Advertisement

Shannen Doherty reflects on cancer, chemo: I was 'so sick'

The actress announced in April that she's in remission from breast cancer.

By Annie Martin
Shannen Doherty shared a photo from one of her early chemotherapy sessions Friday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Shannen Doherty shared a photo from one of her early chemotherapy sessions Friday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Shannen Doherty is reflecting on her recent battle with cancer.

The 46-year-old actress shared a photo from one of her early chemotherapy sessions Friday for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in October.

Advertisement

"Breast Cancer Awareness month continues. This photo represents so much of my journey with chemo," Doherty wrote. "I had completed my first chemotherapy session. Was on steroids and yet so sick. Bloated yet throwing up. I had to be hooked up to get hydrated because I couldn't keep even water down."

"Chemo is different for everyone. Some tolerate it better than others. At the time, I remember thinking it couldn't get much worse," she recalled. "I was wrong. Yet I am here today. A different person than I was."

"I don't think I've yet discovered all the ways cancer changed me. As I told someone recently..... I am a work in progress and I'm ok with that. #sutc #breastcancerawareness," the star added.

Doherty posted a "personal" image earlier this month of herself breaking down after starting chemotherapy. She recalled how she felt like she was "losing" herself as she started to lose her hair from the treatments.

"Cancer has so many phases. Shock, denial, acceptance, anger, resentment, rebellion, fear, appreciation, beauty. Remission. Even then, the phases keep coming," the star shared. "Cancer is with you forever."

"Those who have experienced it know that even after you've kicked its [expletive], it still impacts you," she added. "You still go thru the roller coaster of emotions. You still need support and love. And you can still grasp life and live, live, live."

Breast Cancer Awareness month. This image is so personal to me. I had started chemo. Was using a cold cap in hope to not lose my hair. End result was clumps in my hands. I was sick, felt like I was losing myself. Gained people and lost people. Got weak and got strong. Felt ugly and yet more beautiful inside than I had ever felt before. I remember this like it was yesterday, like it was a minute ago. Cancer has so many phases. Shock, denial, acceptance, anger, resentment, rebellion, fear, appreciation, beauty. Remission. Even then, the phases keep coming. Cancer is with you forever. Those who have experienced it know that even after you’ve kicked it’s ass, it still impacts you, in good ways and bad. You still go thru the roller coaster of emotions. You still need support and love. And you can still grasp life and live, live live. #cancer #cancerslayer

Advertisement

A post shared by ShannenDoherty (@theshando) on

Doherty announced in April that she's in remission after being diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015. She said at the time that she will remain on medication and undergo reconstructive surgery on her breasts.

Latest Headlines