“Grey’s Anatomy” star Kate Walsh shares “very subtle” warning signs she experienced prior to her cancer diagnosis, providing a heartfelt insight into a personal battle that transformed her view on health and self-advocacy.
During a recent episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the talented actress, now 57, recalled the emotional turmoil of being diagnosed with a noncancerous brain tumor back in 2015. She offered a glimpse into how this life-altering event reshaped her lifestyle choices and health priorities.
“Thankfully, it turned out to be benign, so I was very, very fortunate,” Walsh expressed, her gratitude evident in her tone.
The actress known for her role on “Private Practice” described how her symptoms presented in a subtle manner, almost like whispers from her body. “At first, it was just fatigue. The right side of my body felt like it was giving way,” she remarked, reflecting on the incremental changes that ultimately led her to seek answers.
Initially, Walsh felt uncertain, grappling with the dismissive reactions of those around her. “People are like, ‘Oh, you’re just off today.’ I thought, ‘No, this feels different,'” she shared, adding that there was a day when walking her dog, she noticed a peculiar imbalance, attributing it to a slightly uneven path rather than a deeper issue.
Her insights offer a relatable perspective; many experience symptoms that can be easily brushed aside as mere tiredness or anxiety. “I found myself thinking, ‘Maybe it’s ADD. Maybe I’m just scrolling too much on my phone,'” she reminisced, expressing a sense of confusion that resonated with many who have overlooked their health in similar ways.
Despite the growing concern, Walsh did not relent. Her determination to seek medical advice marked a pivotal moment. Reflecting on her experience, she insisted, “I learned the hard way how crucial it is to advocate for one’s health.” After the cancellation of her show “Bad Judge,” responses to her malaise included concerned questions about potential depression. “Your show got canceled. You’re just feeling down,” was a common refrain she faced, but Walsh knew her body couldn’t be brushed aside.
In a revealing interview with Cosmopolitan in September 2017, Walsh disclosed her brain tumor diagnosis, describing the physical and cognitive troubles that led her to seek medical intervention. The thought of menopause crossed her mind as a possible reason for her symptoms, a common notion that left many misinterpreting their own bodies.
“I know how important it is to advocate for one’s own health because people were like, ‘You’re just depressed.’
“I pushed for a neurologist. Something just didn’t sit right with me. I had to advocate fiercely for an MRI; they’re not easily given,” she explained. Her perseverance bore fruit when doctors found a sizable tumor nestled within her left frontal lobe.
On receiving such shocking news, Walsh articulated the experience with a poignant simplicity: “I just left my body.” After a swift three-day turnaround, she bravely underwent surgery, where the prognosis revealed her tumor was a benign meningioma.
Meningiomas, according to the Mayo Clinic, represent the most common type of benign brain tumors. While seemingly vague, these tumors evoke a profound need for awareness. Walsh’s journey serves as a reminder that symptoms must not be ignored.
During her conversation with Clarkson, Walsh opened up about a familial history of cancer, with her father’s battle with lung cancer and her mother emerging as a courageous breast cancer survivor. This backdrop intensified Walsh’s message of the significance of early detection and seeking medical opinions, even when faced with skepticism.
“It’s challenging when everyone sees you as a public figure and thinks, ‘You must just be tired or anxious,'” she mused, illuminating the discomfort of seeking help when you feel like you need it most.
