NATURAL HOLISTIC MEDICINE BLOG - In a candid, exclusive interview with PEOPLE, actress Busy Philipps has publicly opened up about a major health crisis involving a malignant brain tumor. The 47-year-old star shared the harrowing details of her diagnosis, the subsequent neurosurgery, and a complicated recovery process that tested her resilience.
Philipps first discovered the health issue in February after undergoing a full-body MRI scan.
Despite having no obvious symptoms, such as seizures, the scan revealed a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare, slow-growing tumor located in her frontal lobe.
The Unexpected Discovery Through Preventive Scanning
The actress, known for her roles in Freaks and Geeks and Cougar Town, had been interested in getting a full-body MRI scan after reading about the technology on Instagram. Although her primary care doctor initially advised against it, citing her age and good health, she sought a second opinion from her cousin’s husband, Beverly Hills internist Dr. Justin Donlan.
After a blizzard forced a scheduling delay, Philipps finally received the scan on February 12. The timing was particularly emotional, occurring just a day after the passing of her former Dawson’s Creek costar, James Van Der Beek, and shortly before a professional meeting for her new CBS show, Cupertino.
Surgery and the Diagnosis
Upon reviewing the scan, Dr.
Donlan identified a lesion on her brain, ruling out the aggressive, incurable glioblastoma based on its shape.
Philipps was then referred to Dr.
Orrin Devinsky, a neurologist at NYU Langone, who confirmed the necessity of surgical intervention to remove the mass.
On March 2, Dr.
John Golfinos performed the roughly five-hour surgery at NYU Langone to remove the 2.6-centimeter tumor.
Post-surgery biopsies confirmed the mass was a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare type of cancer affecting only 1,100 to 1,300 people in the U.S. annually, according to neuro-oncologist Dr.
Alexandra Miller.
A Complicated Recovery and Secondary Procedure
While the initial surgery went well, the recovery period proved difficult when Philipps contracted a staphylococcus infection at the incision site in April.
This discovery, made by her dermatologist during a routine visit, necessitated a return to the hospital for debridement surgery on April 27.
The infection required doctors to remove a titanium tack that had been placed in her skull to hold the bone in place during the initial operation.
Despite the setback, which Philipps described as making her feel like she was back to “square one,” she successfully bounced back and returned to filming.
Resilience and Returning to Work
Maintaining her sense of humor throughout the ordeal was a coping mechanism for the actress, who even jokingly asked her neurosurgeon if she could receive a brow lift during the craniotomy.
Dr.
Golfinos politely declined the request, much to her amusement.
Philipps eventually returned to the set of Cupertino, where she plays the character Natalia Boutella, finding solace and distraction in her work. She credits the support of close friends, including Michelle Williams, and her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, for helping her navigate the challenging months.
Moving Forward with Vigilance
Although she does not require chemotherapy or radiation, Philipps will continue to undergo regular monitoring through scans to watch for potential recurrence.
Her doctors remain optimistic, noting that the early detection of the tumor before it caused significant symptoms drastically improved her prognosis.
Reflecting on the experience, Philipps expressed immense gratitude for the serendipitous scan that saved her life.
She remains vigilant about her health, emphasizing the power of early detection and the importance of listening to one's intuition regarding personal wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What type of tumor was Busy Philipps diagnosed with?
Busy Philipps was diagnosed with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare, slow-growing malignant brain tumor.
How did Busy Philipps discover she had a brain tumor?
She discovered the tumor after opting for a preventative full-body MRI scan in February, despite having no symptoms like seizures.
What complications did she face during her recovery?
Following her initial surgery in March, she developed a staphylococcus infection at the incision site in April, requiring a second debridement surgery.
Does Busy Philipps require further cancer treatment?
No, she does not require chemotherapy or radiation at this time, but she will undergo regular monitoring scans to ensure the tumor does not return.
Which medical professionals treated her?
She was treated by a team at NYU Langone, including neurosurgeon Dr.
John Golfinos, neurologist Dr.
Orrin Devinsky, and neuro-oncologist Dr.
Alexandra Miller, with initial guidance from Dr.
Justin Donlan.
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