Shannen Doherty | Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko | Shannen Doherty | Source: Getty Images
Shannen Doherty faced cancer in 2015. Eventually, she got better but then relapsed. Her husband cried beside her sick bed and begged her not to leave him. Despite her health problems, she never gave up on having children.
Shannen Doherty is famous for her many roles in a multitude of movies. Among her most famous films and shows are projects such as "Little House in the Prairie," in which she played Jenny Wilder, and "Beverly Hills 90210," where she assumed the role of Brenda Walsh.
She was cast in "Little House on the Prairie" when she was only 11 years old, and the show paved the way for her future success. Afterward, she was featured in other hit shows, such as "Magnum P.I" and "Airwolf." Her major break, though, came in 1990 when she got her role in "Beverly Hills 90210."
Shannen Doherty grabbing the cheek of Jason Lee in a scene from the film 'Mallrats', 1995 | Source: Getty Images
However, in 2015, the actress was unfortunately diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The news understandably came as a shock, but despite this, she decided to keep everything under wraps so she could continue working.
At the time, the 45-year-old actress could keep things going for a while and decided to star in the "90210" reboot. But the illness soon took its toll, and eventually, she shared the news of her condition with her followers on social media.
Shannen took to Instagram, where she explained her condition and how it was affecting her. She also shared that there was hope and that she was adjusting her lifestyle to give her as much chance as possible to beat the ailment.
Shannen Dohertyat the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party at Fox Studios on August 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
After being diagnosed, the actress went for treatment. At first, the chemotherapy seemed to work, but her condition soon worsened. By the end of 2015, she had undergone treatment twice, and her condition still fluctuated.
How Shannen's Condition Affected Her Husband
The "Charmed" actress commended her mother, Rosa Elizabeth Doherty, saying how integral her support has been throughout all of the treatments. She remembered how her mother supported her when the effects of the chemo first set in.
The news of Shannen's condition also struck a blow to her husband, the producer and photographer Kurt Iswarienko. When Shannen told him about her diagnosis, she wasn't optimistic at all and said they would only have five more years together.
She urged Kurt that since they had so little time left, they should make every second together count and spend as much time together as possible. In response to her condition, her husband showered her with affection and support.
Kurt is Shannen's third husband, and she said she has found her soulmate. In 1994, she divorced Ashley Hamilton after seven months together and separated from Rick Salomon in 2004. Shannen said that Kurt stuck with her through all of the rough patches.
He constantly encouraged her, saying he has never seen anyone be so strong and handle anything with such tenacity and grace.
She opened up about their relationship, saying her illness has had them both in tears on multiple occasions, but he has been a source of strength. They have gone through very tough situations together, but all of the heartache has only strengthened their relationship.
Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko at the Hollywood Unites for the 5th Biennial Stand up to Cancer at Walt Disney Concert Hall on September 9, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
When Shannen was at her lowest, incapable of doing things on her own, and with her cancer back in full force, her husband suffered as well. He always told his wife that she was an essential part of his life, and she remembered:
"I was done. And Kurt was crying, saying, 'Please don't leave me.'"
She also said that her condition altered her and Kurt's views on life. Before she was diagnosed, they were going through some rough patches. However, since she told him about her condition, they have started resolving conflict as soon as possible.
Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko at the Hollywood Unites for the 5th Biennial Stand up to Cancer at Walt Disney Concert Hall on September 9, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Shannen's cancer returned in 2020, and she said Kurt has helped her keep fighting. He constantly encouraged her, saying he has never seen anyone be so strong and handle anything with such tenacity and grace.
Shannen and Kurt Are Still Hoping for Children
Shannen has always wanted children. Unfortunately, due to her illness, she is unable to have any kids of her own. Not only that, but the actress has also started viewing the possibility of having children in a new light. She has wondered about the effects of her ailment on her possible children, saying:
"We're having conversations about an egg donor, maybe adoption. But there's fear there. Am I going to last five years? Ten years? I certainly wouldn't want my 10-year-old burying a mother. I've always wanted a kid. But maybe I'm supposed to mother in a different way."
She continued, saying her shift in perspective has caused her to look at life through the eyes of her loved ones and others suffering from the same sickness as her. Despite this, she still longs to have children in one way or another.
Shannen Doherty at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation's "Tex-Mex Fiesta" Honoring Stand Up To Cancer at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on September 9, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
She also started advocating on behalf of others going through the same thing. She shared many updates throughout her journey on social media, ensuring people understand what it means to battle cancer. She encouraged her followers to go for checkups and to be responsible.
In every post, she remained honest about what she was going through. She ensured she didn't hide the less pleasant parts of what she was going through. She also shared how she remained strong and what kept her going. She explained:
"The unknown is always the scariest part. Pain is manageable, you know living without a breast is manageable, it's the worry of your future and how your future is going to affect the people that you love."
Shannen Doherty at Paramount Network Launch Party at Sunset Tower on January 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Throughout her entire ordeal, Shannen has made a point of staying positive. She shared humor helped her to remember the good things in life. Laughing at herself in ordinary moments helped her press on, and she said, "I hope we all find humor in the impossible."
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