Shannen Doherty Begins Radiation, Admits Fears: ‘I Look Like I’m About To Make A Run For It’

Shannen Doherty began radiation for her breast cancer treatment today. Doherty revealed the news in an Instagram post, with Shannen admitting that the radiation has her a little frightened. Doherty noted her facial expression makes her “look like I’m about to make a run for it which is accurate.”

Shannen’s cancer battle has been an ongoing process since the Fall of 2015. Doherty originally started out with a different oncologist but settled on a more favorable treatment plan with her current doctor, Dr. Lawrence Piro. In an interview on Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler, Doherty discussed the importance of finding the right physician.

“I was on medicine that was making me feel terrible. I think sometimes with cancer what is really important is to listen to your own body and your own gut,” Doherty candidly said. “And a lot of people don’t do that because they are listening to the white coat,” Shannen said, acknowledging the fact that patients can sometimes be overwhelmed by information coming from the medical experts.

“When it comes to your own health and how your body is feeling. You have to listen to that.”

Along with the medicine that was making her ill, Shannen stated that she had concerns that she hadn’t been scheduled yet for surgery before transitioning to another oncology team. Shannen underwent a single mastectomy in May but revealed that the breast cancer had already spread to some surrounding lymph nodes. Doherty has been anticipating the radiation treatment for some time as she completed her chemotherapy four weeks ago.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Shannen Doherty went public with her breast cancer diagnosis when public court records revealed Shannen was suing her former business manager for their failure to pay her healthcare premiums. Doherty’s contention was that because of the lack of payment, her health insurance lapsed and she was unable to receive the early screening of a mammogram. Shannen and her former business manager eventually settled the lawsuit out of court.

Upon completion of the series of radiation treatments, Doherty has opted for breast reconstruction. Shannen shared a video last week with her plastic surgeon, showing the preparation her body is going through for that procedure.

While celebrities often tend to remove themselves from the public eye during such devastating illness, Doherty has been refreshingly forthcoming about the good, the bad, and the ugly of her breast cancer battle. Shannen’s willingness to share some of her more vulnerable moments such as her devastating hair loss or the loss of relationships and the side effects of the cancer treatment has garnered Doherty significant praise from fellow celebrities as well as fellow cancer sufferers.

Shannen has received public well wishes from friends Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chelsea Handler to foes like Alyssa Milano and the entire Beverly Hills 90210 cast. Doherty’s departure from 90210 and Charmed were reportedly due to clashes with fellow cast mates. According to ABC News, however, just two weeks ago as the cast of Beverly Hills 90210 reunited for a fan convention, even those who Shannen had a tumultuous relationship with back in the day acknowledged that Doherty’s contribution to the show was significant and they were proud of Shannen’s grit and determination in beating her breast cancer.

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

“She’s been through a lot. She’s not doing well right now but sometimes her contributions are minimized.”

Despite the fact that Shannen is still fighting the cancer, Doherty has been able to continue to work sporadically. Shannen revealed last week, much to the delight of fans, that she would be participating in TV Land’s reboot of Doherty’s cult classic film Heathers.

Shannen is also reported to be returning to the cast of Mall Rats for the follow-up series to the film.

[Featured Image by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]