Shannen Doherty: 'I'm Not Done With Living' As Cancer Spreads To Bones

Shannen Doherty is focused on living her best life amid her ongoing — and heartbreaking — health crisis.

While living with stage 4 cancer has certainly been tough on her, the "Beverly Hills 90210" actress has chosen to remain her candid and optimistic self, recently claiming that she still has a lot of life left inside her.

Doherty first received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and achieved remission two years later. However, in February 2020, the "Charmed" alum disclosed that her cancer had returned the year before and was classified as stage 4.

Over five months after revealing that her cancer had spread to her brain, Doherty has shared another update, indicating that it has now metastasized to her bones. Speaking on the latest wrench in her health, the 52-year-old expressed:

"I don't want to die. I'm not done with living. I'm not done with loving. I'm not done with creating. I'm not done with hopefully changing things for the better. I'm just not—I'm not done."

She shared that her cancer diagnosis has significantly influenced her perspective on life, prompting her to search for a greater purpose. In her words:

"When you ask yourself, 'Why me? Why did I get cancer?' and then 'Why did my cancer come back? Why am I stage 4?,' that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life."

Doherty revealed earlier this year that she had to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumor, providing a look into her journey on social media. As she explained to PEOPLE about the procedure, "It was definitely one of the scariest things I've ever been through in my entire life."

Despite that fear, the "Rendering" actress remains motivated by her determination to work again, drawing strength from the support of loved ones. 

After disclosing that her "greatest memory is yet to come" and how she often prays "for the things that matter to me without asking for too much," the "Little House on the Prairie" actress delved into how living with cancer has affected how she sees things.

"I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you're just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed. We're the people who want to work the most, because we're just so grateful for every second, every hour, every day we get to be here," she stated.

Doherty's fans have also done their best to rally around her with support through her comment section. For instance, when she informed them of the surgery to remove the metastasis in her brain, they flooded her with words of encouragement.

One fan declared, "You are one brave strong woman. Devastated your husband betrayed you, keep fighting your cancer. Sending love and best wishes your way," and another chimed, "Thank you for sharing, you are a powerhouse! Must be incredibly scary! Hope you can feel the strength and love the fans send you."

"We love you so much Shannen. We're with you. Unending support for you, as you continue to share your journey. I wish I could personally take away the fear, and whatever pain you experience at times. Much love to you," a third Instagram user commented.

Besides her troubling health, Doherty also dealt with a collapsed marriage when she filed for divorce from her estranged husband Kurt Iswarienko in April. Soon after news of the filing broke, her representative publicly stated that even though divorce was the last thing she wanted at that time, the Memphis native "felt she was left with no other option."

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the "Shannen Says" star had filed a "preliminary declaration of disclosure which includes, assets and debts, community and separate property, and a current income and expense declaration."

The filing signified that Doherty had submitted all financial details to her ex-spouse, kickstarting negotiations for the division of their assets and finances and suggesting that the former couple is on the brink of finalizing their divorce.

The news of the marital dispute came as a shock to fans, especially those who were aware of how seriously she took the commitment. 

In case you missed it, just before she walked down the aisle with Iswarienko, the "Dancing with the Stars" contestant had shared, "Marriage to me is such a gigantic commitment that it's not something I'd ever go into lightly anymore. I've learned my lesson."