#rosa doherty

One year ago now Shannen left us... her spirit left but remained within us, within her family and friends, within her fans, within all who knew and loved her. It's as hard to believe now as it was then. She was so young, she looked so healthy until the end, she was so active till the end... this is what still makes it difficult. I feel she was stolen from us, she had still lots more to do in this Earth. She tought us love, she was brave, passionate and very misunderstood.

Keep on shinning beautiful diamond, beautiful soul, with your dad, your beloved animals, your ancestors. Keep on minding us, we surely need your courage to face this harsh (yet beautiful) world.

I'll share the last article that was published one year ago now because of her passing. I chose the ones I thought were more beautiful. I'll share more about specifically her cancer journey, "fight" (I don't like to use this word), strength and courage.

July 29, 2024 - Hello Canada

1971 – 2024

Saying Goodbye to a Television Legend.

Shannen Doherty.

Tributes Pour in as the Beverly Hills, 90210 star loses her brave battle with cancer.

Little House on the Prairie. From childhood, Shannen shone on the small screen, begining with a run on a classic family show. "It was really the experience on Little House [on the Prairie] that spurred that passion on for being an actor," she divulged on her podcast. Above right: Her iconic role as Brenda Walsh on 90210 – and love story with Luke Perry (inset) – garnered her fans around the globe.

She put up a courageous fight, but after a near decade-long battle with cancer, TV star Shannen Doherty succumbed to the devastating illness on July 13 at just 53 years of age.

Remembered as a "devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend," the actress was "surrounded by her loved ones, as well as her dog, Bowie," wrote her longtime publicist and compaion, Leslie Sloane.

Shannen's mother, Rosa Wright, shared her own poignant statement, saying, "She is my beautiful girl and my heart. Our family wants to thank everyone who has shown love and support for our Shannen throughout her life."

As heartbreaking as the news was, it was not unexpected. The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress had openly and candidly discussed her ongoing health issues with her fans since receiving her initial disgnosis of invasive breast cancer in 2015.

In typical Shannen fashion, she rebelled against the illness, fighting with vigour for almost 10 years. That determined, spunky attitude is exactly why fans adored the feisty (and sometimes controversial) star.

An Impressive Career

Born in Memphis, Tenn[essee], in 1971, Shannen began establishing herself as a Hollywood household name at age 11 after landing the part of Jenny Wilder on the final season of Little House on the Prairie.

"That show shaped me in so many ways, and it still is the best experience of my entire career," she gushed on an episode of her podcast, Let's Be Clear – a show dedicated to the actress's personal and professional lives.

And what a career it turned out to be. In 1985, the 14-year-old joined newcomers Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt for the rom-com flick Girls Just Want to Have Fun. Four years later, she co-starred with Winona Ryder and Christian Slater in the dark comedy Heathers.

But her breakthrough character was just around the corner: playing high school drama queen Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210. Shannen and her onscreen love interest, Luke Perry – who played heartrob Dylan McKay – kept viewers glued to their TV sets.

"There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you experience the journey we did on 90210 and, of course, life in general," the actress said after Luke's sudden and shocking death from a stroke in 2019. He was 52.

After Shannen's passing, Luke's 24-year-old daughter Sophie, took to Instagram to pay tribute on her father's behalf, sharing an image of the fictional couple with a simple heart emoji.

While the character of Brenda was a fan favourite, Shannen was written off the popular show at the end of season 4 as rumours of tension with castmates and stories of difficult on-set behaviour made headlines.

She and Canadian co-star Jason Priestley, 54 – who played her twin brother, Brandon Walsh – discussed the firing on Let's Be Clear, with Shannen citing at-home issues – including a toxic marriage – behind her lack of professionalism.

"I wish that I would have known more about what was happening in your personal life at the time," Jason confessed to his former co-star. "Because I could have hopefully managed it with more compassion."

"I never want to operate like I'm dying" – Shannen

Unluky in love – she had just finalized her divorce from Kurt Iswarienko at the time of her death – Shannen had a passion for animals and was devoted to her pup, Bowie. "I want [my remains] to be mixed with my dog," she said.

Dancing with the Stars, 2010. Competing on DWTS, Shannen and ballroom partner Mark Ballas were eliminated in the first round, but it was all worth it. Explaining that her father, John Doherty, wanted her to go on the show, she joked, "I can't ever say no to my dad!".

Not-So-Charmed Life

Despite the acrimonious parting of ways, Aaron Spelling – her co-star Tori's father and the producer behind 90210 – took a second chance on Shannen, casting her in Charmed, alongside Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs. Her stint lasted three years, ending again in termination due to troubles with the cast.

