Kathy Bates, an actress known for her roles in comedies, dramas, and thrillers, is both terrifying and hilarious in equal measure. While she has earned numerous accolades for her iconic performances, it’s her personal health journey that has garnered her global admiration.
At 75 years old, Bates has survived cancer twice, with her current battle against lymphedema being the most challenging yet. Despite not earning a Hollywood award for it, her resilience and dedication to raising awareness have made her a beacon of inspiration for many.
After undergoing surgery to remove her uterus, breasts, and lymph nodes, Bates was diagnosed with the incurable condition known as lymphedema, a result of her cancer treatments. She describes herself as “blessed” to use her celebrity status to help others struggling with similar conditions.
The Tennessee-born actress, known for her standout roles in Misery, Primary Colors, Richard Jewell, and American Horror Story: Coven, has been a staple in both film and television since the early 1970s. Over the years, she has been nominated for several prestigious awards for her powerful and diverse performances.
However, in 2003, just a year after she shocked audiences by appearing nude in About Schmidt opposite Jack Nicholson, Bates received the news that she had ovarian cancer. Nine years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in a double mastectomy.
Despite enduring such health struggles, Bates’ luck would not improve. She was soon diagnosed with lymphedema, a condition that often follows cancer treatments, especially when lymph nodes are removed. In an interview with Kelly Clarkson in 2019, Bates explained the condition: “For cancer, they remove lymph nodes… If your lymph system is damaged, the fluid often backs up in the affected limb,” causing swelling, usually in the arms and hands.
Bates explained that dealing with lymphedema was the hardest part of her health journey, not cancer itself. She recalled a moment when she was overwhelmed with emotions, “I went berserk,” she said. “I was bitter, I was depressed. I thought my career was over.”
Although lymphedema is a progressive and incurable condition, it can be managed with treatment to limit fluid buildup. Bates found solace when she discovered a lymphedema expert who helped her cope. She shared with her followers that the doctor’s words were life-changing: “Well, that’s all in the past, and now you’re going to begin the rest of your life.” Bates praised her doctor, saying, “Some people just have light inside.”
Beyond medical treatments and compression sleeves, Bates has found strength in advocating for others suffering from lymphedema. As the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN), she uses her platform to raise awareness about the condition, which affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. — more than ALS, muscular dystrophy, MS, Parkinson’s, and AIDS combined.
Bates is also vocal about the lack of awareness among doctors, especially for those who are overweight. She shared her frustrations, explaining that patients are often dismissed when they mention symptoms of lymphedema, like swelling. “Nobody knows about it. Especially if we’re big girls and we go to a doctor and say, ‘I don’t feel right, my legs are swelling,’ they say, ‘Oh, just go have a salad,’” she said.
Despite all her challenges, Bates hasn’t let her health slow her down. In fact, she considers herself fortunate to be in a position where she can help others. “I didn’t want to have cancer… I really don’t want to have lymphedema… I feel blessed [to have the condition] because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be in a position to use my celebrity to do something that can maybe help people.”
Kathy Bates continues to inspire with her strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her use of fame to spread awareness is truly commendable.
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