Shannen Doherty shares devastating update on breast cancer: ‘My fear is obvious’

Shannen Doherty has detailed her fear and turmoil
Getty Images for Hallmark Channe
Lisa McLoughlin 8 June 2023
The Weekender

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Shannen Doherty has revealed that her breast cancer has spread to her brain in a heartbreaking update.

The 52-year-old, who announced in 2020 that she has stage four breast cancer, confirmed the news in a video which documented her first brain radiation therapy earlier this year.

During the treatment, Doherty wore a thermoplastic mask that covered her face and neck and was seen lying on a table while lasers and red lights from a machine were aimed towards her face.

In the caption, the Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed actress shared: “On January 5, my CT scan showed Mets in my brain.

“Yesterday’s video was showing the process of getting fitted for the mask which you wear during radiation to your brain,” she wrote, refering to a previous clip about the brain radiation treatment.

“January 12, the first round of radiation took place. My fear is obvious.”

Explaining her experience, the Hollywood star continued: “I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life.

“I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at [Cedars-Sinai]. “But that fear…. The turmoil... the timing of it all... This is what cancer can look like”.

In light of her post, many famous faces showed their support for Doherty and urged her to keep going amid her ongoing treatment.

Selma Blair commented: “This is a lot. 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.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote: “You are a warrior.”

“Rooting for you, my irreplaceable friend,” said 1995 film Mallrats director Kevin Smith.

“You have been such a fearless fighter your whole life, so it’s understandable to be a little scared from time to time.

“But when those moments pass, let that indomitable Doherty spirit take over anew. I love you so much, my Mallrat.”

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in