“My fear is obvious”: Shannen Doherty’s tearful health update
Actress Shannen Doherty, best known for her roles in the hit TV series Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210, has shared an update on her cancer battle with her concerned followers.
The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and has been open about her ongoing fight, from her 2017 remission to her 2020 stage 4 diagnosis, and has now made the heartbreaking announcement that the cancer has spread to her brain.
In two videos posted to her social media account, Shannen has detailed this latest chapter in her journey, and confessed the fear that comes along with the whole ordeal.
In the first post, Shannen detailed the experience of having her radiation mask fitted, after CT scans revealed mets on her brain on January 5.
Her followers wasted no time in offering their support, with many revealing their own - or their loved ones’ - experiences fighting cancer, and wishing her all of the positive thoughts they had to offer.
“I just had my bilateral mastectomy on May 31st along with a lymph node dissection,” one wrote, “and I just want to let you know that you are my hero right now and I am totally here for you as well”.
“My brother was given 6-8 months in ‘94 - he went through radiotherapy, chemo, and is still with us today,” another shared. “The power of positive thinking, of ‘I CAN beat this’, was his mantra. He is living proof it can be beaten!!! Thinking of you and sending strength”.
A day later, Shannen returned with another update, this time with a video taken on January 12, when the radiation process began.
“January 12, the first round of radiation took place,” she revealed. “My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life.”
Shannen took a moment then to thank her “amazing doctors”, before making the heartbreaking confession that “that fear…. The turmoil….. the timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like.”
Friends and fans could once again be found in force in her comments, with another round of love and support being sent her way, and words of encouragement shared throughout.
“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,” fellow actress Selma Blair wrote.
As actress Sarah Michelle Gellar put it, “you are a warrior”.
“I send you love, strength and lighting thoughts. If I only could fight for you too, or just, take your hands and spread my strength through your soul,” a fan said. “I’m not gonna tell you that you are a warrior, you already knows that and you may think ‘I have to. What other choice do I have?’
“But trust me, you are remarkable. I worked on oncology service for years and never seen someone with stage four, fighting like you do. You have all my admiration and support. As always.”
Images: Instagram