
She emphasized, “I’d rather people hear it from me, I don’t want it to be twisted; I don’t want it to be a court document. I want it to be real and authentic, and I want to control the narrative. I want people to know from me.”
Raising Awareness During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2021, Doherty continued to advocate and educate, Women’s Health reveals.
She detailed the treatment side effects on Instagram, including chemotherapy-induced nosebleeds, and finding joy in simple pleasures like wearing funny pajamas during these challenging times.
Brain Metastasis and Continuing Treatment
People reports that in June 2023, Doherty revealed that the cancer had advanced to her brain.
In an Instagram post, she discussed being fitted for a radiation mask and her feelings of claustrophobia. Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for her medical team and the support she received.
Perseverance in the Face of Bone Metastasis
After learning the cancer had spread to her bones, Doherty remained steadfast.
Speaking to People, she stated, “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I’m just not—I’m not done.”
Doherty’s Profound Reflections on Life with Cancer
Doherty’s perspective on life has been profoundly altered by her cancer journey.
She explained to People, “When you have cancer, everything is more poignant, and the sky is bluer. I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you’re just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed. We’re the people who want to work the most, because we’re just so grateful for every second, every hour, every day we get to be here.”
Gratitude and Hope in Everyday Life
Doherty’s cancer experience has deepened her gratitude for life.
She shared, “I wake up and go to bed thanking God, praying for the things that matter to me without asking for too much. It connects me to a higher power and spirituality. My faith is my mantra.”
