Current:Home > ScamsShannen Doherty Details Heartbreaking Moment She Believed She Wouldn't Survive Cancer Battle -FundTrack
Shannen Doherty Details Heartbreaking Moment She Believed She Wouldn't Survive Cancer Battle
View
Date:2025-04-15 08:41:30
Shannen Doherty is telling her story on her own terms.
The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress opened up about the most difficult moments she's faced amid her harrowing journey with breast cancer—and how she eventually found her strength in the process.
"It was hard, and it was scary, but there was also something so beautiful about it," Shannen said on the premiere episode of her new podcast, Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty. "I really learned a lot about myself, and I learned a lot about the people in my life."
She added, "I learned about my own well of strength and being able to dig deep."
On some of her most difficult days, the 52-year-old, who recently shared her cancer has spread to her bones, thought she wouldn't make it.
"When I dropped down to 92 lbs. from chemo and was incredibly dehydrated, I had to still get out of bed," Shannen explained. "My husband at the time, sort of begging me to keep going and my mom literally trying to pick me up out of bed and get me to the doctor."
"At that point in time, I thought that I wouldn't survive it," the Charmed alum, who split from husband Kurt Iswarienko after 11 years earlier this year, continued. "I didn't know how I would get through it."
Shannen was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and eventually went into remission in 2017. Two years later, however, the disease returned and went on to metastasize to her brain, which she underwent radiation and surgery for.
In addition to sharing her cancer journey with fans, she's also reflected on how her pain has transcended its physical form. For Shannen, losing her hair was like losing part of her identity.
"I kind of was known for my hair a little bit," she admitted. "I was really proud of my hair, to be honest. I know it seems vain and so silly to say something like that but it helped define me and when I lost that, I had to find a new definition for myself."
And she credits the kindness of her loved ones and fans who've reached out to share their own stories as helping guide her through the tough moments.
"To have that connection," she said. "It sort of wrapped me into this cocoon of safety, as cheesy as that may sound or as sappy as that may sound, it really did. It made me feel less ostracized from the world and like I was a part of something, which then started my feeling of deep, deep responsibility to share my story."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (693)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- 'Yellowstone' star Luke Grimes on adapting to country culture
- After Disasters, Whites Gain Wealth, While People of Color Lose, Research Shows
- Voters deciding dozens of ballot measures affecting life, death, taxes and more
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Taylor Swift watches Chiefs play Monday Night Football after end of US Eras Tour
- Federal authorities investigating after 'butchered' dolphin found ashore New Jersey beach
- Democrats are heavily favored to win both of Rhode Island’s seats in the US House
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Prince William Reveals the Question His Kids Ask Him the Most During Trip to South Africa
Ranking
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Democrats hope to keep winning streak alive in Washington governor’s race
- New Hampshire’s governor’s race pits ex-Sen. Kelly Ayotte against ex-Mayor Joyce Craig
- Connecticut to decide on constitution change to make mail-in voting easier
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Another round of powerful, dry winds to raise wildfire risk across California
- Control of Congress is at stake and with it a president’s agenda
- First-term Democrat tries to hold on in Washington state district won by Trump in 2020
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Za'Darius Smith trade winners, losers: Lions land Aidan Hutchinson replacement
Pennsylvania is home to 5 heavily contested races for the US House
The Sephora Savings Event Is Finally Open to Everyone: Here Are Products I Only Buy When They’re on Sale
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
Savencia Cheese recalls Brie cheeses sold at Aldi, Market Basket after listeria concerns
South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins has charges against her dismissed
Tennessee’s US Sen. Blackburn seeks reelection against Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson