Shannen Doherty Faces Stage 4 Cancer with Gratitude and Grit

In the face of a grueling battle with metastatic breast cancer that has progressed to her bones, Shannen Doherty, an icon of American television known for her roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed," stands resolute. Her unfaltering will to live to the fullest even as she navigates the turbulent waters of a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis is a testament to her indomitable spirit.

In an intimate and revealing discussion with PEOPLE, Doherty shares how she has embraced her current realities while rejecting the notion of surrender. Her journey, spanning over eight years since her initial diagnosis, carries the seeds of ambition, faith, and most importantly, an unquenchable zest for life. The 52-year-old star elucidates on her commitment to continue loving, creating, and effecting positive changes in the world despite her health challenges.

During the photoshoot that bathed her in the gentle warmth of the Los Angeles sun, she shone with the radiance of someone determined to seize each moment. Her upcoming memoir-style podcast, "Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty," slated to premiere on iHeartRadio, is anticipated to be a conduit for her reflections that encompass career, personal relationships, and the multiple facets of her cancer journey, including her health regimen.

Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Doherty shared her battle publicly, hoping to inspire and encourage others. She took her followers through the rigors of her treatment, which consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Triumphantly, she announced her remission in 2017, only for the cancer to re-emerge more aggressively two years later, culminating in a Stage 4 diagnosis in 2020.

Her resolve pushed her to ponder the elusive "why" behind her condition, propelling her to dig for a deeper significance in her life. Advocacy and fundraising for cancer research became a significant part of her mission, fueled by the incredulity that a cure remains beyond reach.

With a transparency that is as refreshing as it is profound, Doherty recounts another episode in her ongoing struggle: the discovery and subsequent removal of a brain tumor humorously dubbed "Bob." This event, she recalls, was one of the most harrowing experiences of her life.

Despite the severity of her condition, Shannen Doherty seeks to demonstrate that life with terminal cancer does not equate to diminished capability or purpose. The actress’s work ethos serves as a beacon, illuminating the reality that individuals with terminal diagnoses still possess vibrancy, perspective, and an eagerness to contribute and embrace life.

As new treatments are innovated, Doherty holds onto the hope of participating in clinical trials, representing a vast community of people living with metastatic breast cancer. Her narrative reveals the stark disparity between the stereotypes associated with terminal illness and the resiliency and passion for life held by those afflicted.

Entering each day with a sense of gratitude, the actress has found solace and strength in her relationships, her beloved German shepherd Bowie, and her faith, imagining a future filled with untold memories and moments of grace. Her mantra of thankfulness and prayer keeps her tethered to a higher spiritual plane, affirming her appreciation for every breath she takes.

For more on Shannen Doherty and to witness her valiant journey, the latest issue of PEOPLE, which hits the stands this Friday, will delve further into how she uncovers joy amidst her diagnosis and remains a source of inspiration to many.