Philipps’ brain tumour surgery journey
For actor Busy Philipps, the last six months have been a stark, yet ultimately defining, journey. She has bravely navigated two major surgeries to remove a malignant brain tumor, a period she described as the weirdest six months of her life.
The discovery of the mass was prompted by a routine voluntary scan in February of this year. While she had heard about the procedure online, the process of facing a serious diagnosis took an unexpected turn. Her decision to proceed with the scan was solidified by advice from friends and former co-stars, including James Van Der Beek, which helped her move forward.
The initial scan was crucial, ruling out the more aggressive glioblastoma. Despite initial apprehension, Philipps underwent a five-hour surgery on March 2. The mass, measuring 2.6 cm, was successfully removed and biopsied. The tumor was identified as a rare condition called an oligodendroglioma, which, while considered malignant, carries the best prognosis among malignant gliomas.
The recovery and subsequent treatment were complex. The first procedure involved more than 40 surgical staples and titanium tacks placed in her skull to stabilize the area. However, the journey didn’t end there. In April, a follow-up issue required another intervention. While receiving a routine treatment, her dermatologist noticed an anomaly, leading to a second surgery on April 27. This procedure was necessary to clear a staph infection and remove one of the skull tacks.
“The second surgery really threw me,” Philipps shared. “I just felt like I was back to square one, and I was really, really upset.”
Despite the physical challenges, the medical team offered encouraging news. Neurosurgeon Dr. John Golfinos assured that radiation or chemotherapy was not necessary for her, and she will continue regular scans to monitor for recurrence. Dr. Alexandra Miller, her neuro-oncologist, emphasized the positive outlook, noting that there is a great chance the tumor may not recur.
Today, Busy Philipps is focusing on her recovery and her career. She remains committed to her path, recently taking on new roles in the legal drama Cupertino, which premieres on CBS on October 8. Her story is a powerful reminder of strength, resilience, and the remarkable fight for life.
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