Shannen's stigma as a "bad girl" followed her, and she was unable to land another major role. "I have a rep," she admitted in 2010. "Did I earn it? Yeah, I did. But after a while, you sort of try to shed that rep because you're kind of a different person. You've evolved, and all of the bad things you've done in your life have brought you to a much better place."

In 2019, Shannen reunited with her old Beverly Hills buddies for a reboot of the popular show: BH90210. Initially passing on the project, Shannen changed her mind after Luke's death. "When Luke passed away, things drastically changed for me," said Doherty. "It felt like it was a great opportunity to honour him."

"Thank You for the Gift of You" – Brian Austin Green.

Reuniting with original 90210 castmates for the 2019 reboot of the drama – BH90210 – Shannen made it clear she wasn't interested in being a villain on the show. "I just [wanted] to keep spreading good, positive energy into the world as in real life."

Staying Hopeful

Just like Brenda's turbulent relationship with Dylan, Shannen's own love life was peppered with ups and downs. After two unsuccessful marriages – to actor Ashley Hamilton (1993-1994) and poker player Rick Salomon (2002-2003) – Shannen looked to have found her happy ending with photographer Kurt Iswarienko. The couple wed in 2011.

But then came her breast-cancer diagnosis, just four years into their marriage. "It's hard to feel sexy and beautiful when going through chemo, and therefore it's challenging to allow one to love you," Shannen said of Kurt in 2016, who initially stood by her side during her gruelling medical procedures.

Despite a two-year remission period from 2017 to 2019, the disease and treatments thwarted her deepest-held desire: to become pregnant. "Not only did I want a child for myself but I wanted it for my husband," she confessed. "I wanted it for our marriage, I wanted him to have that part of himself fulfilled as well."

Sadly, Shannen and Kurt parted ways last year after claims of his infidelity (their divorce was finalized the day before Shannen's passing). That same year, she received the unthinkable news that her cancer had spread to her bones and brain.

"She is fearless yet full of heart" – Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Drawing from her own experiences, Shannen became and advocate for those with cancer, participating in charity events like Stand Up to Cancer (with Spice Girl Mel B. in 2016). That same year, she was presented with the American Cancer Society's Courage Award for her Bravery. "Courage is embracing what you're going through and trying to get through it with as much dignity as you possibly can," she said as she accepted the honour.

Despite her personal heartbreak and escalating health crisis, Shannen held on to her positive outlook, focusing on her podcast, family, friends and cherished German shepherd, Bowie. "I love my dog more than anything else in the world," she told Grey's Anatomy actress Katherine Heigl during one of her last episodes of Let's Be Clear, which aired on June 28.

Shannen believed her intuitive pup detected her cancer well before her diagnosis, explaining that Bowie would constantly sniff at her right side, possibly trying to draw attention to the disease. Her love of four-legged friends extended to animal advocacy: "Shannen spearheaded pet adoption campaigns and was vocal in the fight against horse slaughter.

"She is fearless, yet full of heart," Shannen's friend Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote of the former Dancing with the Stars contestant, who maintained her upbeat demeanour right up until the end.

"Every day is a gift, and there are so many new things in the works that I think hope is always there," Shannen mused earlier this year. "Listen, I can die today, I can die in 20 years, I don't know... But all I can do is live each day in as much of a positive manner with hope as I can and embrace it and feel like, 'Wow, I get to wake up again today – what can I do?' I believe that positivity that you bring into your life, I think it helps with your while body."

1984 - Shannen and her family, mother Rosa, father Tom and brother Sean, photographed by Peggy Kahana.

Shannen and Her Gals!

Shannen and her gal-pals:

Her mum Rosa ♥️

Anne Marie Kortright

Chelsea Handler

Holly Marie Combs

Jennie Garth

Kristy

Rose McGowan

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Tori Spelling

Some gal-pals: Anne Marie, Rosa, Chelsea, Deborah, Sarah Michelle

Special mention to Deborah Waknin-Harwin. She was diagnosed with breast cancer after Shannen was and sadly passed away before her.

- 15. Her baby Miss Bowie Doherty

April 30, 2001 - Shannen appearing at the Ventura County Court, California, after being arrested for DUI (driving under the influence; alcohol) the previous December. She admited to driving while under the influence but entered a no contest plea to charges of drunk driving.

This was an eye-opener for her and went to theraphy just afterwards.

