Shannen Doherty Shares Positive Update on Stage 4 Breast Cancer Battle
In a recent episode of her “Let’s Be Clear” podcast, actress Shannen Doherty, known for her role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” provided a hopeful update on her ongoing fight against stage 4 breast cancer. The 52-year-old star disclosed details about a new and groundbreaking cancer infusion treatment she has been undergoing.
Joined by her oncologist, Dr. Amin Mirhadi, on the podcast, Doherty shared insights into her decision to persist with the treatment despite initial uncertainties. Although she did not specify the type of infusion therapy, she referred to it as a “miracle” that has shown promising results after multiple sessions.
“After four treatments, we didn’t really see a difference, and everybody wanted me to switch, and I just was like, ‘We’re gonna keep going with this and see,'” Doherty explained. “After the sixth, seventh treatment, we really saw it breaking down the blood-brain barrier. Do I call that a miracle? Yeah. For me, that happens to be a miracle right now. That I sort of rolled the dice and said, ‘Let’s keep going.'”
The actress elaborated on the significance of breaking down the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer along the inner surface of blood vessels in the brain. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining the function of the brain and nervous system.
During the podcast, Doherty and her doctor emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset for both mental and physical well-being while battling cancer.
“Hope is always there. I can die today, I can die in 20 years, I don’t know. I can die walking outside of my house and a tree falling on me or a bus hitting me or whatever. Or I can die of cancer,” Doherty expressed. “But all I can do is live each day in as much of a positive manner with a lot of hope as I can and embrace it and be like, ‘Wow, I get to wake up again today, and what do I get to do?’ I think that positivity that you bring into your life helps you with your whole body.”
Doherty’s battle with breast cancer began in 2015, with a remission in 2017. However, the cancer recurred in 2019, spreading to her brain. She underwent surgery to remove the brain tumor and received radiation treatment. In November, she revealed that the cancer had spread to her bones, and she continues to explore treatment options, including participation in clinical trials. In December, she launched “Let’s Be Clear” as a “live memoir podcast” to share her experiences.
“For me, that happens to be a miracle.”
Shannen Doherty reveals she started a new treatment to help with her stage 4 cancer diagnosis, calling it a “miracle.” @evapilgrim has more on her cancer fight. pic.twitter.com/rfhxyKdfXY
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 30, 2024