Featured Image Credit: Instagram/theshando
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, Health, Mental Health, Social media, Instagram, US News
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, Health, Mental Health, Social media, Instagram, US News
Shannen Doherty has shared the latest updates on her cancer journey, revealing the disease has spread to her brain.
The 52-year-old - best known for her roles in hit 90s shows Charmed and Beverly Hills 90210 - was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, but sadly, despite being in remission, the disease returned in 2019, with the actor telling her Instagram followers she now had stage four breast cancer.
Doherty has since revealed the cancer has spread to her brain, sharing a video of her undergoing radiotherapy on Instagram.
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Yesterday, (Wednesday, 7 June), the actor shared the footage of herself wearing a thermoplastic mask, crying as she received radiation treatment which targets and kills cancer cells.
The caption explains the footage is from 12 January 2023, taken shortly after a CT scan showed 'Mets in [her] brain' on 5 January.
Doherty references a previous Instagram post which shows the process of her getting 'fitted for the mask which you wear during radiation to your brain'.
"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."
Doherty concluded the post by noting how 'fortunate' she feels to have such 'great doctors like Dr Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at cedar sinai'.
However, the actor emphasised the 'fear' and 'turmoil' she feels.
The caption reads: "The timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like."
Fans and friends of the 52-year-old have flooded to the post to offer her their support.
Fellow actor Selma Blair wrote: "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."
"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," filmmaker Kevin Smith added.
Another user commented: "I saw these masks when I went for radiation from stage 3 hormone positive invasive ductal carcinoma. My heart and prayers go out for you. I know this is scary. I can’t imagine feeling trapped like that. Hugs. One day at a time. I pray you can feel GOD carrying you through all this. May he give you the renewed strength and courage, and comfort and peace and love. HUGS."
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar resolved: "You are a warrior."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week