Chemotherapy treatment doesn't deter Shannen Doherty's optimism
Shannen Doherty, grappling with recurrent breast cancer, faces another round of chemotherapy and feels apprehensive about the return of her port for infusions. However, she shares a glimmer of optimism in her podcast.
On her podcast "Let's Get Real with Shannen Doherty," the actress, recognized for her roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed – Magical Witches," discussed her need for chemotherapy again. The 53-year-old actress will be getting a port catheter reinstalled, which was previously taken out.
When she initially underwent chemotherapy in 2016, she received a port catheter in her chest. These tools serve as a permanent access point for repeated infusions during aggressive treatments like cancer care. Ports are commonly employed in cancer therapies.
She remembered the feeling of liberation when she learned that the port could be removed after approximately a year. The port had always bothered her, and it seemed to exacerbate her mental health issues. "I couldn't believe it! I was overjoyed," she recalled, "I thought, 'I'm back to normal.' I still had a scar there, but I felt like I had vanquished cancer."
A blend of optimism and sorrow
Unfortunately, she didn't eliminate the disease. Doherty is at the fourth stage of breast cancer. She's taken steps to shield her family and organize her affairs. But having to get a port once more "feels like a whole new game." Doherty is uncertain about the length of the chemotherapy, whether it will be three months or potentially even six, or if it might not work and a new approach will be required. "I can't predict that. My doctors can't predict that, and it's scary," the actress said.
A "medical miracle"
"On the other hand, I've got to admit that there's something Good, and the Good News is that the molecular structure of my cancer cells has recently altered, which means there are numerous more strategies I can attempt, and for the first time in a while, I have hope because there are so many more strategies to explore." She feels a sense of hope laced with sadness.
Breast cancer was first detected in Doherty in 2015. In June 2023, she informed the public that brain metastases had formed. In November 2023, she revealed in a "People" interview that the cancer had also affected her bones. In January 2024, she spoke of a "medical miracle" that gave her some breathing room.
Read also:
Despite the challenging return of chemotherapy and a port catheter, Shannen Doherty remains hopeful about her treatment. In her podcast, she discusses her love for Hollywood and its influence on her view of entertainment, sharing how she finds solace in watching movies and series, even while battling cancer.
Facing another round of intense treatment, Doherty looks to Hollywood for its ability to uplift and inspire, drawing strength from the stories of resilience and triumph depicted within the world of entertainment. The city of Hollywood and its entertainment industry have always played a significant role in her life, providing a source of comfort and inspiration during her cancer journey.
