Busy Philipps recently shared her experience with being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. In an interview with People magazine, the 47-year-old actress from ‘Cougar Town’ recounted the moment her doctor informed her of the tumor, a day after her ‘Dawson’s Creek’ co-star, James Van Der Beek, passed away from colorectal cancer.
Philipps described the encounter with Dr. Devinsky, who delivered the serious news. She felt as if the wind was knocked out of her and had to compose herself. Dr. Devinsky explained that she had a real tumor inside her brain, and it required surgical removal.
She was referred to Dr. John Golfinos at NYU Langone, where she underwent a five-hour surgery on March 2 to remove a 2.6-centimeter mass. The biopsy identified it as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. Her neuro-oncologist, Dr. Alexandra Miller, stated this tumor type affects 1,100 to 1,300 people annually in the U.S. Although considered malignant, it has a better prognosis than other malignant gliomas.
The discovery came after Philipps mentioned to her cousin’s husband, a doctor in Los Angeles, her interest in a Prenuvo scan. Her primary care doctor had previously assured her she was healthy and didn’t need it, but her cousin’s husband encouraged her to proceed with the scan.
Following the scan, Philipps received a call about a lesion on her brain and was advised to get an MRI. Dr. Devinsky’s evaluation led to the diagnosis of the tumor that required removal. Dr. Golfinos noted that the early detection facilitated a less complex surgery. If found later, the tumor might have been significantly larger.
About a month after her recovery, Philipps needed another surgery after her dermatologist noticed something concerning at the incision site. She contracted staphylococcus, which required intervention, leaving her feeling distressed.
Despite these challenges, Philipps filmed ‘Cupertino,’ a legal drama where she plays the ex-wife of an AI billionaire turned law firm financier. She will not require chemotherapy or radiation but will have regular scans to monitor for any recurrence.
Through her journey, Philipps emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts and the empowerment that comes with having information. She noted that while doctors may sometimes assure that nothing is wrong, personal intuition can reveal otherwise. Gathering information, she believes, is empowering rather than frightening.