Shannen Doherty's Decision to Simplify Amid Breast Cancer Journey: Prioritizing What Truly Matters

Shannen Doherty is sharing her experiences navigating stage IV breast cancer and the tough decisions that come with it.

In a recent episode of her podcast "Let's Be Clear," Doherty, 52, discussed how she has started to simplify her life by "downsizing" her belongings. She emphasized the importance of living life to the fullest, regardless of having a terminal illness, but admitted that cancer has prompted her to reevaluate her priorities. Currently, her main focus is on caring for her mother.

Doherty's downsizing journey has involved selling her Tennessee property, a process she found to be very difficult and emotional. She also went through her storage units with the help of friends.

Letting go of her belongings felt like abandoning something that held great significance to her, Doherty shared. Despite the emotional challenge, she recognized that it was the right decision. She believed that by decluttering, she would bring a sense of peace and ease to those she leaves behind, making their transition smoother.

Doherty jokingly called herself a "hoarder" for having too much furniture she doesn't need. She mentioned that none of us really need all the stuff we have and that it's good to downsize and avoid becoming a hoarder like she was with her furniture.

Even though she's not enjoying it, letting go of some of her belongings has allowed her to create new memories by traveling with her loved ones. She shared that while certain possessions don't bring her joy, what does bring her happiness is exploring new places with her mom and making cherished memories together.

Shannen Doherty Is Downsizing Her Belongings Amid Breast Cancer Battle Instagram

Courtesy of Shannen Doherty/Instagram

Doherty shared, "I have a ticking time clock over me, so I want to be honest. I want to share my truth, be true to myself, to those around me, to my fans, and live authentically while I can."

The actress, known for her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. After going into remission in 2017, she later disclosed that the cancer had returned and progressed to stage IV. By November 2023, she revealed that the cancer had spread to her bones.

"I still have more to live for. I still have more love to give," she shared with People. "I still have more to create. I still have more to do to make things better."

In a recent podcast episode, Doherty mentioned that she was experiencing encouraging outcomes following her switch to a new cancer infusion therapy. "To me, this feels like a miracle at the moment," she expressed in January. "I took a chance and decided to keep fighting."

Doherty recently expressed her admiration for Princess Kate Middleton on Instagram. She commended the royal for her strength in facing the challenges of cancer. "Princess Kate, I admire your resilience during this difficult time," Doherty wrote on March 22.

Editor's P/S:

Shannen Doherty's journey with stage IV breast cancer is a poignant reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest. Her decision to downsize her belongings, while emotionally challenging, reflects her desire to simplify her life and focus on what truly matters. By letting go of material possessions, she hopes to create a smoother transition for her loved ones and bring a sense of peace to her own life.

Doherty's story also highlights the power of human resilience. Despite facing a terminal illness, she remains determined to live authentically and make the most of her remaining time. Her positive attitude and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to others facing adversity. By sharing her experiences, Doherty not only raises awareness about breast cancer but also offers hope and encouragement to those who are struggling with their own health challenges.