Shannen Doherty, renowned for her role in 'Beverly Hills, 90210', passed away at the age of 53 on Saturday, July 13. Her battle with breast cancer began in 2015, and despite the struggle, she maintained a strong desire to have children.
In an episode of her podcast, 'Let's Be Clear', released shortly before her passing, Doherty candidly discussed her attempts to conceive. In a January episode featuring her oncologist, Dr. Lawrence Piro, she revealed that she had been "desperately" trying to become pregnant with her ex-partner before her cancer returned in 2019. Doherty married Kurt Iswarienko in 2011, both of them being older at the time.
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“Not only did I want a child for myself, but I wanted it for my husband. I wanted it for our marriage. I wanted him to have that part of himself fulfilled as well. So when it was time to have that decision, we needed IVF, and I did a bunch of rounds of it.”
However, her efforts to have a child through IVF were halted due to menopause and her ongoing health challenges, including a mastectomy in 2016.
Also read: Shannen Doherty, 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star, dies at 53
Following a brief remission in 2017, Doherty's cancer re-emerged in 2019, progressing to metastatic stage 4 by 2020. In 2023, she disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain and bones, underscoring the relentless nature of her illness.
Her personal life saw significant changes as well. Doherty and Iswarienko separated in early 2023. By November 2023, Doherty opened up about her journey towards finding love again.
“I don't really know what it looks like. I have a best friend, a male best friend who we joke that we're married, and his two kids and I have had massive breakthroughs and we just love each other and hang out, and I kind of view them as my children,” she said.
Talking about having kids, she said, “I think I would love nothing more than to be a mom. I always wanted it, and I think if I did it with my best friend or a partner, then I don't know any amount of time ... I look at kids who don't have parents at all, and I think if I adopt a child or whatever it is, any amount of time is better than nothing. Maybe. I don't know."
Doherty's story is a testament to her enduring spirit and determination, highlighting her profound wish for motherhood amid her courageous battle against cancer.
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