Kathy Bates, a well-known and recognizable name in the United States, had her breakthrough in the dramatic psychological thriller “Misery” for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She is a multi-talented actress who has had success on both the stage and in films. However, away from the camera, the celebrity has had to face a difficult medical history.
Bates, who has previously won two Golden Globes and two Primetime Emmys, is best known for her roles in the ninth season of “Two and a Half Men” and the NBC sitcom “Harry’s Law”. Despite her successful acting career, Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003. Despite her diagnosis, she has continued to work in the entertainment industry, proving her perseverance and dedication to her craft.
Kathy Bates has been through a lot in her battle with cancer. As a result of her first diagnosis with ovarian cancer, she had to undergo a hysterectomy and nine rounds of chemotherapy. But unfortunately, the battle was not over yet. In 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, just two years after she had recovered from the previous illness.
Considering her strong family history of breast cancer and after finding that both her mother and aunt had the condition, the actress decided to take a proactive approach. She decided to have a double mastectomy, which included removing both breasts. In an interview with Practical Pain Management, Bates shared her thoughts on the decision. “When the doctor told me I had a tumor in my left breast, I yelled, ‘Make mine a double!’” she said. “Take them both out. I wasn’t taking any chances,” she said. Her determination in the face of adversity showcases her strength and resilience.
Kathy Bates has had a tough journey with cancer, having to battle not one but two types of cancer and losing her uterus and breasts as a result. The American Horror Story star bravely underwent surgical therapy to reduce her recurrence risk despite testing negative for the BRCA breast cancer gene. She handled her illness with dignity and courage throughout.
However, her problems were not over yet. Bates also developed lymphedema, a disorder that produces swelling in the arm and hand, mainly owing to an accumulation of extra lymph fluid. According to SurvivorNet, this clear fluid flows through the lymphatic system and aids in the body’s defense against sickness and infection. “A river of breast cancer runs through my family.
My aunt, mother, and niece all died due to it,” said Bates, highlighting the importance of being proactive and aware of the family history. Despite all the challenges she faced, Bates continued to be an inspiration for others who are going through similar struggles.
In 2019, Kathy Bates spoke about her experience with lymphedema on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is impaired, causing fluid to accumulate in the affected leg. It is a common side effect of cancer treatment when lymph nodes are removed to treat cancer.
Bates admitted to being annoyed when she found she had lymphedema while still recovering from breast surgery. “As soon as I woke up, I experienced a strange sensation, almost like a tingling, in my left arm,” she told SurvivorNet. She was overwhelmed with emotions as she struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis.
“I went insane. I dashed out of the exam room and out the door. What exactly am I doing? I wondered as I clutched a pillow to my chest while still wearing my drains. I’m standing outside in the middle of July. It’s hot, I’m still healing, and I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Bates said. She felt bitter and depressed, thinking that her professional career was over and that everything was done.
Lymphedema can be treated but it is not curable. The NHS warns that it should be treated as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening, and it is estimated that 10 million people in the United States are affected. Bates also highlighted that lymphoedema is not widely recognized or understood, and it can be misdiagnosed.
“Nobody knows about it, and if we’re big ladies and go to the doctor with swollen legs, they tell us to “just go eat a salad”. It worsens, it is incurable, and it progresses. There are around 50,000 people who have grown up with congenital infections; they can put you in the hospital,” she said.
The NHS continues to emphasize that the main symptoms of lymphoedema can be controlled by applying methods that restrict fluid accumulation. Kathy Bates has been open about her journey with cancer and the side effects that came with it.
She has bravely undergone surgery and chemotherapy to reduce her recurrence risk and has been an inspiration for others going through similar struggles. She has also highlighted the importance of being proactive and aware of family history when it comes to cancer and the lack of understanding and recognition of lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
Furthermore, it is important to note that lymphedema can be managed with proper treatment, and it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. It is also crucial to raise awareness about the condition and to advocate for more research and better understanding of it.
