The Importance of Support
- Model Anne Marie Kortright Martinez shared pictures on Instagram this week with her friend who is battling cancer, actress Shannen Doherty.
- Doherty, 49, is fighting stage four breast cancer.
- For advanced stage cancers, doctors focus on preserving the quality of the patient’s life while also slowing the tumor growth.
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Read MoreDoherty cherishes her friendship with Kortright Martinez. Earlier this year, she said of their friendship: “I'm a lucky girl. This one here has stood by my side since the day we met. We always laugh. Always have deep conversations and always focus on how to lift each other up. Friends like this are rare and precious. Love you.”
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Friendships as loving and supportive as this one are very important when going through a cancer journey. Support and love and care from those you trust and have a history with can make the road much more manageable.
Doherty’s Breast Cancer Battle
Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after finding a lump in her breast. A biopsy later should that the lump was cancerous. She began fighting her cancer with hormone therapy but it was rendered ineffective because the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Doherty decided to undergo a single mastectomy, along with chemotherapy and radiation.
Related: When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
Throughout, Doherty was forthcoming and open about her cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment, to remission, in 2017. She battled her first bout of cancer with impressive spirit, optimism, and candor.
Earlier this year, Doherty went public with the news that her cancer had returned, and it was stage four breast cancer, the most advanced stage.
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic, or “stage four” breast cancer means that the cancer has metastasized, which indicates it has spread to other areas of the body.
There is currently no cure for metastatic breast cancer, however, there are a variety of treatment options for it. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) treatments for stage four breast cancer include:
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drugs (i.e. trastuzumab and pertuzumab)
- Immunotherapy
- A combination of various treatments
Dr. Elizabeth Komen writes for SurvivorNet that, “With advanced disease, the goal of treatment is to keep you as stable as possible, slow the tumor growth and improve your quality of life.”
The Importance of Support
Having a strong support system is crucial during the emotionally and physically taxing job of fighting cancer. As Doherty fights this disease, her quality of life is enhanced by among other things the supportive friendships she clearly holds so dear.
The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients
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