In the world of American entertainment, Kathy Bates is a renowned and recognizable name. This talented actress has achieved success on both stage and screen, but behind the scenes, she has faced numerous medical challenges. From her breakthrough role in the psychological thriller “Misery,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination, to her memorable appearances in popular shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “Harry’s Law,” Bates has proven her incredible talent time and time again. Not only has she won two Golden Globes and two Primetime Emmys, but she has also conquered the relentless battles with cancer.
Bates first received a devastating ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2003. Determined to overcome this disease, she underwent a hysterectomy and endured nine rounds of chemotherapy. Just when she thought she had defeated cancer, she faced another daunting challenge. In 2012, Bates was diagnosed with breast cancer. Considering her strong family history with this disease and the fact that her mother and aunt had also battled breast cancer, she made the brave decision to have a double mastectomy.
“When the doctor told me I had a tumor in my left breast, I said, ‘Make it a double,’” Bates candidly shared. She understood the gravity of the situation and was not willing to take any chances. “Breast cancer runs through my family like a river. As a result, my aunt, mother, and niece all died,” she revealed. Despite testing negative for the BRCA breast cancer gene, she knew that proactive measures were necessary to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
With remarkable strength and resilience, Bates underwent the surgery, facing the loss of both her uterus and breasts. Unfortunately, her struggles did not end there. She developed a condition called lymphedema, a disorder characterized by swelling in the arm and hand due to an accumulation of lymph fluid. This fluid normally circulates through the lymphatic system, aiding the body’s defense against illness and infection.
Bates candidly shared her experience with lymphedema on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in 2019. “Then I got lymphedema,” she revealed. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but lymph nodes are often removed to treat cancer. When your lymph system is compromised, fluid can build up in the affected limb.” The discovery of lymphedema during her breast surgery recovery left her feeling irritated and frustrated.
“As soon as I woke up, I felt a peculiar sensation in my left arm, almost like a tingling,” Bates recounted. Emotions overwhelmed her, leading her to run out of the examination room and out the front door. “What was I doing?” she wondered, hugging a pillow to her chest while still wearing her drains. “I’m standing outside in July; it’s hot, I’m still recovering, and I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
The challenges that Bates faced left her feeling angry and depressed. She feared that her professional career was over and internalized the idea that everything had been completed. It was a difficult journey, but she persevered.
Lymphedema is an often-underestimated condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent worsening. Shockingly, an estimated 10 million people in the United States are affected by this condition, more than those suffering from ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, and AIDS combined. Despite the high number of individuals impacted, awareness about lymphedema remains remarkably low. Bates expressed frustration about the lack of knowledge surrounding this condition, particularly for larger individuals who might face insensitive comments from medical professionals.
Lymphedema is a progressive and incurable condition, but its symptoms can be managed through fluid restriction methods. Seeking timely medical intervention is crucial, as untreated lymphedema can lead to hospitalization, especially for the approximately 50,000 individuals born with congenital lymphedema.
Kathy Bates is a living testament to resilience. Her determination to overcome cancer not once, but twice, speaks volumes about her strength. By sharing her experiences with lymphedema, she is bringing much-needed attention to a condition that affects millions. Despite the hardships she has faced, Kathy Bates continues to shine as an actress and an inspiration to us all.
