Stories of Hollywood celebrities facing health struggles remind us that they are just like us. In a recent interview on the Dr. Phil show, Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates opened up about her battle with cancer and the challenges she faced in silence. Despite her fame, Bates found herself playing the role of a courageous fighter in a real-life drama, fighting cancer not just once, but twice.
In 2012, she shared that she had beaten ovarian cancer and had been cancer-free for nine years. But recently, she found out she had breast cancer. She said the moment she got this news was like being in a room scarier than an American Horror Story.
Bates had faced a challenging ordeal with ovarian cancer back in 2003. She went through painful surgeries and endured nine months of chemotherapy, all while keeping her struggle hidden. She only shared her secret with a select few, including PEOPLE magazine, expressing, “I didn’t want anyone to find out, but it truly drained me.”
She was able to beat ovarian cancer and stay cancer-free for a long time due to her strong will and determination. But when she found out that cancer had come back, this time in her breast, she knew her fight wasn’t over. Bates wasn’t shocked by this news, as breast cancer runs in her family.
Bates decided to have a double mastectomy to battle breast cancer. She turned her struggle into inspiration for other women, keeping her positive attitude and humor intact. Bates even joked about missing her TV show more than her breasts. She thanked her fans for standing by her side through tough times.
Bates is cancer-free now, but she has lymphedema from the surgery to remove her lymph nodes. This affects many breast cancer survivors, causing pain and swelling. Despite this, Bates doesn’t let it control her. She shares her story to inspire others to get regular check-ups and remind them they’re not alone in their fight.
Bates has also become an ambassador for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), using her influence to increase awareness and provide assistance to individuals impacted by lymphedema.
During her travels, Bates found a reason to keep going and stay strong. She thinks, “I’m grateful that my challenges have given me a sense of purpose. It’s fascinating how life unfolds like that.”
Kathy Bates’ interview highlights the obstacles she has conquered, offering hope to those dealing with similar challenges. Her journey shows that by staying strong, finding humor, and seeking help, we can turn our hardships into sources of power.
