Shannen Doherty Continues To Inspire Cancer Survivors By Sharing Video Of Breast Reconstruction Preparation [Video]

Shannen Doherty took to Instagram once again to share another chapter of her breast cancer story: reconstruction. Doherty, who is preparing for radiation treatment, had a mastectomy earlier this year.

In the video, Shannen introduces her physician and his assistant as they prepare the location of the expander. According to Doherty and her doctor, the radiation treatment will cause some shrinking of the area, therefore, the medical team is opting to expand Shannen’s skin now in an effort to make room for a breast implant in the future.

Last month, Shannen told friend and talk show host Chelsea Handler during an interview on Netflix’s Chelsea that she had opted for breast reconstruction after her cancer treatment is done.

“Right now, I’ve got an expander, a sort of placeholder that I can inflate or deflate,” Doherty explained. Though Chelsea jokingly retorted, “Depending on what kind of mood you’re in,” to Shannen in an effort to make light of the situation, both Doherty and Handler became tearful throughout the interview as Shannen discussed the effects the cancer has had on her physical and emotional health, as well as her relationships.

Although Shannen said many people she thought were friends stepped away from her during her cancer battle, she has been grateful for those who have stuck by her side. Doherty frequently compliments her husband, Kurt Iswarienko, for his support and notes that their relationship has become more solid since her cancer diagnosis in 2015.

As previously reported by Inquisitr, several notable figures in Hollywood have also reached out to Shannen Doherty to send encouragement during her fight, including former co-star Alyssa Milano, Ashton Kutcher, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. While Doherty has had a reputation for her rifts in Hollywood, the outpouring of support indicates that others are willing to acknowledge Shannen’s strength and humbleness in publicly sharing her battle.

Shannen has documented her cancer journey since it came to public light when she filed a lawsuit against her former business manager for their failure to pay her health insurance premiums. Doherty has shared everything from her hair loss, to the nausea and pain, with social media followers in an effort to bring awareness to the disease and the people who fight it. The transformation of Shannen Doherty from Hollywood outcast and bad girl, to humble cancer advocate continues to be an inspiration, not only to others who are suffering from the disease, but to those with whom she had a sordid past.

Shannen Doherty very publicly left both Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed amidst allegations that she was difficult to work with and that fellow cast mates had revolted. Shannen became known for her rough edges despite a multi-decade acting career. As Doherty’s public persona has begun to soften through her cancer journey, so have the tense relations with those she’s worked with.

This past weekend, many of Shannen’s Beverly Hills 90210 co-stars gathered at REWind.Con for a cast reunion and fan meet and greet. Though Doherty was unable to attend, according to Women’s Day, cast mates Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling acknowledged the impact Doherty had on the success of the show and noted Shannen was there with them in spirit.

“None of us are up here today without Shannen,” Luke Perry told the audience.”She’s been through a lot. She’s not doing well right now but sometimes her contributions are minimized.”

Jennie Garth shared a tribute on Instagram.

While cancer has transformed Shannen’s body, it has obviously changed her spirit as well. According to Today, Doherty recently accepted the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award. As Doherty spoke with the Press Association, she had the following to say.

“Cancer has changed my life for the better. It’s made me a better human being. It stripped away all the walls and barrier.”

And fellow cancer fighters and survivors are undoubtedly grateful for Shannen Doherty’s unwavering courage in breaching those walls.

[Featured Image by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.]