Kathy Bates made a shocking announcement to her fans Wednesday that she has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.
“It’s no secret that I am an ovarian cancer survivor, nine years and counting. But few know that several weeks ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” the 64-year-old actress tells Us Weekly in a statement Wednesday. “After much consideration I underwent a double mastectomy. Luckily, I don’t have to undergo radiation or chemo. My Family call me Kat because I always land on my feet and thankfully this is no exception. My doctors have assured me I’m going to be around for a long time. I’m looking forward to getting back to work doing what I love to do.”
Kathy tweeted the announcement to her followers, ”Hey all, sorry for the long silence. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months ago and am recovering from a double mastectomy.” ”I don’t miss my breasts as much as I miss Harry’s Law,” she joked. “Thanks for all the sweet tweets. Y’all kept me going.”
Kathy was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, but kept the illness under wraps until 2009. In March, she opened up to Anderson Cooper, saying that she was advised to keep it a secret. ”I was contracted to go into a movie at that time, Little Black Book with Brittany Murphy, who I miss very much. My doctors at the time, they had to get insurance approval and all of that so I was very quiet about it and had to go back to work right away.” She also added, ”I admire people who have been open, like Melissa Etheridge and women I see walking around facing it without wigs and all of that stuff. I think I’d be more courageous next time.”
She certainly is. I can’t imagine how scary and shocking it was to discover you had cancer once, but twice? And to have the courage to do a double mastectomy and openly speak about it? That’s really brave! I’m glad to know that the doctors say she’ll bounce back. I love Kathy!
Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
