Shannen Doherty has given an extremely candid interview about her Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, sharing the sad news that it’s now spread to her bones.
But the 52-year-old also declared that she’s not going down without a fight because she isn’t ready “to die”.
“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,” Shannen told People on November 29.
The actress then revealed that she’s launching a memoir-style podcast – called Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty – on December 6 in the hopes that she can raise more awareness and funds for cancer research.
“It’s insane to me [that] we still don’t have a cure,” Shannen said.
In June of this year, Shannen disclosed that her breast cancer had further metastasized and spread to her brain.
Shannen Doherty previously revealed in June that her cancer had spread to her brain.
Taking to Instagram, the Charmed star revealed that she first learnt about the spread on January 5, 2023, after a CT (computed tomography) scan showed “mets” in her brain, and so, she quickly began radiation therapy on January 12.
She also posted a video of the gruelling process along with the caption:
“January 12, the first round of radiation took place. My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life. I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at Cedar Sinai [Medical Centre].”
WATCH: Shannen Doherty opens up about her battle with breast cancer (Article continues after video)
“But that fear…. The turmoil….. the timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like.”
Friends and fans alike commented on Shannen’s video with words of encouragement and praise.
Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote, “You are a warrior,” while Selma Blair – who’s fighting her own battle with Multiple Sclerosis – commented, “This is a lot. This is a lot to take on, still again. And I am wishing for all the wise peace you have learned to find you in the terror moments. To know we are holding you. Love. All love.”
Shannen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
Kevin Smith, who directed Shannen in the 1995 film Mallrats, wrote, “Rooting for you, my irreplaceable friend. You have been such a fearless fighter your whole life, so it’s understandable to be a little scared from time to time. But when those moments pass, let that indomitable Doherty spirit take over anew. I love you so much, my Mallrat.”
Shannen, who first rose to fame for her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and after undergoing a single mastectomy and chemotherapy in 2016, Shannen went into remission in 2017.
Sadly though, in 2020, Shannen announced her cancer had returned as Stage 4 – meaning her cancer had spread from its original location (the breasts) to other parts of the body.