We all know Shannen Doherty was of Irish descent through the paternal side of her family.

The Doherty / O’Doherty family is an Irish clan based in County Donegal. The O’Dohertys are named after Dochartach (c. 10th century), a member of the Cenél Conaill dynasty which in medieval Irish genealogy traced itself to Niall of the Nine Hostages. The O’Doherty clan and family name is one of the most ancient in Europe. The clan traces its pedigree through history, pre-history, and mythology to 2BC. (Source)

Shannen and her dad, John Thomas Doherty, in Ireland ca. 1996/97.

Shannen was also from English and Scottish descent through her mother Rosa Elizabeth née Wright. The red-haired Southern belle also has Native American ancestry, most concretley the Chumash people (Source), and thus has Shannen (Source).

Shannen and her mum spending time in nature, ca.2024.

Shannen explained that she wasn't able to be with her dad when he passed away on the 4th of November of 2010. Her best friend Chris Cortazzo told her to spend some quality time with her mother and him at his ranch in Tennesse, which is surrounded by Native American ground. When she was there suddenly the wind shaked the plants and trees and she felt her father’s arms go around her and say “It’s ok baby, I love you. I’m here" (Source) (Source).

Her mother Rosa said that one of her great-great-grandmothers (she doesn't know the grade) was forced to move in the called "Trail of Tears", the forced displacement of approximately 60,000 people of the "Five Civilized Tribes" [Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminoles] between 1830 and 1850, and the additional thousands of Native Americans within that were ethnically cleansed by the United States government (Wiki). Furthermore, she said her ancestor was from the Chumash people and was forced to move from Mississipi to Oklahoma (Source).

Rosa also said about Shannen's Native American's heritage:

"The whole Indian heritage to Shannen was very, very important ... Shannen swore when she bought this property [a ranch in Malibu to live with her mum, her friends, and to do a shelter for horses]… she says, I just feel it. She says, I know that this is where I'm supposed to be. And she just felt that whole Indian."

Also she was proud of having directed "Charmed"'s episode "The Good, The Bad and The Cursed" that features a storyline involving American's First Nations people's and Native actors Kimberly Guerrero (from Colville and Salish-Kootenai native peoples from Alaska) and Michael Greyeyes (Nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada).

Shannen Doherty (R) with First Nations' actors Kimberley Guerrero and Michael Greyeyes.

The Chumash are a Native American people of the central and southern coastal regions of California (Wiki), in portions of what is now Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, extending from Morro Bay in the north to Malibu in the south to Mt Pinos in the east. Their territory includes three of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel; the smaller island of Anacapa was likely inhabited seasonally due to the lack of a consistent water source.

Modern place names with Chumash origins include Malibu, Nipomo, Lompoc, Ojai, Pismo Beach, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, Piru, Lake Castaic, Saticoy, Simi Valley and Somis. Archaeological research demonstrates that the Chumash people have deep roots in the Santa Barbara Channel area and lived along the southern California coast for millennia.

The Chumash lived in over 150 independent villages, speaking variations of the same language. Much of their culture consisted of basketry, bead manufacturing and trading, cuisine of local abalone and clam, herbalism which consisted of using local herbs to produce teas and medical reliefs, rock art, and the scorpion tree. The scorpion tree was significant to the Chumash as shown in its arborglyph: a carving depicting a six-legged creature with a headdress including a crown and two spheres. The shamans participated in the carving which was used in observations of the stars and in part of the Chumash calendar. The Chumash resided between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the California coasts where a bounty of resources could be found. The tribe lived in an area of three environments: the interior, the coast, and the Northern Channel Islands. Some researchers believe that the Chumash may have been visited by Polynesians between AD 400 and 800, nearly 1,000 years before Christopher Columbus reached the Americas.

Chumash Family by American sculptor George S. Stuart

The maritime explorer Juan Cabrillo was the first European to make contact with the coastal Alta Californian tribes in the year 1542. Spain claimed what is now California from that time forward, but did not return to settle until 1769, when the first Spanish soldiers and missionaries arrived with the double purpose of Christianizing the Native Americans and facilitating Spanish colonization. The Chumash people moved from their villages to the Franciscan missions between 1772 and 1817.

Mexico seized control of the missions in 1834. Tribespeople either fled into the interior, attempted farming for themselves and were driven off the land, or were enslaved by the new administrators. After 1849 most Chumash land was lost due to theft by Americans and a declining population, due to the effects of violence and disease. The remaining Chumash began to lose their cohesive identity. In 1855, a small piece of land (120 acres) was set aside for just over 100 remaining Chumash Indians near Santa Ynez mission. This land ultimately became the only Chumash reservation, although Chumash individuals and families also continued to live throughout their former territory in southern California.

