Kathy Bates, a well-known and accomplished actress in the United States, is beloved for her performances on stage and screen. She first gained recognition for her role in the psychological thriller Misery, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. But behind the scenes, Bates has faced significant health challenges.
Throughout her career, Bates has been honored with two Golden Globes and two Primetime Emmys for her roles in hit shows like Two and a Half Men and Harry’s Law. However, in 2003, she received a devastating diagnosis: ovarian cancer. To combat the disease, she underwent a hysterectomy and endured nine rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Bates faced another cancer diagnosis in 2012, this time with breast cancer. Despite her family history of the disease and testing negative for the breast cancer gene BRCA, Bates made the fearless decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risks.
“When the doctor told me I had a tumor in my left breast, I yelled, ‘Make mine a double!’” she shared in a previous interview with Practical Pain Management. “A river of breast cancer runs through my family. My aunt, mother, and niece all died due to it. I wasn’t taking any chances.”
Despite her incredible resilience in the face of these challenges, Bates’ health struggles didn’t end there. She also developed a condition called lymphedema. Lymphedema causes swelling in the arm and hand due to an accumulation of lymph fluid, which plays a crucial role in the body’s defense against illness and infection.
Bates openly discussed her experience with lymphedema on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2019. “I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but they remove lymph nodes to treat cancer. When your lymph system is impaired, fluid frequently accumulates in the affected leg,” she explained.
Discovering she had lymphedema while still recovering from breast surgery was frustrating for Bates. She vividly described her experience, saying, “As soon as I woke up, I experienced a strange sensation, almost like a tingling, in my left arm. I went insane. I dashed out of the exam room and out the door. What exactly am I doing? I wondered as I clutched a pillow to my chest while still wearing my drains. I’m standing outside in the middle of July. It’s hot, I’m still healing, and I don’t want to hurt anyone. I was enraged beyond belief. I suppose it was the effect of having battled cancer twice and recognizing that this condition would always be with me. I felt bitter and depressed. I thought my professional career was gone and that everything was done.”
Lymphedema is a condition that affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. However, it remains relatively unknown, and those suffering from it often face misunderstandings and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers. In Bates’ words, “Nobody knows about it, and if we’re big ladies and go to the doctor with swollen legs, they tell us to ‘just go eat a salad.’”
While lymphedema is incurable, its symptoms can be managed with proper treatment and care. The NHS emphasizes the importance of early intervention to prevent the condition from worsening. By implementing methods that help control fluid accumulation, individuals with lymphedema can lead more comfortable lives.
Kathy Bates is not only a talented actress but also a true warrior in the face of adversity. Her openness about her health struggles raises awareness and provides support to others facing similar challenges. She serves as an inspiration to us all, showing that strength and resilience can shine even in the darkest moments.
