Kathy Bates is a renowned actress known nationwide, famous for her work in theater and film. She made her feature film debut in the Oscar-nominated horror film Misery. Bates is also well-known for her roles in the NBC sitcom Harry’s Law and the ninth season of Two and a Half Men, earning two Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes for her performances.
However, her medical history has been challenging. In 2003, Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which led to a hysterectomy and nine rounds of chemotherapy. After being declared cancer-free, she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years later. Given her family’s history of the disease, Bates opted for a double mastectomy.
“When the doctor told me I had a tumor in my left breast, I exclaimed, ‘Make mine a double,'” she shared in an interview with Practical Pain Management. “I wasn’t going to take any chances.”
Despite testing negative for the BRCA breast cancer gene, Bates underwent the surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Her health struggles continued when she developed lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to an accumulation of lymph fluid. “I went nuts,” Bates recalled on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019, describing her frustration with the diagnosis soon after her breast surgery.
Lymphedema is estimated to affect 10 million Americans, more than AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and ALS combined. Bates has been vocal about the need for awareness and treatment, emphasizing that lymphoedema’s major symptoms can be managed to prevent fluid accumulation.
For more information, you can view the full article here.