No native Chumash speak their own language since Mary Yee, the last Barbareño speaker, died in 1965. Today, the Chumash are estimated to have a population of 5,000 members.

Map of the Trail of Tears

Chumash worldview is centered on the belief "that considers all things to be, in varying measure, alive, intelligent, dangerous, and sacred." "They assume that the universe with its three, or in some versions five, layers has always been here."

Human beings occupy the Middle Region, which rests upon two giant snakes. Chronological time is unimportant, though the past is divided into two sections: the universal flood that caused the First People to become the natural world and, thereafter the creation of human beings, the arrival of the Europeans, and the devastating consequences that followed."

The middle region (sometimes referred to as 'antap), where humans and spirits of this world live and where shamans could travel in vision quests, is interconnected with the lower world (C'oyinahsup) through the springs and marsh areas and is connected to the upper world through the mountains. In the lower world live snakes, frogs, salamanders. The world trembles or has earthquakes when the snakes which support the world writhe.

Water creatures are also in contact with the powers of the lower world and "were often depicted in rock art perhaps to bring more water to the Chumash or to appease underworld spirits' at times of hunger or disease." Itiashap is the home of the First People. Alapay is the upper world in Chumash cosmology where the "sky people" lived, who play an important role in the health of the people. Principle figures of the sky world include the Sun, the Moon, Lizard, Sky Coyote, and Eagle. The Sun is the source of life and is also "a source of disease and death." The Sky Coyote, also known as the Great Coyote of the Sky or Shnilemun, is considered to be a protector and according to Inseño Chumash lore, “looks out for the welfare of all in the world below him”. During the creation of mankind, the Sky Coyote was present among the other important cosmological figures. The Eagle, also known as Slo’w, is the force that maintains momentum and order among the other stars so that they do not fall down on and destroy earth.

Chumash pictographs.

The Chumash cosmology is also centered around astronomy. Rock art and arborglyphs that have been found within Chumash sites are thought to have depicted Polaris (the North Star) and Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). These two astrological entities were paramount to the Chumash belief system as well as their perception of time. It is believed that the Chumash used these constellations to determine what time of the year it was depending on the position of Ursa Major around Polaris.

***

I love that Shannen showed her respect to her ancestry in some "Charmed" episodes, like in 2x10 "Heartbreak City" (click to see if bigger):

Charmed 3x01 "The Honeymoon is Over" (click to see bigger):

And the already mentioned 3x14 "The Good, The Bad and The Cursed" (click to see bigger). Her love for horses also comes from that connection:

Updated March 8th, 2024

‘Tennessee Girls’: Shannen Doherty, 52, Spends Quality Time With ‘Mama Rosa’ Outdoors Amid Advanced Breast Cancer Battle— The Healing Power of Nature

The Healing Power of Support & Nature Through Cancer Treatment

We’re happy to see Shannen Doherty, 52, enjoying the outdoors amid her advanced breast cancer battle, alongside her loving and supportive mom Rosa Elizabeth Doherty, 76.

Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. It went into remission in 2017 but returned as stage 4 cancer in 2019. Her breast cancer has since spread to her brain causing her to undergo surgery to remove a tumor in her brain.

Metastatic breast cancer, also called “stage four” breast cancer, means that the cancer has spread, or metastasized, beyond the breasts to other parts of the body. There is technically no cure, but advancements in treatments can dramatically improve outcomes and that is something to be hopeful for.

Supporting a friend or loved one with cancer can be hard. SurvivorNet suggests offering concrete ways to show the cancer warrior you care, allowing them to talk through their negative emotions with you, cooking them a healthy meal that they’ll enjoy, doing activities with them that will lift their spirits and working to better understand their diagnosis if you’re taking on more of a full-time caregiver role.

We’ve all heard that nature has healing powers in the past. SurvivorNetTV’s “Between Two Harbors” looks into how time spent outdoors and around water can truly help people to recover after dealing with difficult cancer treatments.

Going through a cancer journey with loved ones by your side can be a powerful tool when fighting cancer. So, it’s great to see Shannen Doherty, 52, spending time with her supportive 76-year-old mom, Rosa Elizabeth Doherty, as she battles metastatic breast cancer.

Doherty, known for playing Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and as Prue Halliwell on “Charmed,” has been battling stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer since 2019 and revealed earlier this year that cancer had spread to her brain. Despite the challenges she’s faced, including getting divorces from her estranged husband Kurt Iswarienko, the iconic actress always enjoys quality time with her mom.

