Farrah's Story: Her Battle with Anal Cancer
From the hair to the infamous red swimsuit to Charlie's Angels to "Burning Bed," and her much publicized volatile relationship with Ryan O'Neil, Farrah Fawcett has been a pop culture icon for decades. Celebrity carries the burden of invasion of privacy; but, she allowed cameras to keep rolling during the worst of times while she was being treated for a rare form of cancer.
Tonight on NBC, Farrah Fawcett is sharing the story of her battle with anal cancer. At 62, she is terminally ill. Albeit she has the wherewithal to afford treatment and surgery by specialists in Germany, she also has the courage to share her story with us.
Did you watch the program?
If so, please share your thoughts here.
For more information on anal cancer:
Anal Cancer, Krisha McCoy, MS, empowHer.com
Colorectal & Anal Cancer Support Group, empowHer.com
Anal Cancer, NLM and NIH MedLinePlus
What is Anal Cancer and How is it Diagnosed?
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I just finished watching it. I thought it was done very well. It was a very truthful, honest depiction of what she was going through & I was amazed by her courage, faith and willingness to share her most private thoughts & feelings. It seems as though the word "empower" seems to always arise when women talk about their moments of strength. In her case, it was when she decided to shave off her trademark hair instead of letting the chemo take it from her. I hope that this documentary does what she hopes -- increase awareness, improve Americans' access to quality, innovative cancer care in the U.S. and show other women how to be their own best advocate.
I watched it last night too (I hope many people did) and I thought it was very well done. I cried when her son lay next to her in a prison jumpsuit and leg chains and she didn't even know who he was. It was just so sad (I also hope this is a wake up call to her son) and it seems like she is weeks, or even days away from death.
I think she was very brave to do this documentary, but also very lucky that she could afford to travel so much to get care in Germany and take private planes for comfort. I think this is the reason she has lived so long; most people in her condition would have died by now.
It's unlikely she will live much longer but her documentary will make a difference, I hope. Not only was she a really good (and often underrated actress) but she is also a great mother and someone who seemed to have positively influence so many others. I hope she is in no pain and got to see the documentary herself.