Shannen Doherty Cries during Radiation & Reveals Brain Cancer Diagnosis after Hiding It & Filing for Divorce
- The "Charmed" actress recently shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram, updating her followers about her cancer.
- She shared her initial diagnosis with the world but went quiet when her cancer returned to prove a point.
- While struggling with her health condition, the actress parted ways with her third husband, Kurt Iswarienko, and filed for divorce.
Featuring as a child star in the 1981 series "Father Murphy," Shannen Doherty entered the world of acting at the age of 10. She played various roles in the following years, proving she was meant to become an actress.
Her role in "Beverly Hills, 90210" was a turning point in her career. She rose to fame as Brenda Walsh in the show, making a fan base that loved watching her on their screens. Moreover, her trendy fashion choices in the series became the talk of the town as young women copied her style.
Shannen Doherty on August 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
While Doherty enjoyed a successful career, her love life was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. She tied the knot thrice, and all her marriages ended in divorce. However, this is not the only thing she struggled with.
In March 2015, the actress's life took an unexpected turn after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. On Tuesday, she shared a heartbreaking update with her Instagram followers, revealing that her cancer had spread to her brain.
Shannen Doherty on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In the Instagram post, the 52-year-old was seen crying inside a hospital room. She penned down her feelings in the post's caption while appreciating the doctors treating her.
Shannen Doherty Shares an Emotional Update with Her Fans
The actress shared two videos from the hospital on Instagram. The first one, posted on Monday, showed how the medical professionals prepared a mask for her face to undergo brain radiation therapy.
In the second video, Doherty revealed she underwent the first round of radiation on January 12, 2023, after scans showed cancer cells in her brain. Tears flowed at the corner of her eyes as she rested on a bed wearing a mask, surrounded by machinery. She explained her feelings:
"I am extremely claustrophobic, and there was a lot going on in my life."
Besides sharing her feelings, Doherty praised her doctors and the medical staff involved with her cancer treatment. Soon, her fans shared heartfelt messages and prayers on social media. One netizen said, "Poor girl has been through so much. My heart breaks for her."
A comment on Daily Mail's Facebook post about Shannon Doherty's recent post | Source: facebook.com/DailyMail
Shannen Doherty Kept Her Cancer Recurrence a Secret
When Doherty learned about her breast cancer in March 2015, she was very vocal about it. She shared the news with everyone, revealing her health struggles. But she didn't do the same when her cancer returned.
In 2020, the actress opened up about her cancer recurring in an interview on "Good Morning America." "I don't think I've processed it. It's a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways," Doherty said.
The news of her cancer's recurrence shocked the actress, but she did not immediately share it with the world because she wanted to show the world that people with stage 4 cancer can lead normal lives.
Shannen Doherty in Santa Monica, California on Friday, September 7, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her health condition, Doherty continued shooting for the reboot of "90210," which meant she had to stay on the set for around 16 hours a day. One of her confidantes, Brian Austin Green, helped her survive her busy shooting schedule and supported her when she thought she couldn't work anymore.
"Listen, you know, whatever happens, I have your back," Green would tell her every time before cameras started rolling. The actress said he "helped her through a lot" while she worked long hours. However, her health condition wasn't the only thing that bothered her.
Shannen Doherty Files for Divorce While Living with Cancer
After watching her marriage end in divorce two times, Doherty filed for divorce 11 years after tying the knot with Kurt Iswarienko. The couple parted ways in January 2023, but the actress filed for divorce in April after she was "left with no other option."
Kurt Iswarienko and Shannen Doherty on September 17, 2009 in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Sources suggested that the couple's marriage ended on a bitter note, which meant the "Mallrats" actress had to deal with a difficult phase in her personal life besides her health condition.
The actress did not sign a prenup with her third husband, and the couple had no children. The legal documents obtained by TMZ stated that the actress did not want Iswarienko to receive spousal support.
Kurt Iswarienko and Shannen Doherty on November 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
After enjoying a successful acting career, Doherty faced multiple challenges in her life. While netizens write supportive messages for the "Heathers" actress as she battles cancer bravely, we pray for her speedy recovery.
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