(@theshando/Instagram)

Doherty shared a heartwarming photo this week of her with her mom, Rosa Elizabeth Doherty, enjoying the outdoors and wearing hats representing Nashville and Tennessee. We’re delighted to see “Mama Rosa” alongside her daughter throughout her ongoing battle with metastatic breast cancer. “Tennessee girls,” Doherty captioned the post, which featured the Memphis, Tennessee, native standing close to her mom. Other photos she shared revealed they were near bulls, haystacks, an open grass field, and even a zebra.

As for the hat Doherty was wearing, it reads, “Leiper’s Fork – Nashville’s Big Back Yard.” Leiper’s Fork is a rural village in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Along side the scenery photo, which Doherty also shared on her Instagram story, the “Charmed” star confirmed the photos were taken in Tennessee, writing on her story, “Awe Tennessee. Forever have my heart.”

(@theshando/Instagram)

According to one of Doherty’s fans, there are Zebras on a nearby farm in Tennessee. The fan commented, “Yes, not far from Leiper’s Fork is a farm that has a couple of zebras that run around!”

Another fan replied, “I looked it up after and saw there is a little safari park area there. Looks nice!”

Other fans of Doherty offered some inspirational words, with one commenting, “I think of you almost daily. Profound strength in the face of cancer. You amaze me!”While a fourth wrote, “Ae so lovely. Mommy & Daughter. Enjoy your precious time together. You deserve all the HAPPINESS Shannen. Love you!!”

(@theshando/Instagram)

This isn’t the first time Doherty has taken to social media to share some sweet memories made with her mom. Back in August, 2022, Doherty shared a sweet video clip of her dancing with her mom at home, with the captioned, “How to man handle your mother.”

Then, on Mother’s Day last year, Doherty shared another image of her and her mom alongside each other, writing, “Happy Mother’s Day to this amazing, strong, loving mom. I love you so much @themamarosa see you soon mom!”

More recently, on her mom’s 76th birthday on December 4, 2023, Doherty shared yet another heartwarming photo of the mother-daughter duo saying, “Happy birthday to the best mom in the world. I love you to the moon and back times infinity.”

(@theshando/Instagram)

The Power of Nature

We’ve all heard that nature has healing powers in the past. SurvivorNetTV’s “Between Two Harbors” looks into how time spent outdoors and around water can truly help people to recover after dealing with difficult cancer treatments.

...

Shannen Doherty’s Breast Cancer Battle

Shannen Doherty first received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 after she discovered a lump in her breast. For treatments the first time around, she underwent hormone therapy, a single mastectomy (the removal of all breast tissue from one breast), chemotherapy and radiation.

Then in 2017, Doherty was deemed to be in remission, however, the cancer returned just two years later in 2019. This time, her diagnosis was metastatic, or stage four, breast cancer.

Shannen Doherty originally made a name for herself playing Brenda Walsh on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’

There is technically no cure for metastatic breast cancer, but that doesn’t mean people can’t live good, long lives with this stage of disease, thanks to hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drugs and immunotherapy, as well as a combination of treatments.

Doherty took to Instagram at the start of last year to recap how her cancer fight is going. She underwent her first round of radiation to her head on Jan. 12, 2023, followed by brain surgery to remove and biopsy a tumor on Jan. 16, 2023. The surgery she underwent is called a craniotomy.

“It’s a procedure to cut out a tumor and it can be metastasized or a tumor that started someplace else like the breasts and went to the brain especially if the tumor is causing symptoms or if it’s large,” Dr. Kimberly Hoang, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Emory University School of Medicine, explained.

Several neurosurgeons tell SurvivorNet that the procedure can allow patients with cancer in their brain to live longer, more vibrant lives, and this appears to be the case with Doherty seen smiling this weekend during her mom’s birthday celebrations.

“A couple of decades ago, to have a brain metastasis was a very bad prognosis for patients. They didn’t live for more than a couple of months, so it was a very terminal thing. Thanks to a lot of advancements in microsurgery we do and radiation, patients are living longer,” Dr. Hoang said.

Being There for Cancer Survivors

It is important cancer warriors in the midst of their fight to have a strong support system. So how can you support a loved on in your life who is fighting cancer? SurvivorNet suggests multiple ways you can do so.

Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center told SurvivorNet that “there’s a number of common things cancer patients can experience, such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation and sometimes even PTSD.”

