Shannen Doherty Recalls Having Brain Surgery With Knowledge Of Ex's Cheating

Shannen Doherty has reflected on how two of the most challenging moments in her life happened simultaneously.

During the inaugural episode of her new podcast, the "Beverly Hills 90210" actress revealed that she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor after learning that her now-estranged husband Kurt Iswarienko had cheated on her, making their 11-year marriage "essentially over." Despite that break in trust, the cancer advocate has emphasized her desire to find love again!

When Doherty launched her podcast, "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty," on Tuesday, she ensured that its content would thrill and shock listeners. To that end, she opened up about a topic she had seemingly been avoiding — the crash of her third marriage.

As it turned out, the 52-year-old had become aware of Iswarienko's indiscretions just before she was wheeled into the theater for brain surgery earlier this year. She recalled:

"I went into that surgery early in the morning, and I went in after I found out that my marriage was essentially over, that my husband had been carrying on an affair for two years. To not go in that surgery, even though, being very clear, he wanted to go, I couldn't go into that surgery with him there. I felt so betrayed."

The "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" star explained that she ultimately "felt so incredibly unloved by someone I was with for 14 years, by someone I loved with all my heart." Doherty also noted that she received support from her loved ones, including her mother, brother, and best friends, during the operation. She added:

"Just to have to go through all of that while trying to figure out if you're going to get a f—— divorce and trying to get to the truth of that." 

The "Charmed" alum went on to share that she became "obsessed" with uncovering the truth of her husband's infidelity "through conversations, expecting someone to be honest with me." Eventually, she and "the other woman" had a conversation, which she recounted as "embarrassing."

"I am horrified that I can't keep a relationship together. I think it is a reflection of me, but this one I think this one is on him. I've failed three times at marriage, but I still believe in love," the "Fortress" star explained.

Doherty, who has been undergoing cancer treatment for the past eight years, had surgery and radiation on her brain at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in January, the same month she and the photographer separated. The couple cited "irreconcilable differences" in their divorce papers, which were filed in April.

Later in October, The Blast reported that the "Father Murphy" performer had submitted a "preliminary declaration of disclosure," encompassing assets, debts, community and separate property, and a current income and expense declaration.

The action signaled to the court that the Memphis native had provided all financial information to Iswarienko, suggesting they were nearing an agreement on the division of their property and finances. Typically, this indicates the former couple is just days away from finalizing their divorce.

During an interview last month, Doherty asserted her newfound desire to fall in love again. According to The Blast, she expressed: 

"I was not ready at all before three weeks ago. And something happens. There's always a trigger, just a moment that you have, somebody says something to you, your ex says one thing to you, and you're like, 'Okay, yeah, I'm good. I'm good.' I have closure, and I can move on in a really healthy way."

Addressing questions about a potential future relationship, the "North Shore" actress openly shared her uncertainty. She recognized having a close male friend with whom she playfully joked about being married to.

However, she was unsure if their dynamic, the chance encounter with someone, and an immediate connection were at play. While harboring doubts about being "single forever," Doherty stressed the need to love herself and confront the past before looking ahead, declaring optimism about meeting someone soon.

Acknowledging the "good years" shared with Iswarienko, Doherty, who was previously married to Rick Salomon and Ashley Hamilton, maintained her readiness to move forward from her past.