Shannen Doherty, famous for her iconic roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, and Charmed, has been unreservedly transparent about her ongoing battle with health issues. In June of this year, the 52-year-old disclosed the heart-wrenching news that her stage four cancer had metastasized to her brain. Eliciting an overwhelming outpouring of sympathy from fans and well-wishers alike.
Doherty, undeterred by the gravity of her situation, has earnestly noted her arduous journey with cancer. She shares candid videos on her Instagram and provides regular updates to inform and inspire. This health odyssey began in 2015 when she was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. A battle she seemingly won when she went into remission two years later following intensive treatment.
Sadly, more bad news came from Shannen Doherty
Tragically, the actress faced a devastating setback and appeared on Good Morning America in 2020 to announce that not only had her cancer returned, but it had escalated to stage four. In a poignant statement, she said, “It’s going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I’m stage four. So my cancer came back and that’s why I’m here.” This week, in a candid People magazine cover shoot, Doherty revealed the woeful news that the cancer had further spread to her bones. Accompanied by a poignant expression of her inner turmoil: “I don’t want to die.”
Despite the severe challenges of her health, Doherty faces the situation with unparalleled bravery and an unwavering resolve to press forward. In the face of her grim prognosis, she asserts, “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.“
Following her initial diagnosis in 2015, Doherty had a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, going into remission in 2017
However, by 2019, the cancer reappeared, leading to her revelation of metastatic stage 4 cancer the next year. Reflecting on her wild journey, Doherty voices a deep belief in the greater purpose of her life. She endeavors to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. All while challenging the general illusion that individuals with terminal cancer are unable to make meaningful contributions to the world. “It’s insane to me [that] we still don’t have a cure,” she laments.
Shannen Doherty has fought back in so many ways
Currently, Doherty is dedicated to gaining access to clinical trials for new treatments. Steadfast in her commitment to prove that she can continue working despite her cancer diagnosis. Defying stereotypes linked to terminal illness, she bravely answered. “People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture very early —‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not.”
Her gratitude for life is nothing short of admirable. Expressed through daily acknowledgments of thanks for another day spent with loved ones and her loyal German shepherd, Bowie. Despite the tough challenges she faces, Doherty remains optimistic, saying, “My greatest memory is yet to come.”
Throughout this arduous journey, Doherty’s faith and spirituality have been pivotal. She accepts the seemingly cliché sentiment that heightened awareness accompanies adversity and emphasizes the deep sense of gratitude that she and others grappling with similar challenges experience. “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,” she reflects.