Shannen Doherty, the actress known for her roles in "Beverly Hills 90210," has been bravely battling breast cancer since her initial diagnosis in 2015. After entering remission following chemo and radiation, she revealed in February 2020 that the cancer had returned and progressed to stage 4. Throughout her journey, Doherty has been open about the physical and emotional challenges she faces. In the face of these challenges, Doherty has emphasized the importance of diet, fitness, and a positive mindset in maintaining her well-being.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
In various Instagram posts, Shannen Doherty has shared her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, expressing gratitude to her friends for their support in keeping her fit and on track. She acknowledged that it's not always easy, with days of depression or laziness, but she strives to persevere by taking care of herself and embracing each day.
"After a year of dealing with cancer coming back and other stresses, I’m back at it," she wrote. "Taking care of myself and embracing every day. It’s not always easy. I have days I’m depressed or just plain lazy. But I push thru with the help of friends."
This note about health and wellness stands in contrast to a previous post where she admitted to "struggling" with her diagnosis and cancer battle, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the disease.
The Power of Diet
Doherty has also emphasized the importance of healthy eating in her journey. Recognizing the need to "get motivated again," she acknowledged that part of that motivation comes from eating healthy, while still enjoying delicious food. She credited Chef Oren for teaching her recipes that are "delicious, healthy, and super easy to make."
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
In one post, Doherty wrote, "So I’m trying to get motivated again, part of that is eating healthy but I like food that taste yummy. Enter [Chef Oren] who spent a day with myself and [Anne Marie] cooking and teaching me recipes that are delicious, healthy and super easy to make."
Marisa Gholson, a Physicians Assistant at Compass Oncology, advises patients to "eat a well-balanced diet." She clarifies that there's no strong evidence suggesting that cutting out sugar, dairy, or soy will slow down or reverse cancer growth. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate nutrition, even if it means supplementing with nutritional shakes like Ensure or Boost, especially when cancer treatments like chemotherapy cause a loss of appetite or taste changes. She advocates for moderation in all dietary choices.
Doherty herself shared a post about a "reset diet" with a cheat meal, expressing her desire to be the best version of herself and recognizing that "eating right is the start."
The Role of Exercise and Support Systems
Exercise plays a significant role in Doherty's approach to wellness. She has been working out with friends like model Anne Marie Kortright and personal trainer Kira Stokes. Doherty credited Kortright with motivating her to hike and learn new ways to cook healthy meals, while Stokes provided spirited workouts.
"It’s been a productive great week," Doherty said. "I feel better. My skin is alive and so am I."
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Beyond diet and exercise, Doherty emphasizes the importance of a strong support system. She expressed gratitude for the love, prayers, and support she receives, acknowledging that it helps lift her during this challenging time. In a recent post, she shared a joyful video of herself dancing with her mom, highlighting the cherished moments spent with loved ones. Surrounding oneself with supportive people like parents, friends, and partners can be incredibly powerful during a cancer journey.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
Shannen Doherty's journey is marked by her determination to maintain a positive attitude. Despite the difficulties she faces, she strives to live each day as a precious gift. Her dancing video exemplifies this spirit of joy and resilience.
One oncologist at Cedars-Sinai noted that patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, often have an attitude that allows them to live the longest, even with a severe illness.
Reflections on Cancer and Life
Doherty has been candid about the emotional and psychological impact of cancer. She revealed that she doesn't dwell on the fact that she's in remission but instead feels lucky to be alive every minute. She also acknowledged the toll that work, particularly the "BH90210" reboot, has taken on her, admitting to exhaustion and struggles with self-care.
In an interview, she shared, "I don’t think you’re ever on the other side” of cancer…I look at it like I’m lucky to be alive every minute, every second of the day.”
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Doherty also spoke about the physical changes she's experienced due to medication, such as the loss of collagen. While she admits to being critical of herself, she's also learning to accept who she is now and be kinder to herself.
Shannen's Breast Cancer Battle: A Timeline
- 2015: First diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump.
- 2015-2017: Underwent hormone therapy, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- 2017: Announced she was in remission.
- February 2020: Revealed that her cancer had returned and spread to other parts of her body (stage 4).
Surgical Options for Breast Cancer
Surgery, such as the single mastectomy Doherty underwent, is a common treatment for breast cancer. An oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explained that the standard options for treatment typically involve surgically removing the cancer, either through a lumpectomy (removing the tumor and surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removing the entire breast). The choice between these options depends on the extent of the cancer within the breast.
Living with Stage 4 Cancer
Doherty's decision to participate in the "BH90210" reboot was partly motivated by a desire to show that people with stage 4 cancer can continue to work and live fulfilling lives. She wanted to honor her late castmate, Luke Perry, and demonstrate that a cancer diagnosis doesn't mean life ends.
"People can look at that other people with stage four can work too," she said. "Like, you know, our life doesn't end the minute we get that diagnosis."