Shannen Doherty, renowned for her roles in television and film, succumbed to metastatic stage 4 breast cancer on July 13, following a challenging health journey.
People reported that her oncologist, Dr. Lawrence D. Piro, who also became a cherished friend, shared intimate details of her final hours and their years of fighting the disease together.
Dr. Piro, the President and CEO of The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Los Angeles, has been a pivotal figure in Doherty's medical treatment since her diagnosis in 2015.
Their relationship, built on mutual respect and understanding, proved essential as Doherty faced her illness with a notably positive attitude.
“We both immediately got each other,” Dr. Piro recalled about their first meeting.
This instant connection formed the foundation of a lasting professional and personal relationship. Doherty always valued a medical team that listened, emphasizing, “The key is to find a doctor who listens to you and appreciates your concerns.”
After initially beating the cancer into remission in 2017, Doherty faced a recurrence in 2019, which escalated to stage 4 by 2020.
Despite the grim prognosis, she remained actively involved in her treatment plans, often discussing innovative medical approaches with Dr. Piro.
Dr. Piro admired Doherty's determination and focus, stating, “She was so razor-focused and level-headed about those things.” Her proactive stance included planning further chemotherapy, as mentioned in her June podcast.
Beyond her medical struggles, Doherty dealt with personal challenges, including a divorce from Kurt Iswarienko, her husband of 11 years.
The proceedings began in April 2023, amidst her ongoing health battles. Yet, she never let these personal issues cloud her love for life, as Dr. Piro noted, “This tremendous love for life was inspired by a love for people and a love for being treated well.”
At her residence, where she spent her final moments on July 13, Doherty was surrounded by close friends and her beloved dog, Bowie. Her home was a reflection of her passion for cooking and entertaining, talents that Dr. Piro frequently admired.
During these last hours, the atmosphere was filled with profound emotions. “It was somber and sad, but beautiful and loving,” described Dr. Piro.
The conversations were about "love and support and caring and still fighting through," capturing the essence of their enduring friendship and her fighting spirit.
Dr. Piro reflected on their long battle against cancer, "We kept going until we couldn't go anymore."
Doherty's approach was always to fight, living each day fully engaged. “In her mind, she was not wanting to consider any other alternative than ‘we were beating this and we were engaged in life,’” he explained.
The impact of Doherty’s fighting spirit and her close relationship with Dr. Piro highlights the importance of patient-doctor relationships in handling severe illnesses.
Her story is not just one of celebrity but of a person who lived her life with unwavering strength and positivity.
In remembering Shannen Doherty, it is crucial to acknowledge her vibrant spirit, her contributions to the arts, and her inspiring battle against cancer. Dr. Piro’s touching recount of her last moments gives us a glimpse into the personal struggles and profound relationships behind her public persona.