So helping to ease those feelings is a great way to support your loved one.

You can help complete household chores or running errands during the day, which your loved one may not have the time or energy to do. Or, you can simply lend an ear so patients can talk through their feelings, which can help them cope with what they are experiencing during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, there are some practical tips to help you interact with your loved one in a meaningful way. Our experts suggest to avoid asking “how you can help.” Instead, be proactive and offer tangible things you can do for them to make their lives easier. That could include bringing them food, cooking them dinner or playing a board game with them, anything that will bring them joy.

You may also be interested in sending them gifts to help them through their cancer journey. Our gift guide for cancer patients offers several suggestions for meaningful items you can give your loved one, such as bubble bath supplies for a night of self care or a nice, warm blanket for comfort during a chemo session.

Five Ways You Can Support Someone with Cancer

No matter what role you play, it can be very tough to know what to do when someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer. To help get you started, below are some ways to offer support to your loved ones with cancer.

Avoid asking, try doing. Although it’s understandable to not know how to best support your loved one during their cancer journey, it can be equally as hard for them to voice exactly what they need or want from you. Instead of always asking, “How can I help you?” maybe try saying something more concrete like, “Hey, can I come over at 8? I’ll bring Monopoly.” If you offer specific ways to support rather than ask for things they need, it’s likely to come across as more genuine and feel easier for them to accept the support or help.

Stay in touch, but don’t say stupid things. You might never be able to truly understand the battle your loved one is facing, but being a person they feel comfortable talking through some of their negative emotions with can make a big difference. That being said, breast cancer survivor Catherine Gigante-Brown says there are some topics you might want to avoid.” Don’t burden us with stories about your Great Aunt Harriet who had breast cancer,” she previously told SurvivorNet. “And then you say, ‘Oh how’s she doing? And then they’ll say, ‘Oh, she passed away.’ We don’t need to hear the horror stories.”

Offer to cook them a meal. Consider inviting them over for dinner, dropping off a special dish, or, if that’s not possible, sending a gift basket with some pick-me-up goodies. If you’ re able to cook for them, perhaps try to make a healthy meal that will bring them joy. Remember that there’s no specialized diet that has been found to fight cancer, but it’s always a good idea to maintain a moderate diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as fats and proteins. No matter what, it’s the simple gesture of providing a meal that will make them feel loved and supported.

Try helping them find joy. There’s no one right way to do it, but try to think of activities you can do with your loved one that will lift them up. It could be something as simple as watching a funny TV series together, having a wine and paint night, taking a drive to a beautiful place or starting a book club with them. We’ve seen in previous studies that patients with better emotional health have a better quality of life when going through treatment and actually tend to live longer than those with worse emotional well-being. Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, says “better quality of life is associated with better survival, better outcomes, and having a good social network can be very helpful.”

Be involved. If you’ve take on more of a full-time caregiving role, work to understand your loved one’s diagnosis and help them follow the instructions from the cancer-care team. “I encourage caregivers to come in to visits with my patients, because in that way, the caregiver is also listening to the recommendations – what should be done in between these visits, any changes in treatment plans, any toxicities [side effects] that we need to look out for, changes in dietary habits, exercise, etc.,” Dr. Jayanthi Lea, a gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet.

The Benefit of Emotional Support

Having a level of emotional support, like Doherty has from her beloved mom, during a cancer battle is irreplaceable. For those of us lucky enough to still have our mothers and close family members with us, we may want to pick up the phone and remind them how special they are.

Going through cancer can be difficult at almost every stage and so understanding how to mange the flood of emotions that come with diagnosis and treatment is important.

Whether or not you have a support system at home, it may be a good idea to seek counseling when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Often you can find a social worker through your cancer center, and they can help you through this process. It’s exceptionally important to remember to take care of your mental health, as well as your physical.Social Worker Sarah Stapleton suggested in an earlier conversation with SurvivorNet doing two to three counseling sessions before making the decision if it is, or isn’t, right for you. Going to counseling with a spouse, friend, or family member can be equally, if not even more, beneficial.

Moms & Supportive Family Through Cancer

Like actress Shannen Doherty, many people find that spending time with loved ones, like their parents, partners, or children, is helpful during a cancer battle. In an earlier interview, ovarian cancer survivor Beverly Reeves stresses how critical it is to have a supportive, loving community guiding you during your cancer battle.Reeves tells SurvivorNet, “If I had one piece of advice for someone who had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it would be to get a strong support group together. Get your close friends. If you’re connected to a faith community, get your faith community.”