In the United States, Kathy Bates is a well-known and recognizable name. The actress, who has enjoyed theater and screen success, had her breakthrough in the dramatic psychological thriller Misery, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. But behind the scenes, this remarkable celebrity has faced medical challenges that have tested her resilience and determination.
Overcoming Cancer: A Double Mastectomy
Kathy Bates is widely recognized for her work in the ninth season of Two and a Half Men and the NBC sitcom Harry’s Law. With two Golden Globe awards and two Primetime Emmys to her name, her talent and dedication are evident. However, her journey hasn’t been without its obstacles.
In 2003, Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she bravely faced the battle head-on. Enduring a hysterectomy and nine rounds of chemotherapy, she showed incredible strength and determination. But her fight didn’t end there.
Two years later, in 2012, Bates received another devastating diagnosis – breast cancer. Knowing that breast cancer ran in her family, with both her mother and aunt having battled the disease, she made a courageous decision. She opted for a double mastectomy, removing both of her breasts to reduce her chances of cancer recurring.
“When the doctor told me I had a tumor in my left breast, I said, ‘Make it a double,’” Bates explained. “I wasn’t going to take any chances.” Despite testing negative for the BRCA breast cancer gene, she took proactive measures to protect her health.
The Lingering Effects: Battling Lymphedema
The American Horror Story actress faced two types of cancer, which led to the loss of her uterus and breasts. But her struggles didn’t end there. Bates also developed a condition called lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a disorder that causes swelling in the arm and hand due to an accumulation of extra lymph fluid. This condition arises when the lymphatic system, which aids the body’s defense against sickness and infection, is compromised.
Bates candidly shared her experience with lymphedema during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019. “Then I got lymphedema,” she revealed. She described a peculiar sensation in her left arm, almost like tingling, soon after waking up from breast surgery.
The actress expressed her frustration and anger upon learning about this new challenge in her recovery journey. “I lost my mind,” she admitted. “I raced out of the examination room and out the front door, wondering what I was going to do next.”
“This affliction would always be with me,” Bates said, reflecting on the impact of lymphedema. She felt irritable and depressed, fearing that her professional career might be over. But she persevered, determined to overcome the obstacles that came her way.
Shedding Light on Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition that affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States, surpassing the combined number of individuals affected by ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, and AIDS.
Despite its prevalence, lymphedema remains largely unknown and misunderstood. Bates highlighted the lack of awareness during her interview, expressing frustration with the response some individuals receive when seeking help. “If we’re big ladies and go to the doctor with swollen legs, they tell us to ‘just go eat a salad,’” she exclaimed.
It’s crucial to recognize that lymphedema worsens over time and is incurable. The National Health Service (NHS) emphasizes the importance of early treatment to prevent further deterioration. Thankfully, there are methods available to manage and control the primary symptoms of this condition by restricting fluid accumulation.
Kathy Bates, with her indomitable spirit, serves as an inspiration for us all. Despite facing numerous obstacles in her path, she demonstrates resilience and grace, urging us to take charge of our health and dispel the misconceptions surrounding debilitating conditions like lymphedema.
