In March 2015, Shannen Doherty received news every woman dreads - she had breast cancer.
For two years, the Beverly Hills, 90210 actress fought through chemotherapy and draining treatments, but in the end she came out on top. From the moment she was diagnosed to the when she found out she was in remission, Doherty remained incredibly open about her fight against the awful disease. She wanted to share her experience while simultaneously reaching out to those who may be going through the same thing as her.
She often used social media, including Instagram, to update her fans on her journey, including everything from her coping mechanisms, to getting a mastectomy, and shaving her head.
Back in May, Doherty revealed that she was finally cancer-free, but she still had some difficult decisions to make.
"Moments. They happen. Today was and is a moment. What does remission mean? I heard that word and have no idea how to react," she captioned a photo of her sitting on the ground, face buried in the crook of her arm, presumably overwhelmed with the news. "Good news? YES. Overwhelming. YES. Now more waiting," wrote Doherty in an Instagram post.
She continued, "In the meantime, decisions. Reconstruction which is several surgeries. Decision on taking a pill for the next five years that comes with its own set of problems and side effects. I am blessed, I know that. But for now.... remission. I'm going to just breathe. #cancerslayer"
Now, six months after she shared the good news, Doherty has returned to work and has been spotted on an outing a few days ago looking healthy.
This past August, the former Charmed star revealed that she has returned back to work by sharing a selfie on set of the remake of the 1988 movie Heathers.
"Was back on set today. It's been a rough two years. Fighting cancer. As an actor, people bench you. They assume you're to [SIC] weak, not able etc etc. and yet it's something like work that invigorates and renews strength to conquer the unimaginable beast," Doherty wrote in the caption of the Instagram photo.
"I compared myself to a car today," she continued. "That vintage Shelby that's been in the garage too long. It's still a great car. The best. Just needs time for the engine to warm up and it's good to go. Performing like it's supposed to."
"I'm grateful for today. Grateful for everyday. Thank you @heathers for letting me play and be someone else today. Great crew, great writers, great cast, great show, great director. #paramountnetwork2018" she concluded the heartfelt note.
Doherty hasn't made very many public appearances since she began filming, but she was recently photographed in Los Angeles while on an outing with her mother, Rosa Elizabeth.
The 46-year-old actress appeared quite healthy and her hair is noticeably longer, proving that the cancer hasn't slowed her down one bit.
We're so glad she she bouncing back!