Shannen Doherty is honest about her viewpoint. Just before Thanksgiving, on the set of her PEOPLE cover shoot, she emphasizes, “I don’t want to die.”
The actress, who is well-known for her parts in the 1990s TV series Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210, talks about her Stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread to her bones, with her usual openness, optimism, and dry wit.
Shannen Doherty, 52, is determined to move forward despite continuing treatment. “I’m not finished with living,” she declares, demonstrating her resolve. I have not yet given up on love. I have not yet completed my creations. Hopefully, I’m not done trying to make improvements.” She finishes with a smile, saying, “I’m just not— I’m not done.”
Shannen Doherty’s journey with cancer
Throughout her eight-year cancer journey, Doherty has used the time to reflect on the bigger picture of her life.
Her memoir-style podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” will feature a major theme of introspection and will debut on iHeartRadio on December 6. She plans to explore a wide range of subjects on this platform, from her illness and its different stages to her past relationships and career highlights.
Doherty revealed her initial breast cancer diagnosis to PEOPLE in 2015. Since then, she has had radiation, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy.
She declared remission in April 2017, but the cancer returned in 2019, and the following year, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 cancer. Tackling the deep inquiries of “Why me? How come I developed cancer?” and “Why did my cancer return? “Why am I in stage 4?” she asks, highlighting the need to look for a higher calling in life.
Doherty’s podcast attempts to show that people with terminal cancer still have important things to contribute to society in addition to raising money and awareness for cancer research.
She expresses shock that there isn’t a cure, but she’s determined to push for improvements in cancer care.
Shannen Doherty is driven to live and work despite cancer
Doherty disclosed on Instagram in June that the cancer had spread to her brain. Five months earlier, she had had surgery to remove a brain tumor, which she jokingly called Bob.
“It had to be removed and analyzed for its pathology,” she says. “Certainly one of the most frightening experiences I’ve ever faced in my entire life.”
Doherty’s current goal is to take part in clinical trials when new treatments come out. It is estimated by the Susan G. Komen Foundation that approximately 168,000 individuals are coping with metastatic breast cancer.
Her main drive, though, is to demonstrate that she can carry on working despite her cancer diagnosis. Her ability to persevere is driven by a strong sense of discipline.
“A cancer diagnosis frequently translates into an inability to walk, eat, or work. They say, ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ but that’s not true, and they push you aside at a young age,” the woman claims. We are colorful people with unique outlooks on life. We can’t wait to get to work, enjoy life, and continue.”
The actress looks forward to starting a new day with her friends, family, and German shepherd, Bowie, every morning.
“I think the best times are still ahead of me,” she says. “I make an effort to be grateful. I pray for the things that are important to me without making excessive requests when I wake up and go to bed, giving thanks to God. It strengthens my spiritual and higher power connections.
My faith serves as a kind of compass.” She goes on to say that everything has more meaning, and the sky appears even bluer after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
It may come across as cliched and strange, but you start to realize how fortunate you are and become more conscious of everything. Because we are so grateful for every moment, every hour, and every day that we get to be here, we are the ones who want to work the hardest.”
