Shannen Doherty has recently provided an update on her health journey during an episode of her podcast. The renowned actress, known for her role in “Charmed,” has been battling stage 4 breast cancer since 2019. In the April 1 episode of “Let’s Be Clear,” she candidly discussed her preparations for the possibility of death by letting go of many of her material possessions. Doherty has been cleaning out her storage units to make things easier for her family, especially her mother, in the event of her passing. She emphasized that her current priority is her mother and expressed her desire to minimize the burden on her by reducing the amount of belongings she leaves behind. By donating and selling off her extra possessions, particularly furniture, she aims to alleviate the workload her mother would face. Doherty, who is now 52 years old, wants to ensure that her mother doesn’t have to deal with the challenge of managing four storage units filled with furniture. She also mentioned a recent trip to her Tennessee home where she made the difficult decision to let go of her aspirations of fostering horses on the property.
Upon reflection, Doherty shared her emotional journey of packing up and shedding tears as she grappled with the idea of giving up on a dream. She questioned whether this meant giving up on life itself or simply throwing in the towel. Her mother’s reassurance that she didn’t have to let go of the place gave her the strength to continue. However, upon returning to the property and realizing the extensive repairs needed, she found it easier to release it. Doherty acknowledged that while parting ways with something significant can be heartbreaking, it can also bring a sense of peace and tranquility. She emphasized that the challenging work she’s undertaking now will ultimately benefit her loved ones by facilitating a smoother transition. This process prompted her to contemplate the value of material possessions.
Throughout the process, Doherty has come to the realization that the money she makes from selling some of her belongings can be used in more meaningful ways.
“I have the opportunity to create new memories and share experiences with my loved ones,” she expressed. “I can treat my mom to vacations because I have extra spending money available, without having to dip into my savings that will secure the future of everyone in my life once I’m gone,” she added.
During a recent episode of her podcast on January 29, Doherty mentioned that she was responding positively to a new type of cancer treatment, referring to the results as a “miracle,” although she did not disclose the specific medication she was undergoing.
“After undergoing four treatments without much improvement, everyone suggested I switch, but I decided to persist and see how it goes,” Doherty shared during her conversation with her radiation oncologist, Dr. Amin Mirhadi.
Following the sixth or seventh treatment, significant progress was observed in breaking down the blood-brain barrier. Describing it as a miracle, the actor expressed, “It feels like a miracle to me at this moment. It was like I took a chance and decided to continue.” In 2023, Doherty disclosed that her cancer had metastasized to her brain and bones. Typically, even potent chemotherapy struggles to breach the blood-brain barrier and target brain tumors, as stated by Northwestern Medicine.
Referring to the new treatment’s effectiveness, she mentioned, “It’s like a miracle, maybe God intervened and decided to give me a break.” Doherty emphasized the importance of recognizing miracles that may be right in front of us, rather than searching in the wrong places.
SАD NЕWS АВОUТ ТНЕ ВЕLОVЕD АСТОR WILLIАM SНАТNЕR
William Shatner has earned success throughout his active career. The actor, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek series, got the opportunity to travel to space in real life. On the other hand, Shatner’s diagnosis of a terminal illness made it difficult for him to survive to be 90 years old.
William Shatner, the Star Trek actor, has eight albums to his name and has distinguished himself in the acting and music worlds. Despite his accomplishments, the star’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In an article for NBC, Shatner highlighted how he had led a very fortunate life but had also experienced dеаth in many ways. When he was given a grim prognosis, the celebrity understandably became concerned that his days were numbered.
“I was told by a doctor that I had a dеаdly condition. That I was going to die,” Shatner told NBC.
“I wasn’t sure how to react to the news. We were discussing my funеrаI.”
“The doctor informed me that I had cancer. I reasoned that there had to be an error.”
Prostate cancer frequently grows slowly, and symptoms do not appear until the prostate is large enough to obstruct the tube that drains urine from the bladder into the penis.
Shatner’s doctor administered a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to detect his cancer type. These tests can determine whether cancer seriously thrеаtens one’s life and whether other non-cancerous conditions have led to elevated PSA levels.
“He took my PSA, a marker for this disease, to figure out which sort it was,” Shatner stated of his diagnosis.
“Up until that time, it was at one or two, well within acceptable ranges. He announced that it was ten. ‘Aggressive cancer,’ says the doctor. Ten! My own body had deceived me.”
After being stunned, horrified, and somewhat angry by the prognosis, Shatner’s thoughts rapidly went to the potential of dеаth.
“I recognized my prognosis; I had drafted my will, which indicated that upon my dеаth, this person would receive this and that person would receive that,” he said.
“On a more emotional level, though, I was convinced I would live indefinitely. I contested it. It meant expressing my will before indulging in a lovely piece of strudel. Death had no meaning for me.”
After striving to accept life while carrying the gravity of a dеаth sentence, Shatner discovered that testosterone supplements—the very supplements he was taking—might have something to do with prostate cancer in some cases.
“I wondered whether I should discontinue taking the supplements.” “Yeah,” he said, “that would be a terrific idea.”
In their investigation, researchers in Baltimore, USA, collected blood samples from 759 men, 111 of whom had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Males over 55 were found to be more likеly to get prostate cancer, proving that an increase in testosterone levels is associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.
In contrast, another study from the University of Oxford revealed that, while high testosterone levels were not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, low testosterone levels were.
Researchers discovered that the body has a finite number of androgen receptors; thus, if these are “filled up,” the testosterone level in the bloodstream is meaningless because binding to a receptor is impossible. This data was derived from blood samples of about 19,000 men, 6,900 of whom developed prostate cancer.
This study found that low testosterone levels can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but high testosterone levels do not. And Shatner was no exception.
“Three months later, I received another PSA test. It had dropped to one. One. According to Shatner, the doctor suspected that the higher PSA number was caused by testosterone.
“The body acquires cancer frequently and exterminates it, but that test’s sensitivity allowed it to identify even the slightest hint of it, which, combined with the PSA reading, made me fear I was near dеаth. I was pleased to learn that I did not have cancer. I’ve returned to not dying. At the very least, immediately.
The NHS explains that “false-positive” PSA test results are common and that a blood test, physical examination, MRI scan, or biopsy are more reliable screening methods for prostate cancer.
People experiencing the following symptoms should see a doctor, who will most likеly perform the above-mentioned testing:
More frequent and regular overnight urination
An unexpected urge to use the restroom, difficulty starting to urinate (hesitancy), straining or taking their time to urinate.
Poor flow, as though your bladder hasn’t been totally emptied
Blood in the urine or sperm.
If a person is diagnosed with prostate cancer, they will be advised on the best treatment options. If the cancer is treatable, treatment options may include “watchful waiting” in the early stages or surgery and radiotherapy later on.
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