Shannen Doherty, best known for her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, has been battling breast cancer for eight years. On June 6th, she posted a heart-wrenching video on Instagram of herself receiving radiation treatment to her brain, as the cancer had spread there.
Doherty has always been open about her cancer journey, updating her fans on both progress and struggles. In this article, we reveal what Doherty shared in her emotional post and how fans and friends reacted.
Doherty announced in 2015 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was undergoing treatment. Despite the cancer spreading to her lymph nodes, she went through chemotherapy, radiation, and a mastectomy. She went into remission in 2017 but announced in 2020 that the cancer had returned and was stage 4. In June this year, she shared a video of her receiving radiation treatment to the brain while wearing a special mask. In the caption, Doherty expressed her fears and the turmoil she has gone through, stating, “This is what cancer can look like.”
The comments section of Doherty's Instagram posts was flooded with well wishes and support from peers and fans. One of the messages she received read, “Sending you love,” from her No One Would Tell castmate Mira Sorvino. Selma Blair also showed her support writing, “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.”
Doherty has always been passionate about breaking misconceptions related to cancer. She shares her story because she wants people to realize that individuals living with cancer come in different shapes, sizes, and personalities, and that their lives are not over. She believes that sharing her journey can help redefine cancer patients' image, showing that they are vital and healthy, wanting to work and live their lives to the fullest.
