Actress Busy Philipps recently revealed the life-altering journey she underwent after being diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year. The 47-year-old shared her experience in an interview with PEOPLE, detailing the series of events that unfolded following her diagnosis, the subsequent surgery, and her challenging recovery process leading up to her latest role in the CBS show “Cupertino.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/BUSY-PHILIPPS_cover-2.jpg-e87488c11afe467b98799135328a3603.jpg)
The alarming news of Philipps’s condition came after she opted for a full-body MRI scan, a choice she made after hearing about the procedure on social media. Initially, her primary care doctor did not see a need for the scan due to her being young and otherwise healthy. However, after discussing her thoughts with a family member who is an internist, she decided to go ahead with the appointment. Ultimately, a blizzard caused her to delay the scan from January to February 12, which became a pivotal moment in her health journey.
Philipps explained that the timing of the scan was particularly emotional. It coincided with the passing of her friend and former colleague James Van Der Beek, who succumbed to colon cancer just a day prior. Following the scan, she received the shocking news of a brain lesion that prompted a follow-up MRI. Her initial reaction was somewhat light-hearted, texting her ex-husband in disbelief that she might have a brain tumour.
As further assessments were made, Philipps learned that she was dealing with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma—a type of slow-growing tumour. This diagnosis required immediate action, and she faced a whirlwind of medical consultations and a forthcoming role in “Cupertino.” She found herself grappling with how to inform her two daughters, Birdie, 18, and Cricket, 13. Philipps reassured Birdie by stating emphatically that her story wouldn’t end tragically like in a film.
Surgery was scheduled for March 2, where a mass measuring 2.6 centimetres was removed from her frontal lobe. The operation lasted approximately five hours and resulted in a series of staples in her forehead, but Philipps described her recovery as relatively smooth. She was up and about shortly after surgery, showing resilience as friends offered support during her initial recovery at home.
However, shortly into filming “Cupertino,” Philipps faced another challenge; an infection developed at the site of her incision, leading to additional surgery for debridement and to address complications from staphylococcus. This setback understandably took a toll on her emotional state. Despite the challenges, Philipps often maintained a sense of humour throughout the ordeal, showcasing her indomitable spirit.
Philipps expressed gratitude for the early detection of her tumour, noting that had she waited for symptoms to present themselves, the situation could have been far more serious. She was relieved to learn that her prognosis was positive and that she would not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment, but would instead have regular scans to monitor her health.
Reflecting on the past couple of years, Philipps speculated that some of her emotional upheaval may have been linked to the tumour pressing against her brain rather than related to perimenopause, as she had initially believed. Her friend Michelle Williams pointed out that Philipps had often remarked that her brain felt “broken,” which resonated with her as she endeavoured to understand the transformation she had undergone.
As she embarks on her career’s next chapter, she hopes her story serves as a crucial reminder for others to advocate for their health and trust their instincts. Philipps noted the importance of having comprehensive information regarding one’s health and that awareness can serve as a form of empowerment, particularly for women.
Busy Philipps’s journey highlights not only the unpredictability of health but also the resilience of the human spirit. Her openness surrounding her diagnosis and recovery aims to inspire conversations about health vigilance and listening to one’s body. The full details of her story can be found in the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on stands this Friday.