Shannen Doherty, famously known for her role as Brenda Walsh in the iconic TV series Beverly Hills 90210, has been courageously battling breast cancer for the past eight years. In a deeply emotional period, Doherty has begun saying her farewells to family and friends, sharing her journey and health updates with her followers on social media.

Doherty’s ordeal began in 2015 when she discovered a lump in her breast, leading to the diagnosis of breast cancer. Initially, she underwent hormone treatment, radiation, chemotherapy, and a single mastectomy. Despite these aggressive treatments, the cancer went into remission in 2017, only to return as stage IV breast cancer in February 2020. This form of cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, means that the malignancy has spread to other parts of her body, making the battle even more challenging.

In a recent Instagram post, Doherty provided a poignant update on her health. “Early morning doctors visit for scans,” she wrote, adding, “With bleary eyes. My hair was a mess, but the fresh bandage wraps brightened my day!” Accompanying her post was a photo of her with pink bandages and the hashtag “#cancerslayer.” This post, like many others, reflects her openness about her condition and her determination to remain positive despite the overwhelming challenges.

Breast cancer is classified in stages from 0 to IV, with higher stages indicating more invasive cancer that has spread beyond the initial tumor site. Stage IV, or metastatic breast cancer, means the cancer has spread to other organs, and while it is often considered incurable, advancements in medical technology have significantly increased the survival times for many patients.

Throughout her battle, Doherty has continued to work, acting in two TV movies last year: List of a Lifetime and Dying to Belong. Her resilience and dedication to her craft are a testament to her strength and determination. She has also been candid about her experiences with chemotherapy and its side effects, sharing both the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her.