The Terrifying Reality of Cancer

The thought of cancer is a terrifying prospect for many people. The fear of a diagnosis and the unknown can consume their thoughts, leading to worst-case scenarios playing out in their minds. For others, cancer is a harsh reality they have to face every day. Understanding the true nature of the disease is challenging unless you have experienced it firsthand or have a loved one who has gone through cancer treatment. Thanks to Shannen Doherty’s incredible bravery in sharing her raw and honest journey with cancer, more people can now comprehend the grueling process that cancer treatments put patients through.

Last October (2021), Shannen started documenting her breast cancer journey on her Instagram page. This was something she had not done in great detail before. Although her battle with breast cancer began in 2015 and went into remission, it unfortunately returned in 2020 as stage four breast cancer. Commemorating breast cancer awareness month, Shannen decided to open up and share her personal journey, including the not-so-pretty aspects of it.

In her own words, she wrote, “For breast cancer awareness month, I’d like to share more of my own personal journey from my first diagnosis to my second. Is it all pretty? NO but it’s truthful, and my hope in sharing is that we all become more educated, more familiar with what cancer looks like.”

Shannen’s Radiation Treatment Journey

Shannen invited both her followers and non-followers to join her on her cancer treatment journey. She posted a video on her Instagram page announcing the start of her radiation treatment. Her journey had finally begun. However, before the treatment began, Shannen shared the process of getting a mask fitted for the CT scans she would wear during the radiation sessions targeting her brain. Describing her experience, she wrote in the caption, “January 12, 2023. On January 5th, my CT scan showed that the cancer had spread to my brain. Yesterday’s video showed the process of getting fitted for the mask that I will wear during radiation to my brain.”

During this time, Shannen also opened up about the emotional trauma she faced during the process. She admitted that she is claustrophobic and does not feel comfortable in small spaces. She candidly shared her fear and turmoil, writing, “January 12, the first round of radiation took place. My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic, and there was a lot going on in my life. I am fortunate to have great doctors like Dr. Amin Mirahdi and the amazing technicians at Cedar Sinai. But that fear… the turmoil… the timing of it all… This is what cancer can look like.”

Braving Surgery with Uncertainty

A few days later, Shannen posted a video of herself before undergoing surgery. She was scheduled for tumor removal and a biopsy. Sharing her vulnerable emotions, she wrote, “January 16, 2023. Surgery. I had a tumor in my head that needed to be removed and biopsied. I am clearly trying to be brave, but I am petrified. The fear overwhelmed me. I worried about all the possible bad outcomes, about leaving my mom, and how it would impact her. I worried that I would come out of surgery as someone different. This is what cancer can look like.”

Shannen’s unwavering courage and honesty have touched many hearts, demonstrating the harsh reality of living with cancer. Her willingness to share the difficult moments of her journey provides a glimpse into the emotional and physical tolls that cancer takes on individuals and their loved ones.

Shannen Doherty’s battle with cancer is a testament to her strength and resilience. Her openness and willingness to educate others about the realities of cancer treatment have created a powerful impact. By sharing her story, she has empowered many and provided a deeper understanding of what it means to fight against this devastating disease.