Shannen Doherty Undergoes Reconstructive Surgery After Mastectomy as She Continues to Battle Breast Cancer
As Shannen Doherty's ongoing battle with breast cancer continues, the actress is documenting the steps she's taking towards recovery, with an eye on reclaiming her life after her chemo treatments.
One such step is getting reconstructive surgery on her breast after undergoing a single mastectomy last spring. The 45-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 alum took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video from her doctor's office, where she thanked her surgeon, Dr. Jay Orringer, and wrote, " I consider myself very lucky and very blessed to have this man as my doctor."
The actress received a temporary implant known as an expander, which helps the muscle tissue expand to prepare for a permanent silicone implant.
In the video, Doherty explains that her expander is going to be extra-enlarged in preparation for her upcoming radiation treatment "because radiation shrinks it."
Doherty, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has been very open about her battle with the illness, often sharing personal and intimate videos with her followers and documenting her journey to recovery.
WATCH: Shannen Doherty Shares Photo of Her Completely Shaved Head: It Was an 'Impossibly Tough Day'
Earlier this month, the actress was honored with a Courage Award at the American Cancer Society's inaugural Giants of Science Gala, where she told ET that she was accepting the award with others in mind.
"I don't view it as me accepting the Courage Award for myself," Doherty explained. "I'm accepting the Courage Award on behalf of every single cancer patient out there because it takes a lot of courage." Check out the video below to hear more.
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