'I’m just so thankful': Shannen Doherty celebrates Christmas with gratitude amid stage 4 cancer battle
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Shannen Doherty is celebrating Christmas with a grateful heart as she continues to fight stage 4 cancer.
The actress opened up about her health and personal challenges on her podcast, 'Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,' and shared how she is finding joy and positivity in life.
Shannen Doherty's Cancer Journey: From diagnosis to remission and back
The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star received her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. She underwent treatment and declared her remission in 2017.
However, in 2019, she disclosed that her cancer had recurred and advanced to stage 4. More recently, in June, the illness spread to her brain, leading to surgery to remove the tumor.
“This year is about just being incredibly grateful," Doherty said on the podcast where she was joined by her mother, Rosa Doherty.
Doherty mentioned that she strategically scheduled her chemotherapy infusions to ensure a full recovery in time for Christmas.
She also conveyed her gratitude to the people who have supported her throughout her cancer journey.
“We get to spend time with the people that are by our sides through thick and thin, who don’t walk away, who love us unconditionally, and that have the same beliefs and morals and standards and people who have character,” she said on her podcast.
She added, “I’m just so thankful really to be here for it.”
Shannen Doherty found her husband cheated on her
In 2023, Doherty faced not only her cancer battle but also navigated a divorce from her ex-husband, Kurt Iswarienko.
Before undergoing surgery, she learned that he had been unfaithful, engaging in months-long infidelity.
The couple had been married since 2011 and even renewed their vows in 2016.
Doherty announced her divorce in April, citing irreconcilable differences. It was subsequently disclosed in a podcast that her husband had cheated on her.
"I just felt so incredibly unloved by someone I was with for 14 years, by someone I loved with all my heart," she expressed earlier. Doherty stated that her marriage was "essentially over."
"For me, it's been a turbulent year, with some significant health struggles, substantial personal challenges, a lot of heartbreak, and fear," the actress shared in her latest podcast episode.
Shannen Doherty finding happiness and positivity
Despite the hardships she faced in 2023, Doherty expressed that she was feeling "incredibly grateful" as she bid farewell to the old year and welcomed the new one.
She shared that she was beginning to live the "happiest version of myself" and that her heart was "opening back up."
She also said that she felt “lighter” and “more positive” lately and that she was looking forward to a “beautiful” 2023.
“Even though it’s been such a contentious year for me, for some reason it just feels it’s gotten a lot lighter lately and a lot more positive,” she said. “I think next year’s going to be beautiful," as People reported.
