Shannon Doherty appeared on “Good Morning America” today to announce that her cancer had returned, and that it’s Stage 4.
In 2015, Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy, but the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. After going through rounds of chemo and radiation, she was declared cancer-free in April 2017. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer about a year ago.
As Doherty spoke, she often got emotional and had to fight back tears. She says she’s “petrified” of what might happen, and is concerned for her husband and mother in light of the news.
She says she’s speaking out now so that she can “control the narrative.”
When co-star Luke Perry died in March, 2019, Doherty had already found out her cancer had come back, but didn’t announce it publicly. Her diagnosis coinciding with the news of her friend’s death affected her deeply.
“It was so weird for me to be diagnosed and then somebody who was seemingly healthy to go first. It was really shocking,” she said.
Doherty said she went ahead with “BH90210” to help pay homage to Perry.
“The least I could to do honor him was do that show,” she said.
.@ABC NEWS EXCLUSIVE: @DohertyShannen opens up about her private health battle. “I’m stage four – my cancer came back.”@arobachhttps://t.co/IvsAr3odaj pic.twitter.com/Amhcm7x5Q4
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 4, 2020
So Doherty was living with the disease the entire time she was shooting “BH90210.”
“I don’t think that I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. There are days when I say…why me? But then I go…well, why not me? Who else besides me deserves this? None of us do. I would say that my first reaction is always concern about how I’m going to tell my mom and my husband.”
Hang in there, Shannon. ✊ https://t.co/R1VM8DigXF
— Juliet Huddy (@JetSetJuliet) February 4, 2020
Doherty says while shooting “BH90210,” she sought solace in Brian Austin Green, her co-star, who knew about her diagnosis.
She says Green was so supportive of her, and they were able to talk about Perry’s life as well.
“Prior to shooting, he (Green) would always call me and say, listen, whatever happens, I have your back. We were able to talk about Luke in a way that was very positive and uplifting and sort of remember a lot of great moments.”
My lawd the first episode of season 4 of Riverdale is v sad and Shannon Doherty appearing is like even more v sad pic.twitter.com/rDS095NvXG
— COOL MEGA (@coolmega) February 4, 2020
Doherty’s fans have offered their thoughts and supportive messages as well.
“I don’t want to believe what I see, it’s not possible, Shannen …But you’re a fighter, a badass, you will succeed, I send you courage and a lot of love ….I’m so sad,” wrote @Cleliaafr.
@J_Buffy25 tweeted: “Shannon Doherty has to beat cancer ? She is so special to me and so many others. I grew up watching Charmed and Prue was the strongest so Shannon is the strongest! Stay strong Shannon! We love you!!”
